Oldsmobile Alero

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Comments

  • alero2000alero2000 Member Posts: 5
    When do you get this noise? When you apply the brakes?

    I notice a big noise in my alero2000 when I apply the brake on a rainy day. This doesn't happen after braking a few times.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    alero2000 : All brakes make some noise under some conditions. If it's only doing it at the beginning of a rainy drive I doubt you have a problem. When you say "big", how big is it?

    cpwingnut : Most of the condensation is gone now, but there is still some there and I fear it will come back next wash. I definitely want that looked at as it's never happened on any other car I've ever owned. Still only have 5500 kms on the car so it's not due for an oil change for another 1000-1500 kms.
  • ctalericoctalerico Member Posts: 23
    My Alero was a 2000 GLS. It was loaded with everything except a sunroof. It was in mint condition. The best I could get for trade was $11,000 and the longer I waited the worse it was going to get. Because it's an Olds the dealerships use that as a reason for extreme depreciation. Alot of the used car lots around here have Alero's. No one seems to be buying used ones. I went to Toyota last year just fooling around and they would only give me $9,000. One of the dealerships I went to dropped the amount they were giving me by $500 over two weeks time! I didn't buy my new car from them.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    You take a big hit if you sell after 2 years no matter what you buy. That said, Alero may be worse than average. Around here an Alero sells for about the same as it's sister the Grand Am.

    Anyway, sorry you had a bad experience. So far we are extremely pleased with our 02 after 4 1/2 months.
  • crozzicrozzi Member Posts: 4
    I've read all the recent posts in regards to the noises the Aleros have been making. My '00 always made an odd sound when braking in the rain. It never really bothered me though. My real issue is the noise my car has been making when I go under 20MHP.

    I took it to get an oil change today and asked them to check it out. They apparently ran a diagnostic test on the car, and it came up as Transmissions problems.

    I've run the car hard over the last 2 years. I have 51K miles on it with a lot of city driving, but it's just really disappointing.

    I almost feel like selling it now while I can still get something for it. Maybe I'll do what the previous post did - Buy the Altima :)
  • alero2000alero2000 Member Posts: 5
    Hi,

    dindak: not sure how to quantify the noise when I brake on a rainy day. As you say, I guess it's normal.

    Right now I am hearing a squeaking noise (like springs are being compressed) from front when I press on the brakes even when the car is standstill. Maybe something needs to be lubricated.

    Could someone tell me where I could get aftermarket rotors for Alero 2000. Anyone has experience with those? How much do they charge to install those? Thanks.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    No idea, especially since you have different retailers down there. Most shops will inspect the brakes for free with you. When did you have the pads changed?

    So far, no noises on the brakes in our 02. Love the 4 wheel discs, very strong braking.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Did you get the V6 Altima? I'm not a fan of the car's rear end, but 240 horses(and the ability to get a manual) is tempting. I can see your fear that other problems would develop, but I would have probably held off a bit longer due to the resale issue. It wouldn't get better, but the amount that the value dropped would decrease as the car got older as the first couple of years is when resale really drops. Especally on a brand thats being phased out. You also might have come out better selling car yourself, but 11K doesn't seem too bad for a dealer trade allowance. Remember, they have to "spiff" the car up and advertise it and want to make a little profit when they sell it.
  • cpwingnutcpwingnut Member Posts: 49
    If you have no luck localy, here is a place that will ship them to you. They are upgraded rotors to replace the factory ones that seem to warp alot.


