It is interesting to read the whacko posting on this board, denigrating Alero in comparison with Pontiac GA (Jan 09, 2001 06:38 pm), together his posting on the GA board
Just because I like the Grand Am better than the Alero doesn't mean that I like the Grand Am myself. As an example, I like the Ford Taurus better than the Mercury Sable, but that doesn't mean I would buy a Taurus.
The Coupe with spoiler is generally for the younger crowd as this is the traditional sports car trim. Here Ruby Red/ Dark Blue/ Black reign supreme for the Coupe colors. I picked the sedan with sterling color/ leather to give the "older LEXUS" crowd look. My middle age group typically goes for this type of vehicle trim. However,even in sedan form , the Alero is sufficiently sporty enough for my soon to be 16 year old. starting the driving experience and enjoying it.
Mileage on the first tank was 23 mpg with a range of 300 miles. The mixture was 70/30 highway/city. Filled up right when the alarm went off. The alarm is set for the 13 gal mark. This gives you 1.5 gal to find the next station and a total range of 320-330 miles per tank. This is typical of the 4 cylinder. I had an 88 Grand Am with a similar engine. I didn't see the highway mileage on it until I took it for a full trip about 2-3 months later. It got the EPA sticker of 32 mpg back then. Then as all things do, it settled to a 23 mpg city/ 30 mpg highway.
I think the Grand Am GT looks ok, but I don't like the SE. The cladding on the sides is too ribbed for my liking. The GT softens the ribbing. Still like the Alero better than any Grand Am.
Can anyone share any insights on the 5-speed Getrag manual transmission option for the Alero. I like the idea of going with a manual tranny, but haven't been able to get any impressions of it from either print or in person. Also.....
....Has anyone received their $1,500 loyalty coupon yet? Am still waiting on mine. Am curious at to what add'l info we must add to the coupon, and if you have to have been the original owner.
My parents went to Portugal today for three weeks and left their Alero parked in our driveway (better than $7/day at Park and Fly). I drove around with it this afternoon and really enjoyed it. It's a 1999 GL with the V6 and power everything inside. The V6 is very responsive and the car handles VERY well. I will be driving it off and on while it's here, so I will give y'all my impressions.
I just picked up a new Sterling Alero GL2 Sedan w/V6 and Sun/Sound package yesterday and used the $1500 loyalty along with the $2000 rebate and all I had to provide was the registration for the wife's Silhouette. Don't hold up a purchase because you haven't received the coupon yet.
Also FYI.. the dealer mentioned that they were going to bring back the 0/0/0 for 1 year option soon, he thought later this month. Of course that would be instead of the $2000 cash back but you could still use the loyalty discount. By the way today was my first commute through Chicago traffic in the new Alero and I must say it is a very comfortable car, handles well and the V6 really has some giddyup to dart out of the toll booths... oh yeah, the premium sound system is more than adequate. 150 miles and counting.....
Well, I traded in my 1996 Mustang Convertible for a 2001 Arctic White GL2 Sedan (2.4L) with the Sun & Fun package last week. I must say it's everything I hoped it would be. The 2.4L, although not a road burner, actually has better get-up-and-go than my old 3.8L pony had. I'm at 217 miles and share commute drive time with my other car, a 91 Escort GT, in hopes that keeping the mileage down somewhat will help the resale value later.
I, too, had poor gas mileage with my first tank, and it doesn't appear the the second tank is going to improve either. About 17 was all I could get. I'm told it just needs to get broken in and things will improve.
With the Oldsmobile product line being discontinued, is anybody worried about customer support down the road? Do you guys feel that the car will hold its value since they won't be making them any more?
hi arcticfun, I wouldn't worry too much about the car even though olds is leaving. GM isn't going anywhere. As for resale value, only time will tell, but all the incentives offered don't do much to help in that regard. Well, my Ruby-Red GLS coupe is doing quite well at about 600 miles. I still need to get the driver-side mirror replaced 'cause it shakes like crazy on the hiway. Other than that, though the car feels really solid. Also, its been raining a lot here in northern cali, and I'm pleased to say after slogging through the wet, my Alero remained high and dry on the inside, no water leaks...brakes feel fine still, so no probs in that department either. This weekend I'm gonna give it a good wash/wax to get that deep glossy finish that new cars should always have. I might drive it to OAKLAND this sunday, 'cause my best friend hooked up a RAIDERS ticket for me!!! Go silver/black!!! See you at the SUPERBOWL!!
Hey, where did you buy your new Alero---I live near Sacramento and am thinking of buying a 2001 GL 4 door sedan. Last August we bought the new Saturn LS (we were considering the Alero as well) because of the 1.9% APR offered by the dealer. Olds wasn't offering a good financing deal then. I know Olds will be offering as low as 0.9% APR through April, and with four teenagers in the house and some clunkers due to die soon, I'm looking at new cars again. The interesting thing is that in the Friday paper today, NO OLDSMOBILE DEALER has a display ad advertising either the low APR or the 5 yr/60K warranty, which I heard about on these boards.
