Oldsmobile Alero

145791060

Comments

  • Member Posts: 117
    Since when did they start offering standard 60K warranties on Olds?

    My mom has a new one (GL2, Ruby Red) and she never got a certificate in the mail nor any mailings or any kind of offer at all!!!!!
  • Member Posts: 22
    I stand corrected on the Intrigue, although none of the dozen or so on the lot had anything but the previous-generation Oldsmobile system. That's what led me to believe otherwise...
    As far as the warranties, that was announced at the same time GM made the Oldsmobile phase out annoucement (I think it was Dec. 12th) and the rebates will be mailed in January. Our dealer just took care of it in advance. Olds has taken out full page ads in the Boston Globe and Boston Herald here in MA to advertise the new warranty and it was a big selling point with me...
  • Member Posts: 6,632
    I have seen nothing new here at Canadian Oldsmobile dealers. I really hope that new warranty comes here also. Every thing is Chev-Olds here, so maybe they won't. Anyone know?
  • Member Posts: 791
    ad in local paper in ohio says FREE 5 year 60K mile bumper to bumper warranty with $0 deductible with any purchase or lease of any Olds.
  • Member Posts: 1
    I currently own a 2000 Alero GLS with a sunroof and sport suspension. I seriously doubt that anyone could pry open the sunroof as it fits flush inside the roof.

    I would recommend the sport suspension, if you want a car that will stick to the road. I am really pleased with how my car handles, and the ride is not rough as a result. I test drove two Aleros, one with the sport suspension and one without, back to back. I could definitely tell a handling difference.
  • Member Posts: 22
    I've put about 200 miles or so on my new Alero and love it. The powertrain is extremely impressive and has a ton of torque--it takes effort to get it above 3000 rpm. The sunroof is a great option too btw...
    I have two questions. First, on a couple of occasions I have noticed that the steering wheel seems to vibrate when I brake, especially when i brake hard. It doesn't do this every time but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar. It could just be that the brakes need to be worn in a little bit (they do only have 200 miles on them!) so I'm not concerned.
    My other question is about gas mileage. What should I expect? I know that it depends largely on how people drive, but on average what are some of the other Alero drivers getting. My Malibu would get 30+ on the highway and usually averaged about 25 or so overall so I was very pleased...
  • Member Posts: 20
    I'm definitely going to get the sport suspension but may not go for the sunroof. I will go in person and check out the sunroof.
  • Member Posts: 34
    Yesterday's heavy snow here in NJ was my first opportunity to test out the ABS and traction control in snow. I'll say that both were great. I felt like I had full control in driving and stopping under slippery conditions. I'm happy I selected a car with these options.
  • Member Posts: 2
    My husband and I are looking for a new vehicle - not quite sure what we want...when I see in our paper an ad from our local Olds dealer. A new 2000 Olds Alero Coupe with spoiler, V6, auto, power, everything. We took a trip to the closed dealership and it is beautiful - black with cream-colored leather interior, etc. It is the GLS. The price after rebate is $15,300. It includes the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty. I think this is a steal and am very excited to greet the dealership when it opens to test drive the Alero..
    My question - is this a good price? Do I jump on it? It's the only 2000 Alero on the lot...
    Thanks for any input.
  • Member Posts: 4
    That price sounds really great for a 2000 GLS. I guess the dealer is desperate to get it off their lot. I spent a little more and waited for my 2001 because the 99-00 cars have had a few kinks. I felt better knowing that the 2001s had a few refinements, especially to the brakes/rotors which have been a huge problem in the 99-00s. But they all don't have that problem. With the price you're getting it for you might even be able to completely replace the rotors and brake pads, if you have a problem, and still spend less. Or you may not have any problems at all. Either way the Alero is a great car, just depends how risky you want to be.
  • Member Posts: 6,632
    Sounds like a good deal. They definitely want the 2000's off the lots ASAP. I have seen some bargoons lately in the local papers. If you like the car go for it. My mom has a 99 and still loves it with no problems at all.
  • Member Posts: 8
    Can any GM 4 button remote be programed to my alero? I lost one of mine and would like to buy one from ebay. The one I found says it will fit many models but I want to be sure.