    http://webhome.idirect.com/~rsm1/main.htm



    They are U.S.$59.99 + shipping

    Good luck

  • ctalericoctalerico Member Posts: 23
    I got the 4 cylinder. I really wanted the V6 but didn't want to pay 4K more for it. They have more options on the 3.5S (V6)cars which hike up the price. My dad is a mechanic so I asked him if the Nissan 4 cylinders were any good and he gave me the go ahead. Supposedly they have more power than the older Nissan's. He also agreed that I should get rid of the Alero due to the problems I had with it. It doesn't have as much power as my V6 Alero but at least I won't have the headaches ( I hope!) It's funny that you say that you are not a fan of the car's rear end (that's what made me interested in it!). I used to drive a manual Honda CRX for 8 years when I lived in upstate NY (and loved it!)but around here in Baltimore you would be crazy to get a manual with all the traffic jams. It's constant stop and go traffic. There are so many used Alero's around here that there's not enough interested people. Especially with all the rebates and incentives on the new Alero's.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I got about C$3500 off with rebates and also got 0.9% for 60 months. Why buy used is right.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Alot of those used Aleros are probably 99s or early 00s that are lease turn ins as Olds(and much of the auto industry) was heavily subsidizing leases back then. I remember seeing Aleros advertised for $219 a month for 36 months and 0 down. With the discounts available on new ones(and the extended warranty) new seems to be the way to go. BTW, were you eligible to get $1500 off a new Olds? If so, I'd of been tempted to look at an 02 and add the $1500 to the $2500 which is already being discounted off a selling price thats about 1% over invoice and also get the 5 year, 60K warranty.
  • talericotalerico Member Posts: 5
    I did get the $1500 rebate and thought about using it but it seems that the problem is with the parts they are using on all Alero's not just the one I owned. I didn't want to pay 5 more years on a car of the same make just because I got burned on the first one. I thought it was best to get out of GM for now (until they put more quality into their vehicles). Even with the 5 year warranty I think I would have been out more money in the long run. Not to mention the problems that would occur once the five years were up. Sorry for the negativity but once this happens you kind of want to stay clear of the problem for awhile. I also had the drive bearings replaced and from what one of the recent posters has said it sounds like my car may have had transmission problems too!
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Good decision, the last thing a person wants to do is get burned by the same manufacturer twice in a row, there should be no tolerance for mediocrity.. That is when you have to blame yourself as much as the manufacturer.
  • blugrsglblugrsgl Member Posts: 4
    Hi, I am thinking of buying a 2002 alero and was wondering what type of problems I could be looking at. I notice alot of talk of rotors and was wondering if that has been worked out on the 2002, or is it still a problem. I had a 99 Grand Am and of course I had the rotor problem with it and don't want to go through that again. I am getting a good deal on the car, 2002 alero GL 4dr w/17000 miles for 10,000. DO you all think that is a good deal? I also was looking at the Ford Taurus' and the Mazda 626. But the 626 are a little out of my price range. Also the new warranty of 6/60000 does that hold true if you buy a used car, or only a new one?? If it is still good how would I go about inquiring about recieving it?

    Thanks in advance for your help
    Branda
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    Forget the boring Taurus and 626 and go with the Alero! If you buy one new or one which was delivered after sometime in early December 2000, you get a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty. The only drawback on used is I believe there is a small fee to transfer the extended portion of the warranty to a second owner. I would ask the seller about it as if the car is a 2002, it should have it. 10K seems like a pretty good deal as despite some problems people have, these are not "bottum rung" cars. Is the one your looking at a V6 or four? Also, do you know the car's history(i.e. was it consumer owned or a program car)?
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    It is not a given that after 12/00 all Oldsmobiles have the 5yr/60k warranty. I have a 2002 Alero, and I went with the original 3yr/36k warranty, and received an additional $750 rebate. I'm sure a dealer could verify which warranty a car has based on its VIN.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I've never heard of a rebate in lieu of the 5-year warranty?

    As far as I know, every 2002 has the 5-year deal.
  • blugrsglblugrsgl Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for your help!! The car is a 4cyl, I would rather have the v6, but I think I will have to get this one. The car is supposed to be a lease car,at least that is what the guy tells me.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    The option to take the 3yr/36k warranty and rebate may have only been offered for a limited time, and maybe it was only in the US. (?) At the time I was also looking at the Intrigue, and I remember people getting a $1,000 or $1,500 rebate on that car with the shorter warranty.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    ecarmack : Makes sense I suppose. I have never heard of a manufacturer offering that though.

    blugrsgl : The 4 cyl Ecotec is a superb engine, you won't go wrong with it. If you were looking at an older model with the old Quad4, I would say go V6, but the Ecotec is very modern, smooth and reliable.
  • blugrsglblugrsgl Member Posts: 4
    THANKS!! Also wondering if this year still has the rotor problems
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    No problems with rotors as far as I've heard on the 01/02's. My brakes are very firm and strong. My mom has a 99 Alero GL V6 and she still has the original brakes/rotors.

    Only issue so far is some fogging up of the driver's side front head light after a car wash. Have to get that looked at next oil change.
  • oldsman01oldsman01 Member Posts: 1,203
    $750 instead of the warranty, my guess is to extend the warranty to 5 years and 60K with NO DEDUCTIBLE would cost more. I'd of gotten the warranty.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I usually hit 60k in my vehicles in less than three years, with a lot of easy highway driving. So even though the warranty probably would have cost more, I'm willing to gamble that the vehicles I drive can make it three years without a major problem.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I would have preferred the ca$h.