My gut feeling is that for our family, it's better to buy a new car then take a chance on a rcent used car, even though the latter is a lot less money. The great financing deal Olds is offering now makes a huge difference. I'd be interested in any comments on the new vs. used issue.
The last summer I compared thorough the prices for new cars vs. slightly used ones. Did it the second time, the previous was in end of 1998.
It looks as the common perception that the one-three year old cars are less expensive is just a myth.
Yes, the trade-in price fells at least couple of thousand bucks as soon as you sign the dotted line at dealership. Would you buy the car in private sale, from a trusted friend, you could split the difference.
But not so with the prices you pay at dealer for a used car. Slightly used cars are priced pretty close to its prorated mileage, if we assume that American cars are losing almost all value at 100k miles.
E.g., a car with 15k miles on odometer would cost about 1/6 less, than the new one; the car with 20k miles - 1/5 less, with 30-35k miles - about 1/3 less, etc. This is when comparing the real-life prices, after rebate and discounts, not the MSRP. nor the sticker prices for used cars.
Thus, everything else equal, nothing is saved when buying a slightly used car. But everything else is not not equal and cannot be equal. When buying a slightly used car, the buyer:
1. Gives up the better part of the manufacturer warranty;
2. Pays about 1% higher rate on the auto loan;
3. Cannot know for sure, who used the car before, and how it was used. The car can turned to be rental, repossessed, or abused during lease. Or be repaired after an accident.
4. Have a higher chance to receive a lemon, or almost lemon, plagued by small problems.
5. The previous owner most probably did not like the car, if he sold it so soon. And this often results in so-so maintenance, etc.
I bought myself a slightly used 98 Malibu in September 1998. The car was build in July 1997, and had 15k on odometer. I did not research then the prices and other relevant info myself, and believed some magazine articles, suggesting to do this for financial considerations. Now I know better...
Back in Oct of '99 I was lookin' to replace our 14yr old Taurus MT5(4cyl+ clutch)and was excited when dealer said the doubleought(how did you say the new millinieum)models would have one.I waited researched and asked questions and found out that this baby was designed in Germany and assembled in Italy and ,according to the GM website,would not be released soon due to problems with other systems. This broke our hearts 'cause the rust bucket was on her last leg.We found a green 626 with everything we wanted and could afford. Best 16K we ever spent Thumbs Up Bry
Does anyone here have a 5 speed Alero or know of any in existence? The Alero brochures for both 2000 and 2001 have pictures of one with the 5 speed and list it as available, but I have yet to see one in person. Ditto on the Grand Am.
I see lots of them advertised in the local paper. 5 sp. Getrag tranny only available with the 2.4L. The model I usually see advertised is really cheap, cheaper than I usually see Sunfire GT's advertised for.
I just bought the 2001 Alero GL Sedan.And I have to say I am Extremely happy with the car.It's sporty it's comfortable the radio is great and I got it at the right price because I also own a Bravada and I received an Olds owners discount.I use the car as a commuter car back and forth to work 30 miles highway and about 50 miles suburban driving.Now to the point I'm only getting 23 miles to the gallon I'm on my forth tank of gas at 600+ miles.I read a post here and he said that after a while he was getting about 30 to the gallon?What's the deal is this car going to get around 30 or am I going to be stuck about 23 pg?Or could there be something wrong with the car???I have the 4cylinder motor in the car.I had a Camry before this and that car got a solid 30 mpg.But I have to say I like this car alot more.
The getrag 5 speed has been around for a long time. I think it first came out in the '88 Chevy Beretta. I have not heard anything bad about it. Since it is a German design it will probably give years of good service.
I am kind of surprised at the low gas mileage figures that you are reporting. My intrigue with the DOHC motor gets 21-22 mpg in the city, 24mpg in rural driving and 29 mpg at 79 mph on the highway.
I would expect the alero to get about 32 mpg on the highway. Is anyone getting this kind of mileage?
I have a 2000 Alero GLS V-6. During normal driving to and from work (which is a mixture of highway and stop/go), I am usually getting 22-23 mpg (slightly lower in the winter). On the highway, however, (i.e. I fill up the tank and then drive for a couple of hours at highway speed) I will usually get 31-32 mpg. I believe my mileage is right in line with the EPA figures.
I had a 1990 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder that used to get 28 mpg and 37 mpg for the same driving situations above. While I'm getting slightly lower gas mileage, it's a lot more fun driving with 65 more hp and ~80 more ft/lbs or torque!
I have seen many Alero 5-speeds advertised in the local paper. Getrag 5-speeds are fine and should give 3.4L performance with the 2.4L DOHC four banger.
