Oldsmobile Aurora

b4z · March 2001

Good story. And probably indicative of a lot of potential customers dealings with car dealers.
In '99 I paid $579 over invoice for my intrigue. This include the "advertising charge".
Last month i went and talked to the same dealer about ordering a '01 intrigue with PCS. My offer to them was invoice, and i would keep the rebate money and loyalty money. They looked at me like i was crazy.
There is a $500 spiff to the dealer and salesman. So my offer was $79 less than the deal in '99.
It makes you wonder how they stay in business.

etharmon · March 2001

Don't blame Olds or GM as much as you should the dealership owner for running ads like that. In my opinion, thats pretty crooked. I'd be ticked too. I'm not sure on the supply versus demand on their vehicles. The incentives and deals are good, but I still don't think sales are up significantly. With the exception of the 2002 Bravada, you should be able to get any Olds for around 1% over invoice and either take advantage of their low finance rates(0.9 for 36 months, 2.9 for 48, and 3.9 for 60) or get whatever rebate is being offered on the particular model. As for the dealer not having any in stock, they should be able to locate one and have it delivered to you. A co-worker of mine bought a leftover 2000 Intrigue at the first of the year and got the 0.9 for 60 months on it and the dealer did not have any 2000s left, but they located several all around the region and had one which was in NC trucked in for him. They only charged him $160 extra for the delivery.

dindak · March 2001

Maxima is a very nice car, but I would take an Aurora over a Max any day. That being said, a dealership is half of a car purchase, and if you can't trust the dealer you shouldn't buy the car. Like someone said earlier, it has little to do with Oldsmobile.

odevin1 · March 2001

Sounds a lot like a dealer near me in Ohio; unless you've got great vision and read ALL the fine print, both in the ad as well as "somewhere" else on the page, you just "might" know what you're in for when you go to the dealer.

I did buy an '01 Aurora 4.0 from another dealer in Ohio and had a great experience. No trade, no loyalty rebate, got the good financing 3.9/60 s. banks 9-10% and got the car for right around invoice. However, (if this is a "however") it was an "early" '01 model, mfg'd in June '00, before the On Star and rear center shoulder belt. It had 150 miles on it, so it was probably only driven on test drives. BronzeMist....still looks pretty good even when dirty. Smooth ride, quiet and comfortable cockpit-like cabin.

I've noticed, however, the acceleration / deceleration sometimes is a bit choppy.... doesn't seem to respond smoothly to changes in acceleration. Anyone else with '01 4.0 notice that?

Rich

carbuyer66 · March 2001

I drove one recently -- very nice car. It drives a bit on the "heavy" side, but it has EXCELLENT BRAKES and it seems QUITE STURDY. The dealer sounds pathetic -- as a lawyer, I would have raised a tremendous fuss, departed and found another dealer.....

tpken · March 2001

You know I was actually starting to feel sorry for Olds dealers but then I read TLC's post and had to slap my face - whatever was I thinking?

I have yet to find a dealer that I've been able to establish a long term relationship with because of the lousy service most of them offer and their ( get your money today - forget you tomorrow ) attitudes to say nothing of the outrageous pricing for anything that is not covered under warranty. It's the one part of owning a nice new car that puts a damper on the experience.

I do, however, mourn the loss of the Olds brand. Great memories of cars owned and unrealizable dreams of cars I'll never have a chance to own now. Maybe a used Aurora will even be in my future after I tire of my present Bonneville. There will certainly be some great used car values in this product line over the next few years.

Ken

arcoates · March 2001

For the most part, I have had great GM dealers. From ones in Edmonton, to here in Toronto- they have good service dept.'s and genuinely care about their customers. It's too bad that so many people have had bad relationships with the dealers- it is true that that is a large part of car selection.~ A.R.

ghostz · March 2001

I guess I'm lucky because my Olds dealer is great. Small dealership, and they realize customers aren't disposable. I had bought a used car from them a couple of years ago and they were great about fixing several small problems under their used car warranty. Fast service and always gave me a loaner. They gave me good service and I came back to buy a new car from them -- that's the way it should work. If I get bad service from the service dept., I don't go back to that dealer to buy anything. As for car ads, I like to read them just for fun. One of my favorite tactics is advertising an extemely low price on a car, and under the ad in 4-point text a stock # is listed, meaning that only one car is available at that price. Another is putting a low, low price on a car and failing to disclose that the price is after your customer rebate. The low monthly payment ads are great too, because the tiny print tells you that you have to put a huge amount of cash down, and have a huge balloon at the end of the term. All ads are best ignored when shopping, IMO. They are just trying to get you on their lot. Your're better off doing all your research as to invoice price, dealer incentives, etc., and going in with your ducks lined up.