    Thanks
  • Member Posts: 399
    Sounds like a good deal to me, now see if you can get them to give you 0.9% financing for up to 60 months like they are doing on the Intrigues. Then it will be one hell of a deal. A co-worker of mine is getting ready to purchase a new 2000 Intrigue GLS with pretty much all the trappings and they aer selling it to him at 1% over invoice then giving him $1500 off of that because his wife owns a 97 Cutlass and financing it for 60 months at 0.9%. And he is also getting the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty.
  • Member Posts: 22
    Go for the 2000! These cars are great deals right now! Make sure they give you the extended warranty, as they could try to say it is only on the 2001s...
  • Member Posts: 7,777
    The vibration you are feeling when braking is the rotors warping. Take the car back to your dealer and have them resurface or replace the rotors. Since you had a Malibu already, you might be familiar with this because Grand Ams, Malibus, and Aleros all came with this problem not too long ago. Also, fuel mileage will be kinda low until the engine breaks itself in around 1000 miles or so. Wait until then to measure mileage, and please take it easy on the engine during break-in as well or you will be sorry down the road.

    Extra remotes: Any 4-button remote can be programmed to the Alero by the dealer. Just buy the one off EBay and have your dealer program it for you. It beats buying one of theirs, as they go for over $100 (at least they do on Pontiac Bonnevilles, because my mother lost hers and had to replace it).
  • Member Posts: 7,777
    I rented an Alero awhile back. The driver's seat didn't seem to go far back enough for me though. I tried one with the power seat and it wasn't too bad (seemed roomier for some reason), but the manual seat didn't go back far enough. Also, what's up with the seats? The back support seems to prominent to me in all settings. It's a nice and nice looking car though.

    How reliable have they been, how is gas mileage, and how are the older ones (1999) holding up?
  • Member Posts: 2
    Just worked out the deal with olds dealer on a `01 GL2 sedan. Got a red sedan with perf suspension, spoiler and v6 for 18,100 with tax,tags etc. But we have a 1500 off coupon for previously owning an Olds but they aren't sure if they can apply because we no longer own that olds. That would knock the price down considerably. The retail on thiscar was 20,755 and invoice was somewhere around 19. Oh well, I wanted a black GLS with sunroof but it was a bit to much because invoice was ~21,6.
  • Member Posts: 2
    I misread the ad...the great deal for $15,300 wasn't the 2000 GLS black with leather. I am a goob - it was the red Alero setting beside it which I thought was a 2001. It did not have the leather or the wheels or anything. I haven't recovered from my disappointment yet - but haven't given up on the idea. I just wanted everyone to know that the 2000 GLS doesn't exist for $15,300.
  • Member Posts: 13
    Hello all you webizens out there, I've just purchased my first new care ever- a 2001 Alero GLS coupe w/all options xcept the sunroof...I love it so far, but I've noticed the driver-side mirror has a vibration that's somewhat annoying...I recall reading an earlier post regarding this and was wondering if this problem is covered under warranty. I read every single post on this string so I can't recall how old the post regarding this prob was...anyone else notice this?? The passenger side mirror is solid. Otherwise, I think the car is quality, especially for GM...
  • Member Posts: 13
    BTW, the price with tax title, etc was 21,800, $300 above invoice, so the pre-tax price was actually 19 something...and that's with the 0-0-0 deal, too...not too bad. I'm so thrilled, I love this car, and advise anyone shopping in this price range to check out the Alero-they're loaded with features!!
  • Member Posts: 4
    I am going to test drive both tomorrow PM... but does anyone know the difference between the Touring Suspension on the GLS and the Performance Suspension. Which is better? Also is the Leather interior worth the extra $$ as it is the only major difference between the 2 models $1800ish seems a bit much, but I've never had a leather interior before. Any answers or experiences you post here are appreciated!
  • Member Posts: 14
    Yes the side mirror is covered under warranty. I've had mine replaced already. They'll probably have to schedule you in for the full day as they will have to repaint the new mirror. Something you might want to try in the mean time is to just push the mirror housing into the door and see if it's clipped in properly. My new mirror also had a slight vibration, I accidently corrected it when I bumped into the mirror and snapped the housing out of the mount. When I snapped it back in, the vibration was gone.
  • Member Posts: 20
    I have finally decided that I'm getting an Alero GL coupe, but I'm having a hard time deciding which engine to get. Normally I'm the type of person who would choose a bigger engine rather than more options without a second thought, but the special edition GL4 package on the 2001 4 cylinder is really tempting me.