    Oh well, it should be a selling feature if I sell in 3-4 years.
  • ryanroseberryryanroseberry Member Posts: 12
    If you are car shopping I personally suggest that you walk on by the Alero. It has great looks, a nice price, and is fun to drive, but that is where it ends. At 35,000 miles I have had to:
    1) Have my driver side mirror replaced (under warrantee).
    2) Have my fuel pressure pump replaced (the day after I bought it).
    3) For some reason the carpet on the driver side in the back gets wet when it rains.
    4) Under 20 miles an hour the front end of my car grinds like the brake is not disengaging.
    5) Today I found out that I must (out of my own pocket) replace both rotors because they went bad.
    I had high hopes for the Alero but have become very disappointed. If the Alero was built to fight the imports it has lost the fight miserably. I will stay with Nissans from here on out. I will probably trade my Alero in for an Altima, except I have lost almost $10,000 in depreciation in just under two years!!! The Honda Civic my wife had before the Alero only lost $3,000 in 3 years and I never had one problem with it. I have driven my 1995 pathfinder 107,000 miles and again never had a problem with it, even my exhaust system is still the original. It is sad that GM can't get it right after all these years.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    What year is your Alero? Sounds like you have a bit of a lemon.

    Don't count on Nissan to be better though, Nissan rates lower than GM in quality. I also find it hard to believe you only lost $3000 on a Civic in 3 years unless you put no mileage on it or something. That or you found a sucker who paid way too much for a used car.
  • jk296jk296 Member Posts: 8
    Hello,
    I thought I would let you know that I decided not to purchase an extended warranty for my 99 Alero. My dealers final offer was for 3 years at $1800CDN plus taxes, (or 80 000 km). I think if it were for 5 years, I would have went for it (plus more milage). I also decided not to go with the place I found on the Web which was cheaper and it was for 5 years or 100000 Km, because I was warned that they could go out of business, then I would be out that money plus a warranty. Since my car has not been plagued with problems in the past, and I do find it running well, I've decided to take my chances and will assume that I bought a good quality car that won't break down on me in the next few years (or at least won't need fixing that will me cost over $2000 in the next 3 years!). My warranty acually ends at the end of this week. On the advice of nc_1, I did bring in my car 2 weeks ago for a Vehicle Maintenance Inspection just to make sure everything was ok with my car and if not then at least it was still under warranty. During the inspection they found a transmission fluid leak. Apparently, according to the GM worker, it took 9 hours to fix this and the worker even commented that labour is $85 dollar/hr. After hearing this quote I hope that not purchasing a warranty will eventually work out in my favour. There's no way to tell for now but I will keep you updated. Thanks for all your advice and input!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I think you did the wise thing. $1800 is ridiculous. I always have a car checked over before the warranty runs out. It's well worth the few bucks it costs.
  • ryanroseberryryanroseberry Member Posts: 12
    Alero Owners. I have read a couple of previous postings concerning a grinding noise when the car coasts under 20 mph. The problem is "Warped Rotors". As unbelievable as it may sound, my Rotors warped at 30,000 miles. I own a 2001 ALERO GLS. I am contacting Oldsmobile today to see if they will admit that the rotors are defective and replace them with new ones. From what I have read, it is going to be a fight. To dindak the Honda civic I was talking about was an 1998 EX with 40,000 miles. We bought it for 15,500 and traded-it in for 13,000. The Car sold within an hour after we traded it. In reference to Nissans, my family has owned 5 in the last 10 years and we have only had one problem "The Exhaust Manifolds". It was a 1,500 dollar fix and Nissan agreed to pay the whole thing the first time and 3/4 the second time at 107,000 miles. Lets hope that Oldsmobile will be willing to replace my rotors that we ALL know are defective at 30,000 miles.
  • ryanroseberryryanroseberry Member Posts: 12
    Among my list of Alero problems is the Dome light falling down. Has anyone else had this problem? Every time someone goes to turn on the dome light it pops out of its cradle. It is an easy fix if you have a sun roof. Just pull down the ceiling where it meets the sun roof, find the plastic cradle and push the light back up into it. This car is really becoming a joke.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The dealer who bought your car was either on drugs or you paid list for the car you traded it for and he told you he gave you $13K for it. There is no car on the planet that 80% of it's value over three years.

    As for your car, it sounds like you have a lemon. Just because your car is bad it doesn't mean the Alero or everything GM makes is also. The reason I bought is because my mom's 99 and a friend's 01 had both been so good. We love our 02 and have had not problems.