1415 · March 2001

Missed you on the Cadillac SUV chatter, and the re-skin of the Tahoe.

Since I now realize you are located somewhere around Toronto I understand why the stance..i live in the Detroit area 70% of the year and in Florida the balance of the time. I represent a Canadian manufacturer in the states and spent considerable time in the Pt Robinson/Thorold area.

I do the round trip in a day about 6 times a year and the other 6 trips spending a night in the St Catherine area.

tpken · March 2001

It's refreshing to hear that there are actually dealers out there in this country that serve customers well. Perhaps it is a symptom of the stressfull Northeast that most dealers here are such jerks. Thank your lucky stars.

Ken

arcoates · March 2001

What does my place of origin have to do about my "stance" on the tahoe and escalade? just curious~ A.R.

vwbus1979 · March 2001

It's been some time since I have written. I've been in a transition state for sometime now. I'm moving to Portland, OR. It's a LOT of work and moving a household is not an easy thing!

Anyhow...I have a legit Aurora question to post to the group:

What causes the digital temp display to flash?

When I get back in my car (usually after a good rain), the inside/outside temperature flashes. After about 5 minutes, it stops. Never saw it do that before. I didn't see anything in the manual about it. Anyone know? It did it again this morning on my drive in to work. It just started to flash with no reason.

It is raining in So. Cal. A little humid, but thats about it...

Any ideas?

Henry · March 2001

Good To see YOU Back guy. Moving to one of the States where the Aurora can run free! You might be the second guy to join the 139 club started by Zinc.

Henry

polapink · March 2001

I am just about ready to take the plunge. I looked at the Nissan Maxima and the Accura TL and liked them both. However being 6'3 I wasn't able to go from gas pedal to brake without banging into the steering column. The Aurora had plenty of leg room.
What's the best place to get a good feel for price. I think I only want standard equipment plus a moon roof. Looks like MSRP is at $30,469 and I'll have to find out what the Moon roof goes for.
An associate of mine had one of these a few years ago and had nothing but problems. Hopefully the bugs are out as it looks like a great car. Anything I should watch out for or add to the car?
I never went for red cars but am leaning toward the cherry. After that the ebony. Good California colors.
Thanks.

tlc125 · March 2001

Hi folks, me again. Thanks for your supportive responses to my post! I was afraid some might think I was trolling the group! Anyway, sorry it took me so long to re-post (if anyone cares) but it's been a few days since I've had a chance to be in here.

I do want to post a follow up to some of the responses though, so here goes.

etharmon- I think demand may really be exceeding supply in my area (NY suburbs) because these dealers don't seem to be ordering many vehicles! The dealer I had my unfortunate experience with is strictly an Olds dealer, too, so you wonder if they are just packing it in, but I heard a rumor that they might become a Buick dealer when all is said and done. The second dealer I mentioned is a Chevy/Olds dealer and they go heavy on the chevy! I checked them out about a week before and there was a 4.0 in the showroom, an Alero in the showroom, an Intrigue in the showroom and one in the lot, three '02 Bravadas in the lot and one Silhouette in the lot. The rest were Impalas and Malibus and Trailblazers and the dealer I spoke to seemed to be a little annoyed that I took him from his crossword puzzle. It was dead in there, and it was a Saturday! There is a third dealer relatively close by in the borough of Queens which is a Cadillac/Olds dealer, but I had given up and the Nissan dealer was literally down the street from Olds.

carbuyer66 - the three aforementioned dealers are IT around here as far as I know, unless I wanted to go to Jersey, and I prefer to do business closer to home, just in case (learned this from experience!)

dindak - I would have preferred the Aurora, too! Believe me, I drove home same day in a beautiful loaded Icelandic Pearl Maxima SE, which for many (including my wife) would be cause for celebration, but I was still fuming! I've grown to love the Max since then, but I still was mildly disappointed for awhile until I read that column in C&D. He called the two Auroras he drove "embarrassing". His word, not mine. Since then, I wonder if maybe the dealer did me a favor.

polapink - not trying to influence you but I'm 6'2
and the first time I got in the Max my right knee hit the corner where the dash meets the console when I stepped on the gas with the seat all the way back. I fit fine now by adjusting the tilt of the seat. Quite comfortable now.