    For less than a GL1 V-6 with the feature package (15" wheels, foglamps, leather wrapped shifter/wheel) the GL4 comes with 16" wheels, leather interior, leather wrapped shifter/wheel and a 6-way power driver's seat. Even adding the Sun & Sound package makes it just a few hundred more than the V-6 without any of these things.

    If I could just add the V-6 to this package it would be great and I wouldn't have any problem deciding, but it's only available with the 4 cylinder. The only way I could equip a V-6 model with the same level of equipment (leather seats, especially) would be to go to a GLS. But that would add nearly $2000 to the price!

    I drove them both back to back, and didn't feel too much difference in performance in most cases, other than the 4 cylinder being louder, and not in a good way. Of course, the V-6 is a lot stronger and smoother when it comes to things like passing and merging.

    I would like to hear some comments from people with the 2.4 liter engine about its performance, and I'll probably hear lots from people with the 3.4 who will try to bring me back to my former opinion about choosing performance over options. I'm worried that if I go for the 4 cylinder with a bunch of options I'll end up seriously regretting it later.

    I guess I should include the prices of these models. I get a GM employee discount, and there's a $2000 rebate that just went into effect, so keeping that in mind I'd be paying (without tax):

    $15,935 for a 4 cyl. GL4 w/ spoiler
    $16,253 for a V-6 GL1 w/ feature package and spoiler
    $16,661 for a 4 cyl. GL4 w/ sun &sound and spoiler
    $17,144 for a GL1 V-6 w/ feature package, spoiler and sun & sound
    $17,794 for a GLS

    And I haven't even included the GL2 prices into this whole thing, which would just add even more confusion. Now I think I'll stare at the color chart for a few more hours...
  • Member Posts: 6,632
    The 4-cly is fine, but I love the V6. It's really a preference thing, engine vs creature comforts. I would go V6, but that's me.
  • Member Posts: 14
    Personally, I went with the 6. The mileage isn't as good as my friend's 4, but I do a lot more driving then he does. The 6 definately makes long trips a lot more comfortable. The ride is much quieter and smoother. At highway speed, engine noise is practically non-existant and the fuel economy is very close to the 4. In city driving, the 4 gets about 150km's more per tank. I think that translates into about 35-40 miles. However, performance wise, I found that when my friend tries to keep up with me, he uses just as much gas as I do. I guess the main thing is if you want comfort and smoother power or fuel economy. I went with the 6 and totally love it. Good luck with your decision and happy driving!
  • Member Posts: 3
    Read through the posts, it confirmed that the new 2001 ALERO GL4 sedan was a good price ($200 over invoice of 18,500)> While the dealer financing guy walked away, I managed to peek at the invoice and see the dealer hold back price was 17600 from the manufacturer. So with the $1000 rebate added, I feel I got a decent price close to manufacturer price.
    I think the real cost of these vehicles are not fully realized. If you read the consumer reports (www.consumerreports.org) from consumers union, the reliability of the Alero vehicles are high. Alero places right under the Honda ratings. With high reliability, there are much lower repair costs. So the 5 year 60,000 warranty is a good deal for GM and owners. This reliability factor confirmed my decision to go with the Alero.
    Reading over the owner satisfaction here and other places, I chose the 2001 since any bugs were probably worked out on the 99-00 versions.

    My package was the GL4 with 4 cylinder and leather interior. agree with the review with Consumer reports on the 99 model in whole, although an updated review on 2001 would have been nice.
    My comments: The 4 cylinder seems to have enough power since 80% of my driving is California highway. Acceleration is sufficient for a pass while climbing hills is average. Try not to pass on a steep incline hill and you'll be fine. It would have been nice to have a V6 but for only 20 up more, I don't see the difference being critical. The 4 cylinder has some noise but I prefer the noise in combination with the tachometer to measure the transmission shifts and engine load. The steering is just a touch lacking, but it is probably my shifting over to the new car at this point

    Enjoy the purchase. I feel these cars represent a good value in today's market until the gas-battery hybrids are in full force in a few years ( 60-70 mpg should be the next step in fuel efficiency)