    Let us know what happens with the brakes.
  • talericotalerico Member Posts: 5
    Ryanroseberry-I can sympathize with you. I had a 2000 GLS and my rotors were warped at 12,000 miles and again at 15,000 miles. They replaced the first rotors with the same defective style rotor (at no cost to me either time). I sold my car at 25,000 miles and the grinding noise was starting again. I also had to have the tierod, struts, and drive bearings replaced.
    As for Dindak- Your car is new. Wait a little longer and see how it does. I know you love your car (who wouldn't love a brand new car with no problems yet?) For people like me who have bought lemons I would be inclined to say that GM sucks. You may not agree but once you have been in my shoes you may think otherwise (or at least think you have been taken advantage of). It seems to me that quite a few people have been having the same problems. I hope you don't become one of them. Like I said before I won't be buying GM (or probably any other American car) for some time. I learned from my mistake.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Hey, I know may car is only 5 months old, but my mom and my wife's friend have older Aleros and they both have worked out very well. In fact my mom has an early first year (99) and it's been virtually trouble free. I understand it hurts to get a lemon, but the number indicate that Alero is a pretty reliable car and that GM has good quality these days.

    Don't buy GM again, I totally understand, just don't tell me that the company sucks because you had a bad experience.
  • ryanroseberryryanroseberry Member Posts: 12
    The Dealer told me the problem was indeed the rotors, but that it is completely normal for rotors to warp at 30,000 miles. (My Nissan has 107,000 miles and the original rotors are still going strong) They re surfaced the rotors but the grinding sound is still there. I'll let you know the out come. I don't mean to hurt any feelings when I say that the Alero is a great disappointment, but I can only assume that those who place postings on this page have a limited income like myself, or else we would be on the Lexus and Porsche page. Therefore when I spend 24,000 on a car I expect it to work, there is too much competition out there for it not too. Perhaps I did get the "one" Alero Lemon, but I encourage all to read the 1600+ postings about this car and make your own judgment.
  • rdeschenerdeschene Member Posts: 331
    While I understand your frustration and disappointment with all the problems you've had with your Alero, reading the "problem" posts on this forum isn't necessarily going to give an accurate indication of what to expect from an Alero. Generally speaking, people who have had satisfactory experiences--as we have--don't tend to post about those experiences, while people who have had problems tend to be more vocal. Understandably so. They want solutions to those problems.

    So, unless you take that into account, reading all the posts on this forum won't give you an accurate cross-section of the experiences of all Alero owners. Chances are there will be a higher percentage of complaints vs. compliments not because the car is bad in general, but simply because problems drive people to complain, while people tend to be more passive about good experiences.

    The complaints do provide an indicator as to what problems *might* crop up, and that's valuable information. But even with all the usual complaints cited in this forum--warped rotors, rain seepage, etc.--we've experienced none of those with our 2000 GLS. By and large, we've been very happy with our Alero.
  • burnemaburnema Member Posts: 3
    I joined the discussion group today, because I took my 2000 Alero back to the dealer today. This will be the third time for them to replace the rotors. Unfortunately, I now have 50K on the car. They called back to told me that the would not be able to cover the charges and recommended turning the rotors instead of replacing them. I called the GM assistance Center and still waiting on a call back from them. I'm sure that I am fighting a losing battle, but I want to give it my best shoot. Can anyone provide any other resources to utilize to get GM to take ownership of their defective rotor issue?

    Good luck to all of the owners out there that have not had any rotor problems. I hope that your luck continues. Unfortunately, I am another one of those people that feel like the car is going to be a money pit.
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    FWIW, I've had an Alero '99 which I bought in '98, therefore one of the 1st units, and I've had no problems with brakes while I've had the car for over 35000mls. And, to be truthful, it did have a battery, the AC compressor and the PS pump replaced at different mileages in the meantime.

    But my overall experience of the car was otherwise very good. If Olds wasn't going to be shut down, my next car would be an Intrigue.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have never had warped rotors and while every car needs to have them changed eventually, it's always been at the third brake pad change that it's happened.

    Are the people who are complaining about this maybe hard on their brakes or do a lot of city driving? Just wondering as perhaps it's a function of how much and hard you use them.

