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I'm pretty much leaning towards the Alero either '99 or '00 Alero GLS. I want the v6, because I'll feel more secure when I need to get out of a tight situation while my child is in the backseat and my fiance sitting next to me. I want to ability to move QUICKLY!!
On the other hand, about 25% of my choice is to go for a Malibu. Just because of more space, apparently. I'll have to look into it more.
Anyways, I've heard that the Malibu is roomier and has a better highway ride. On the other hand, I've heard the same for the Alero, and that the Alero has a more fun ride on the highway then the Malibu. I've also heard that the Malibu has a bland interior, as opposed to the Alero. I don't want to start any fights, but I want to know what's-what with these two cars.
Very Kindly,
The World Is Myn
I admit I know nothing about the child seat issue, except that I remembered reading other comments about the shortcomings of the Alero in this area.
Bottom line: test drive any vehicle under consideration before deciding.
Personally, we rented and test-drove a Grand-Am, and I drove a Malibu and an Alero before deciding on a car. All were V-6 BTW. In the end, we did decide on the Alero - firm, comfortable front seats; direct steering; good handling and power and hwy fuel economoy; adequate rear seat and trunk room.
Tell us about your test drives,
Rick D.
Good luck and keep us informed.
If this car is to be your main family vehicle, I think I may pick the Malibu. I am going for the Alero, but I already have a truck and a van so space is not my main concern.
IMHO, the Alero is quicker and handles better than the Malibu. It's almost 2 years old now with 28K miles, and other than oil changes it's only been into the dealer once to replace a door seal. I love this car now but maybe in a couple of years I'll be cursing it. I think dtownfb has it right that American cars are hit or miss.
Some time ago I was debating between an Alero and a Cirrus. Well, my Cirrus has been totaled by a reckless driver and now I'm looking for a new ride. Liked the Alero then, still like it now. I was wondering about the audio option since they have cash back for $2K on 01 models and just $1K on 02 models. If the system is available for the 01 I will try to find one with the options I want. Thanks.
I couldn't pass up the $1500 owner loyalty, $1000 rebate, $950 on the GM credit card and getting the car at invoice. In the end I paid $16,932 for a car with a $22,010 sticker! and they give a 5 yr 60k mile warranty!
splurge! get the GL2 with the sun & sound pkg. you will LOVE it!
Sorry, couldn't resist...
;^)
I told him I was thinking about getting one so he gave me the name of the guy he bought from. Perhaps he will be my Alero buddy now. ;-)
What most are saying is on the money. Malibu has a v6 standard and has much more rear seat room (which is important w. an infant). The Alero is much more fun to drive and more sporty.
Both cars are/were trouble free.
I have an infant and have an Alero (in addition to a GMC Yukon). I must admit, the Alero has a very low roofline throughout and you have to be careful not to bump the baby's head on the rear door.
IMHO, if I did not own the Yukon (which is the car my daughter is in 90% of the time), the Malibu may be the better choice... even though my 5spd Alero kicks butt and is a BLAST to drive.
As for the American car reliability thing.... Mom has owned a Prism, Malibu and Alero. My wife owned a Cougar. I owned a Lebaron... not to mention the Yukon and Alero (and a 1963 Mecury)... all of these cars were problem free (except for a head gasket on the Cougar when it was 8 years old).... You can keep your rice burners, I'll keep America Rolling!
Thanks,
Troy
Water leaks : Have not heard of any in 2001/02 models.
V6 engine : Generally very reliable, sounds like a isolated incident.
My mom bought a first year 99 GL V6 and it's been a fantastic car, very reliable. I don't think you will go wrong buying one.
By the way, I also heard that 2002 is the last year for the v-6 alero. I was hoping they would mate the 5 speed with the 3.4 for vrooooom! Rats!
I've had an Alero V6 for 3 years and have had no problems with it. Yes, a leak developed in mine too, but it was fixed in an hour by the dealer.
About the 3.4 V6, yes, it had a lubrication problem in cylinders 5 and 6, but it's been fixed a while ago by reworking the lubrication channels and using tougher piston rings.
Then again, there are fewer and fewer Olds dealers these days...
:^(
Here in France Oldsmobile Alero is called Chevrolet Alero because nobody know oldsmobile, you have just 2 versions 2.4l and 3.4v6 sedan and is sold just in GLS version with automatic or manual transmision, the 2.4l cost about 147000francs (22000 dollars), i think is expensive because here at the same price you can buy a Mercedes or BMW, from 1999 till 2001 just 450 Alero was sold, people are afraid to buy Chevrolet because the spare parts are expensives and difficult to find,and many people and newspapers say that american car are bad quality, you ve just 20 garages that sold Chevrolet in France, the engines are too big for french people (2.4-3.4)because here the gasoline is really very expensive about 1 dollar for 1 liter(in USA is about 0.30 cents for 1 liter), the 60% cars solds in France are diesel and people that buy gasoline cars the maximum power is 1.5l-1.6l. i buy Alero and for the moment i am happy just i am afraid about rotors, the problems is that here you should buy GM spare parts because you can not find aftermarket parts for this type of car!!
;^)
The dealer ended up calling Oldsmobile, and when they described the problem, Olds said they knew what was wrong. Would you believe that the problem was solved by removing and cleaning the rims????? I was skeptical too but it worked -- for a while. The noise came back in 2 weeks, and again they removed and cleaned the rims. This time it only worked for a couple of days before the noise came back. The dealer referenced a technical service bulletin that Olds was preparing to release, but hasn't yet.
My question is this: Has anyone else experienced this problem, and if so, do you know how to fix it permanently? I do not want to take my car to the dealer every 2 weeks for as long as I own it. Any ideas/suggestions are welcome!
Thank you.
;^)
Other then the brake problems (warping) they had when the Alero first came out, most problems have been hit or miss. The leaking problem should be relatively easy to fix. Unfortunately you still end up with a wet carpet.
Test drive it and see if it fits your needs. GM has said that you can service your vehicle at any authorized GM shop after Olds is gone. And parts will be available for the next 15 years.
We also asked the dealer to fix an intermittent problem where the turn signals do not activate. When it happened, a few forceful presses of the hazard lamp switch would bring them back to life. The service advisor acted like he has seen this before, and he said in every case he replaced the hazard switch and the problem did not recur. So he replaced the hazard switch, and we shall see.
Would like to take advantage of the 0% financing on American makes(probably GM, or possibly Dodge)
I currently own 96 Intrepid with 128,000 miles.
I assume the Intrigue is bigger and possibly has more hp.
Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. I have decent experience with both cars. Either way, you won't go wrong.
I guess it depends on whether you want to pay more for more power and roominess, but the Alero is a great car.
This is my first time to the board and I'm unfamiliar with auto terminology. I own a 2000 Alero GLS (I think that's the model the works minus a spoiler). About six months ago I had a clicking-like noise coming from the driver's front about where the tire is. We brought it to the dealer and was diagnosed as a strut problem. They ordered a part and the noise was gone. Perhaps this could be your problem.
I currently have traction control, what is the difference?
HTH