    Good luck, I think the Edmunds.com web site is a solid source on information. Use it to your advantage and let someone else get stuck with the dealer high margins, not you!
  • Member Posts: 1,345
    The V-6 have not so much more power, than 4-cylinder. But have a lot more torque!
  • Member Posts: 20
    The official numbers for fuel economy are 21 city/29 highway for the 4 and 21 city/32 highway for the 6. How true is that?
  • Member Posts: 13
    Hi there rat284, well if you are happy with the performance of the Quad-4 engine and like all the other goodies that come with the package, then by all means go for it as long as you think you'll be happy...thank you darkworlder for the advice for the mirror...I'll deal with it when I fo for the 1st oil change, I tried to push the housing, etc and it made no diff...I myself love the torquey V6 even if it may not be super refined...it's quiet at speed as darkworlder advised...and the power is just fine...so far, I'm thrilled with my ruby-red beaut...
  • Member Posts: 117
    I am in the same situation as you. I test drove two cars: GL1 w/sport suspension, and GLS.

    I like the sport suspension because it feels tighter...in turns, corners, and bumps. The GLS rides on the same size 16" rubbers but it feels just a bit softer. The GLS had leather and the other didn't. It did feel soft and comfortable, but I just personally don't think its worth paying more just for leather. You can get a GL with sport suspension, even a V6, and it'll be just like a GLS but cheaper. That's the way to go.
  • Member Posts: 4
    Thanks 98monte_ls,

    That was the same feeling I came away with. The GLS Touring suspension almost made it handle like a bigger car, smoother but much looser in a turn, I prefer the tight feel of the sport suspension.

    I can get a GL2 with sun & sport +V6 for about 20k (invoice +200) before rebates. I thought the leather was nice.. but the GLS would be closer to 22k with the sunroof and spoiler I would like. My budget and sensible side say stick with the cloth seats.

    Now I have to figure out a way to unload my 98 Saturn SL2 so I can go buy the GL2. The Saturn has been good to me, but the Alero is a big upgrade in many ways. Anybody wanna buy a nice used Saturn???

    I didn't think so :(

    I think the most I can get in a trade it is about 6k... ouch!
  • Member Posts: 3
    I recently purchased a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero for my wife. I drove it for the first time tonight. While trying to merge into traffic on a busy highway I floored the V-6 engine. When the tach got to 4500RPM the car started to spit and sputter. Scared the hell out of me, thought it was going to stall merging into traffic going 70+mph. After getting off the highway I did a little playing around. Tried accelerating with the EMS system off, no change. tried accelerating slower, still spit and sputtered at 4500rpm. Is there a rev limited in this car, and if so, why is it set so low. This V-6 should go higher then 4500 ram. Anyone know???
  • Member Posts: 1,345
    GM knows:

    http://www.gmpowertrain.com/engines_car truck/other/34_torque.htm

    As you can see, the top rev for the engine is around 5500 rpm, with 5200 rpm providing the maximal power.

    Or you can look where the redline zone starts at the tachometer.
  • Member Posts: 1,345
    Alero have a weaker modification of the engine, with maximal power at 4800 rpm. Still, 4500 rpm is too low.