    I am purposely very soft on my brakes as I want the pads to last as long as possible. That's just my driving style but I don't know that it makes a difference WRT the rotors.
  • infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    i want to love my 00 alero, but it's just getting to be a hassle, at only 22,000 miles! from the begginning...warped rotors, rear olds emblem fell off, rear seat belt buckle broke, emergency brake boot tore at seam 4 times, fuel tank sensor replaced, cruise control switch lights replaced, parking brake adjusted twice because it wouldn't engage, large spring found under passenger seat fixed, bottom weather stripping replaced on all 4 doors because it fell off, driver side mirror vibrates-it has been replaced and/or worked on 8 times (no joke) and it still vibrates,...my next dealer visit will address the mirror again, along with cd player-it doesn't eject sometimes, and finally, the rear doors need adjustment because they don't stay open by themselves. i hate to even drive it anymore (wife's car). my 02 prizm seems like a much better car to me. i was going to keep this car until well over 100,000 miles but now we'll probably get rid of it after the warranty expires at 36,000. i don't think i can trust it after all this.
  • burnemaburnema Member Posts: 3
    I am one of those Alero owners complaining about the rotors. The car has been babied since a bought it in March 2000. I drive it to and from work (14 miles total a day). I put about 1500 to 1800 highway miles per month on the car. So I don't think the warped rotors are a result stop and go hard driving, it is a result of poor design. I just spoke to a person at an independent brake shop and he asked me to bring it in to him. He suspects that the calipers could be causing the rotors to heat up and warp. I will be taking it to him next week. If anyone is interested, I will let you know the outcome.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Definitely let us know. Maybe there is a design flaw, but it definitely doesn't hit eveyone.
  • cpwingnutcpwingnut Member Posts: 49
    It seems that of all the complaints about the Alero, The rotors is the most common. I have had My 02 Alero for 7 months now and have put on 18,000 km. The only problem I have had is condensation in the drivers side headlight when it gets washed. Just out of curiosity, I wonder how many of the people who have had the warped rotor problem have steel wheels with hubcaps? Perhaps the lack of ventilation and heat dissipation with the steel wheels compared to the wide open aluminum design contributes to the rotors overheating more easily, thus causing the warping.

    If the Alero is still experiencing rotor problems after 4 years, then GM has obviously not addressed the problem. What gets me is why do people keep going back to the dealer to have them replaced with the same poor quality rotors? If this problem happens with my car, and I hope it does, I will purchase a set of high quality aftermarket rotors, take them to the dealer to replace at their cost and insist that they reimburse me the price difference between their rotors and the aftermarket ones. This should cost me about $30-50 which seems like a small price to pay to avoid a repetitive problem.

    Unfortunately, even though I am trying to be hard on the brakes, they are still as smooth as the day I drove the car off the lot. Maybe they have fixed the problem? Time will tell. But any of you who have had the problem, don't let the dealer replace the rotors with the same type, insist on better ones, even if it does cost you a little.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If mine ever warp, I will definitely go high end after market. The Speedy Muffler around the corner has great sales every now and again.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I'm also curious about what type of wheels are on these Aleros with the rotor problem. I'm also curious if the Grand Am has the same problem, since the mechanicals are identical. I'm willing to believe that poor quality materials will cause the rotors to warp more easily, but what causes the warping in the first place?

    This might sound totally off-the-wall, but if the car is washed when the rotors are blazing hot, the cold water sprayed onto the brakes will cool one side of the rotors faster than the other, causing them to warp, potentially. I'm sure this isn't the only cause, but something to ponder? I always make sure the rotors are not too hot to touch before hosing down the wheels.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Actually, the GA has a disc/drum set up. The Alero has a disc/disc, so the brake mechanicals are not identical.
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I forgot, the GA has different brakes (that's one reason why I like the Alero better! :-)


    BTW, I got the idea for the warped rotors from a couple of warped guys, Click and Clack of NPR's Car Talk. Here's the puzzler:


    http://cartalk.cars.com/Radio/Puzzler/Transcripts/200002/answer.html

  • dnbgm4mednbgm4me Member Posts: 4
    Brenda,
    DON'T DO IT!!! Do Not, I repeat, Do Not, buy the Alero. See my earlier posting about 2-3 weeks ago., dnbgm4me. Everybody is happy with their Alero in the first 2-3 years. But wait until that 3rd or 4th year roll around. I just had to pay $500.00 to get a driver's side window fixed.
    The window regulator was defective. My car is a 99 Alero with 83,000 miles on it. Out of warranty... I mentioned the "goodwill" secret warranty policy that Calif. has, but no luck. Most lawyers won't touch the claim due to the mileage. I am going to write a letter to the owner of the dealership. It may not resolve anything, but I'll feel better. AND.... Now, my car is also making that grinding, Rrrrrrr, noise when the car slows down under 20 mph..

    Buy a good used Honda Civic or Toyota Corrola. If you want a dependable U.S. car, go with a Geo/Prizm or Ford Escort. At least according to Consumer guide. Either buy, or peruse, the Consumer Guide Used Car guide before making a decision. You'll notice that the majority of U.S cars have a lot of reliability issues at the 3-4+ year period. Honda's,Toyota's, etc.. do not.

    If you do buy an Alero, make sure it comes with the longest/best warranty possible. Buenas Suerte/Good Luck..
    Tony...
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    Interesting point. Mine had the 15", 5-spoke alloy wheels. No warped rotors for over 35000mls.
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