Anyway, thanks again for the supportive responses, and even if I don't have much to say from here on out, I enjoy the group and I'll still be lurking!

drew_ · March 2001

is on now! (5-6pm Pacific/8-9pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/freewaychat.html

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

arcoates · March 2001

If I were you, I would probably add the memory seat package. The base stereo is pretty good- but if you are a true audiophile, then get the Bose. The subwoofer does make a difference. The heated seats wouldn't be logical for california, unless you live near the mountains. The traction control is really only good for the snow- rain really isn't a factor. The PCS is a cool option, but unless you try to push your car way over the limits alot, it's an expensive option.

So to re-cap- moonroof, memory seats and maybe Bose if you really need fanastic sounds.~ A.R.

Henry · March 2001

A TRUE audiophile does not know how to spell
"BOSE". I had to copy the spelling from your posting. {:^)

(((Not a Swipe at you. A Swip at Boose))

Henry · March 2001

Get the factory radio and take it out (store it so you have it if you sell the car) and put in Focal speakers, X-Tan amps and the Pioneer double-din head end with the "cool blue" display.

Total sytem cost about $2,500.00.

etharmon · March 2001

Anyone compared the Bose Audio system in the "classic" to the new one? The Bose option in the old model was over $800 I think while it's only $500 on the new onw. Also, the old one was sold as the Bose Accoustimass system and utilized their unique bass modele where as I don't think the new Aurora's Bose system has this.

Henry · March 2001

i have heard the Bose system in the Classic but not the 2k1. In general, the Boose system sounds basey and somewhat muddy at the low end. If you like lots of bottom irrespective of definition, then the Boose system will do you fine. I found the Infinty system in the Chrysler 300M to be a superior sounding system (compared to the Olds system not the Boose). If the bass module was eliminated it might sound better. I will say that the LEXUS system is definitely better overall. However, I still think my "dream system" will give the LEXUS system a run for it. Also, before anyone says it - Xtan is spelled Xtant.

Personally, unless there was substanial improvement ovr the Classic model, I would save the money and do as I suggested. Just investing in the Focal speakers will make a big difference.

There is suppose to be a module out that lets you keep using the steering wheel controls on an aftermarket radio. I was going to put the Pioneer head unit in my Classic. However, the silver brushed metal faceplate looked ackward against a black dash. Maybe when I invest in the wood dash kit I will look at it again.

Zinc ---- If you have the time to email me the jpeg of your car's dash that you posted on your page I would appreciate it. I can play around with how the Pioneer would look against a wood dash.

one2one · March 2001

I purposely set out to find out which was better for me. Personally, I think the standard radio is better than the Bose for the type of music I listen to (70's Funk...Bar-Kays, Earth, Wind and Fire, GAP Band, etc; Jazz...Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Sting, etc). I felt that the Bose system was better for Classical music as I didn't feel there was a good balance btwn highs and lows for what I listen to. That's not to say it wasn't clean, just not good for what I listen to. I did a back-2-back comparison with the two to come to this conclusion. I suggest taking a CD that is similar to what you will normally listen to.

That being said, upon suggestion I had a Pioneer 4100H installed in my Intrigue GX. My friends are amazed that all I did was change the head unit. The clarity at high AND low volumes is unbelieveable especially since the speakers are low-end. I would imagine that the Aurora's speakers are a notch better. Of course, it's up to you what you do depending on how you like your music. But I would change the head unit/receiver first and see if you need to go further.

arcoates · March 2001

I don't get the Bose/Boose thing? What are you talking about?