    http://www.alero.com/section/Features.asp?topic=Specifications

    http://www.gmpowertrain.com/engines_cartruck/other/34_main.htm

    Sorry for my error.
  • Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for all your opinions on the 4 vs. 6 thing. I decided that although the leather would be nice, the extra performance of the V-6 is more important to me. And I also decided that I want the sport suspension and bigger tires. So I'm all set to get a GL2 coupe with a V-6. Now I just have to decide between sterling and ruby..
  • Member Posts: 228
    A local Olds/Chevy dealer is advertising "Chevrolet Alero's"! A mistake, or is he letting the cat out of the bag?
  • Member Posts: 3
    I will be taking my wife 2001 Alero back to the dealer to have it looked at. From the postings I received here, there is no reason the engine should spit and sputter at 4500rpm (NO REV LIMITED) Thanks for the help. I'll let you know what I find out.
  • Member Posts: 399
    Had to take my Intrigue in for service yesterday and got a 2000 Alero GLS sedan for a loaner. It was Ruby and had the rear spolier and the gold trim package. It was a very sharp combination. It was a pretty nice car too. Little more engine noise than I'm used to with the Intrigue, but not all that bad. The driver's seat was pretty comfy and supportive and with about 6000 miles on it, everything felt very solid.
  • Member Posts: 22
    Good call with the V6 over the 4. I think that the powertrain is the Alero's best feature, with the 3.4. The power is just amazing and the engine never has to work hard. I am taking it on a 450 mile trip tomorrow so we'll see how it handles the I-95/NJTP Northeast Corridor down to DC.
    I brought the Alero back to the dealer because of the vibrations I felt when I braked, which I discussed above. The dealer took it for a spin, agreed that something was off, and the problem ended up being that the Rotors were coated with Rust! This concerned me, of course, since this car is 2 weeks old (made in October, delivered 12/18) and has 700 miles on it. The mechanic said taht rust probably creeped in from sitting on the lot, and that if I had driven it enough it would have fallen off the rotor eventually. Nonetheless, instead of scraping it off he replaced the front rotors and now the braking was perfect. I called the dealer we bought the car from (different from where it was fixed) and he said he had never heard of that problem...well, he has now! Anyone else ever hear of that?
    Anyway, enjoy your Aleros!
  • Member Posts: 1
    Thanks to all you that have posted information on the Alero, it was of great value to me in making my decision to purchase my 2001 Alero today. Realizing there are some problems with the rotors and brakes, I still decided this is the car I wanted. By the way, I have a 98 Aurora and have the same problems. I have had the car in twice for rotor problems. Anyway, I purchased a GL1-V6 with the features package. I will keep watch the web site and keep you posted if I have any problem and better yet, if I do not have problems.
  • Member Posts: 18
    mfletou, you wouldn't happen to live near Bloomfield do you? I'm wondering which dealer you went to? I've been traveling from dealer to dealer and am wondering if it makes any difference which one I buy from. They're all the same to me!

    Rat284, I'm right where you were last week. It's so hard to decide! I practically know the brochure inside out, still can't decide coupe vs. sedan. Being in my mid-20s I was leaning towards the coupe. But then I'm thinking...I probably won't resell (who knows what it'll be worth down the road) so if I'll have it for a while, I might need the 4-doors. But I'm leaning towards the 4-cyl because of the DOHC, and because the GL4 leather options might make it easier to resell if I must.

    I already conquered the Ruby vs Sterling dilemma. I'm sticking with Ruby (at least that's the mood I'm in now).

    That being said, I'd love to hear feedback on the coupe vs sedan issue. Should I sacrifice funcionality for form? (I don't want to look like a 27 yr old driving her mom's car!)
  • Member Posts: 17
    The V6 Alero doesn't have a rev limiter per se, but it does have a fuel shut off at 6000 PM. Usually when I floor the throttle on my 2000 sedan, it'll hold first gear up to about 5800 RPM and then catch 2nd. There is also a specification on the automatic transmission (4T45-E) in the Alero that states a maximum shift speed of 5800 RPM. But, I have done some modifications to my car so don't expect a stock vehicle to rev up that high before shifting; 5200 RPM is more realistic.

    Since the brake rotors on the Alero (and most all vehicles) are made of cast iron, it is not unusual for them to accumulate some surface rust. This is due to the bare iron reacting with water molecules in the atmosphere. Your front brake pads are of the semi-metallic type, so few hard stops will rub the rust off. It's normal.

    By the way, mckomer, you'll be much happier with the V6. Not only does it feel faster (because of the higher torque output), but it is much more reliable than any of GM's four cylinder motors. Your car will have better resale value with the V6 as well. Plus, it is easier to modify for higher HP!! (Very important to this 26 year-old.):)
  • Member Posts: 4
    With the possible alero deal in my very near future, I was wondering if anyone has seen the bronzemist color in daylight and what they thought. I saw it on dealer's lots 2 separate times, once it was dark, once almost dark outside. It looks GREAT on the website, but looked almost brown at the dealership in the dark/artificial lighting. My backup plan is go with the sterling silver... no suprises there, but everyone seems to have a silver car out there... I was hoping for a more unique color but didn't want to get stuck driving a brown turdmobile either :)

    Thanks for all the great posts on this board that I have been frequenting the past couple weeks. They have been most helpful!
  • Member Posts: 15
    Hello all -

    I'm happy to say I bought the 2001 Alero GLS sterling 2-dr. With my GM employee discount (thanks grandpa), rebates and GM points and the 0-0-0 deal, I just couldn't pass it up.

    However, I'm a bit concerned with the gas mileage I'm receiving out of the car. I'm thinking it's doing poorly because it only has 670 miles on it, but... In the city I'm getting maybe 15 mpg, and on the highway, only around 25 mpg.

    No warning lights are on, and the tires are properly inflated to 30 psi. Could this just be a result of the car being new? The car isn't knocking or making any pinging noises.

    Should I be concerned or will this fix itself in time?
  • Member Posts: 13
    Yeah, my new Alero GLS also gets horrid mileage so far...but it's been almost exclusively driven around town...hey, it's my turn to cruise the shiny new car with the dealer plates...so yes, my mileage has been bad, and the freeway trips I've taken also haven't impressed me with the highway mileage either. It must have something to do with being new, I think...
  • Member Posts: 13
    Hi Mckomer,
    Well, I think the coupe looks sportier than the sedan, but if you need versatility, I think it doesn't look sporty enough to give that utility up if you need it. Me, being 24 and getting my 1st brand new car and all, wanted something to show my youth, etc...even if it does say OLDsmobile on the back!! Really though, both are sharp looking cars, especially with the spoiler...
  • Member Posts: 411
    Yes it will take up to about 2000 miles for the engine to break in. Have no fear, you will see an improvement in mileage. You can probably feel when the engine gets smoother and more powerful.
  • Member Posts: 399
    On the color choice, I'd go with the Ruby. I had a Ruby Alero as a loaner last week while my Intrigue was in for service, and the Ruby(this one also had the gold trim package) was very sharp. The Sterling is okay too and in fact, for 2001 Olds went from silver(GM color #17) to Sterling(color#12) which is the same color Cadillac offers on their cars. As for the coupe versus the sedan, I'm 26 and neither will make you look like your driving "mom's car." Besides, four door Accords, Civics, Corollas, and Camrys are fine with young folks so nothing wrong with a 4 door Alero. Having said that, the coupe is sportier looking, especially if you get the spoiler. The only thing with coupes is the doors are a bit longer and heavier than with a sedan. I must say though, as coupes become more and more rare, I'm becoming more partial to them. As for engine, I'd personally skip the leather and get the V6. It's hp figures may only be 20 more than the four, but it's torque is also more and the V6 will be much smoother and quieter than the four. And in the long run, the V6 will probably be more reliable and will help the car's resale value. While they have improved alot in recent years, I'm still not real fond of GM four cylinders. Or any four banger for that matter.

    Sneums- Bronzemist is a very nice color and especially if you get a GLS which has the high polish wheels. 2001 is the first year they are offering it on the Alero. It previously had been available only on the Aurora and Intrigue(and some Cadillac models). In daylight when it is nice and clean, I think it is a very sharp color. Gives the car a classy look. Sterling is nice too and again, Olds has upgraded their color offerings as Sterling had previously been a Cadillac and Aurora only offering and now for 2001, you can get it on the Intrigue and Alero. I think it is better looking than the silver previously offered.
  • Member Posts: 96
    For a couple of years now, I've been seeing both the new Alero and the new Grand Am all around town. Well, after all this time, I've finally reached the conclusion that the Grand Am is a much better looking car than the Alero. The GA is a very unique design and very sporty and aggressive looking. The Alero looks just like any other boring old cookie-cutter designed car in the market. And let's not forget the Alero's rear-end; what's up with the oversized taillights? Looks awkward and out of place.
  • Member Posts: 13
    Hi Whacko,
    Well, I don't think there's anything wrong with the GA. But my tastes run along smooth curves and a "natural" body. If those things they glue alongside the GA are your cup of tea...that's ok. We all have different tastes. Take the switchgear inside these 2 vehicles. I really like the knobs and stuff in my Alero. I don't like those kinda ugly gray switches in the GA, nor do I like those things they attach to the body. I think the Alero looks aggresive with its large fender flares and polished 16s. Not to mention those fat taillights and spoiler. While both may share the same mechanical bits and chasis, I prefer the more "sophisticated" look of my Alero. My friend Barry who drives a '99 GA agrees with this position.
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