I have the standard radio, and I think it does a great job. The bass gets a little muddy if it is too low, or too loud, but the mid speakers and tweeters especially, are great. You can't go wrong with standard stereos on luxury cars these days. The other great feature, that edmunds really liked, is you can set bass/mid range/treble. Something that not alot of systems, even in higher end cars have. And the faceplate is great. Logical, large buttons. Olds did a really nice job with the whole centre stack~ A.R.

vcjumper · March 2001

In the home audio market, Bose has the stigma "No Highs, No Lows, must be Bose"

etharmon · March 2001

I don't know about the newer Auroras, but the standard "dimensional sound" system in my father's 95 Aurora is pretty good sounding. It has excellent midrange and clarity and pretty good bass, although it could use a some help on the lows. And on all Oldsmobile radios, it is best to avoid the automatic tone control settings as they just don't help. The "jazz" setting is the only one thats close to how I like my music to sound.

Henry · March 2001

b4z · March 2001

I will third the bose comment. Just saw a bose home theater package for $1999 at best buy. Bought a Sony dream theater for our vacation home for less than $600. Need i say more.
The dimensional sound system in my intrigue is one of the best if not the best stock sound system i have heard in any car.

dindak · March 2001

tlc125 : I'm not sure what that guy in C&D was talking about. Keep in mind it was a editorial and those were his opinions only. People who are in bad moods tend to rip things apart. Aurora has generally received good reviews. Enjoy the Max.

chevydude2 · March 2001

Hi..Guy that works for me has a '95 Aurora and is experiencing a hesitation / surge when he lightly accelerates -- around 1000 - 1500 RPM. Have just completely tuned it up -- plugs, wires, fuel & air filters, etc and it still does it. Any ideas?

arcoates · March 2001

As I've said, any standard system on luxury cars these days will be good. And take into account that the specialists have designed to systems to work with the cars specific interior. I think the centre stack on the old and new aurora is one of GM's best. They took a hint from Saab with the cockpit style tower if you will. Overall, the interior in my new aurora, and the ones I have seen in the classics is well put together, functional and luxurious.~ A.R.

etharmon · March 2001

I like the Aurora's(both new and old) dash layout as well. Behind the Cadillac Deville and Seville, I think it is GM's best.

joeolds · March 2001

Tis better to have too much than too little. I would liken too little road resistance to driving on a sheet of ice-not any fun at all. But I guess Zinc doesn't have to worry about that being in SoCal.

The dash layout is very user friendly. The only thing I haven't gotten used to yet is the location of the wiper controls.

delrick · March 2001

Just had an eye opening experience at the friiendly local Olds store.

Have been thinking that with my loyalty cert and the national cash incentives, now might be the time to step up on the new Aurora and get the 5 year warranty to boot.

Bad idea. I am a lease customer. The only people who will give you a realistic lease deal on an Olds anymore is GMAC. The banks will not touch any Olds with less than a 25% or so residual. Too much uncertainty on the resale with the Olds retirement.

Anyway, the cash incentives do not apply to "Special GMAC financing"

Olds leases are now considered "Special Financing" at GMAC.

Henry · March 2001

Dash layout is good.

However, I drive 2 different cars. A 91 Mercury Capri convertible for around town and when I want open air (no roof on the Classic). My biggest problem is remembering where the horn and the wipers are when I swith cars.

I really want a dealer made convertible Eldorado (1993 to present) or the 1980's Toronado convertible. The Capri is a small 4 @ 100 hp. I can't even keep-up with a Toyota Echo in the Capri.

One day I had a mini-van dust me off in the Capri. I switched back to the Classic the next day.

Henry · March 2001

The factory system is good. It is not as good as the 300M's Infinty system. However, do you really want to mess with that classe wooden dash to put in something else?

Think new speakers (( I like the FOCAL)). However any new HIGH EFFICENCY speaker should help. Make sure the speakers are efficent, the factory head unit is not that powerfull.

Personally, I don't think there is a reason to change from the factory head unit. Although the Pioneer is nice.

Henry · March 2001

How long can I let the Clasis sit without driving it. It is not "Stored", it is just covered and sitting in the garage. By the way, I have the offical Aurora custom fitted cover with the Aurora name on the hood panel. Ask me if the cover was worth the $250 I paid for it??? @##$@# &# @#

Once again GM got over.

redskin024 · March 2001

possibly the oxygen sensor...

kurtie · March 2001

Henry, I read your story a few pages back and loved it! I would like to know what the name of that song was, though. Can anybody tell me?

Henry · March 2001

Ride Like the Wind

by Christopher Cross

etharmon · March 2001

I think the song was Christopher Cross's "Ride like the Wind".

delrick, I was under the assumption that the $1500 loyalty coupon was good with any other incentives. Sounds like your salesman doesn't want his $400 from GM too bad.

Henry, I've never seen an 80s Toronado convertible. The Riviera was availabe in convertible from 1982-1985 and the Eldorado 84&85. Both were rather limited in production and are fairly rare.

vwbus1979 · March 2001

OK...Ok...I normally don't post junk like this, but I feel as if I have to because I am happy with my extended warranty on my Aurora.
I bought a warranty direct service contract to extend my warranty
on my Aurora to 100k. I KNOW I will get my $$'s worth when the
transmission drops. (Eventually!)
The recently sent me an email stating that I can save $100 on a new warranty. They must have forgot that I already HAVE one! Anyhow...
If you are considering an xtended warranty, please use the $100.00 "coupon" shown below:
--
$100 OFF - Purchase any qualifying Warranty Direct automobile plan between
3/12/01-4/6/01 and we'll take $100 off the quoted price. You can still
protect your vehicle at year 2000 prices. When you call, mention this email
and coupon code JUN4601.
--

Just visit http://www.warrantydirect.com and get the service! You won't be sorry!

Van Man
(With the Still Blinking Temperature Indicator!)

Henry · March 2001

Never heard of your problem before. I would think the dealer would know. I only say this because it sounds like a feature built into the car to warn you of something. You know, how like the dash lights used to go out when your tail light was busted.

Just a thought.

Henry

Henry · March 2001

The Toronando is the rarest of the three cars. As you already know, the Toro and the Edlie are basically the same car. However, the Olds came with a better motor than the 4100 in the Caddie and a better front end than the Rivie. Hence my choice. Saw one once and decided to pass, only to find out later how truly hard it is to find these Toronandos. Now my decision not to buy it has turned into a shoulda woulda coulda.

andyl2 · March 2001

I had that on my Classic. It occurred when I disconnected the temperature sensor in the kick panel below the steering column (the little grill). Check to make sure this sensor is connected and that a wire to the sensor is not broken. Otherwise, it may be a defective temperature sensor.

gisom · March 2001

I just replaced an actuator on driver side and the display blinks when connector is not connected. It could be your connector is disconnected. It really amazes me how you can check with 3 different oldsmobile dealers for a part and get 3 different prices. I would think coming from gm computer base the price would be the same.

joeolds · March 2001

The pricing schedule has at least 3 different columns. List, 10% off list, and 25% off list. Body shops, repair shops, and friends usually get the 25% off price. Even at 25% discount, Genuine GM parts are high. Get to know someone with a repair shop or that works a GM parts counter to get the best prices on the Generals parts.

vwbus1979 · March 2001

Thanks so much. I will check the wiring. The wacky thing is that it only does it on occasions where it is rainy or muggy. At first I thought it was just a feature warning me about muggy or wet temps, but now I am starting to wonder...Anyhow...Thanks again for your information.

arcoates · March 2001

Has everyone heard the latest rumour floating around that the Shortstar is going to be killed off with the rest of the Olds line and the new "high tech" motor from GM will be based on the Catera's wimpy 3.0L! That is the dumbest thing I have heard in awhile. Dumber than the decision to produce the Aztek. The 3.0L is a dog. The shortstar has great low-end power and nice high rpm breathing. It has about 35 less hp than the 300M, and is still just as quick. I really hope this is a rumour, because it would be a shame to get rid of such a versatile engine~ A.R.

dindak · March 2001

It's all rumor at this point. I think both the 3.0L and 3.5L are nice though I prefer the 3.5L as well. What is the HP output on the 3.0L in the Catera?

arcoates · March 2001

The hp I think is about 204hp, and torque is a dismal 192 lb. ft. That is pitiful for a 3.0L engine. Just in comparison:

BMW 3.0L- 225 hp
Lexus- 215 hp
Infiniti- 227 hp

Cadillac better increase the displacement or learn how to extract more power. In the Catera, that engine takes 8.7 seconds to get to 60 mph. Granted, the Catera is heavy, tipping the scales at about 3800 lb., but still. I say dump the Catera engine, stick in a Shortstar, but increase the compression ratio and get some more power, and you'll have a great German inspired sedan~ A.R.

Oldsmobile Aurora

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