It's normal for any brand new car to use extra gas (and oil as well) during its break-in period. After about 1500+ miles, you should be getting the 30 mpg that others are achieving.
To make sure you're car is broken in properly, be sure to follow the guidelines in the manual until you have about 1500 miles on the car. They are something like these: No full throttle acceleration. No constant cruising at any one speed (change speeds frequently - and no cruise control). Avoid stop and go traffic and periods of idling (more than 3-5 minutes at a time - if you live in cold climates, just let your car warm up for about 2-4 minutes max, and then drive at low rpm's until it is warm).
These precautions should ensure that your car works properly after break-in and yeilds the proper gas milage as well. Good luck.
Sorry that your Raiders got wooped. I was actually hoping they would beat the Ravens. I'm a Redskins fan (although this year I hate to admit it) and I would have rather seen the Raiders play the Giants (a team I hate). I guess I'll have to go with the Ravens in the Superbowl cause there's no way I'd ever root for the Giants.
Sorry to hear about your mirror. I think I have a loose exhaust system on mine cause it vibrates when you first start her up. I'll have that checked soon. Here in Virginia we've had snow and ice, but I can't bring myself to drive it in it and get it dirty, sandy, and salty. I have washed twice though, and I haven't seen any leaks either which is good news, especially around the sun roof.
I didn't see anything in the manual about waiting to wax. It use to be, in the old days, that you were suppose to give paint time on a new car before you waxed. I'm assuming that it's OK to wax a new car? I'd like to get a silicone on it soon and I wasn't sure if I should or not.
I have a 2000 Alero, GL3 with about 10,000 miles on it. I went through the same questions you are asking regarding MPG and I got some of the same answers. My MPG did not change from day one to now. With no air on , all windows closed and conservative driving in warm weather I get 20-21 MPG in suburbia and 30-31 MPG on the Interstate. During cold weather the suburbia driving MPG figure can drop down to 17 MPG. All this stuff about breakin and the rest did not have any impact on the performance of my car. What I got on the first tankful is still what I get. But that is the price one has to pay if he wants to enjoy the performance of this car on the road.
Well, it was a terrible sunday. One disaster after another... ohe well, maybe next year...Kinshasa: I bought mine at Lasher GMC/OLDS in woodland. I negotiated the price over the phone, then came in and bought the car. They were really low-pressure, but you do need to let them know that you are aware about the (free) extended waaranty and stuff. They might try to charge you. I also considered Woodard GMC/OLDs/CADDY in Fairfield, but the guy I talked with over the phone lied about the rebates, so I forgot them... As for you arcticfun, well at least the Radiers won the AFC west. I'm gonna wax my car this week, it's only about 2 weeks old, and I never heard anything about not waxing a new car, in fact I think it's ggod to do it to protect that shiny paint job. Sorry to hear about the exhaust, my mirror problem is quite annoying. I sure wouldn't want to my drive my new baby on salty roads either. I won't comment on the performance of those overpriced 'skins...
I have never seen any information about Oldsmobile extending their warranties on the cars because of the phase-out. Also, if you have the owner loyalty thing, does the car have to be fairly new or not?
One more thing: What can I expect V-6/auto. fuel ecomomy to be with a little heavy foot? Thanks for your help.
If you have a 1996 or older Oldsmobile, loyalty coupons are in the mail end of January. If you have the original bill of sale, you can just bring that in for the discount.
Dealers near me are advertising the 5 year 60,000 mile warranty on new Oldsmobiles. A co-worker of mine just bought a new 2000 Intrigue GLS. He got it for 1% over invoice, then got $1500 off that as his wife has a 97 Cutlass and financed it all for 5 years at 0.9%(that promo ended 01/02). The warranty is bascially a GM Major Gaurd Protection Plan which is good for 5 years or 60K. It is bumper to bumper and there is no deductable. When you buy the car, the dealer has to write a contract for it just like if you were purchasing the exctended warranty. Be sure they do this!! As for the vouchers, I've herad late January, BUT all you have to do is let the dealer make a copy of your title or registration on a 96 or newer Olds that you bought or leased new and you get the $1500 off.
newalero76, check the build date on your car. I have heard that it is good to wait about 6 months after a car is first built before waxing it. I don't know if this is still true, but my father has always maintained this. You might even want to ask someone at the dealer or at a reputable auto painting/detail shop.
I would love to have an Alero with the Getrag 5-speed tranny-however, my dealer tells me that none were produced. Is this true? How can I find a good used Alero 5-speed, with less than 20K miles?
The Getrag 5-speed was available in limited quantities on late 2000 Aleros. 2001 5-speed models are more widely available though the demand for these is probably not great. If your dealer won't get you one, go to another dealer.
I was in the Yahoo classifieds and found one in Davenport Iowa but when I called they knew nothing about it and said it must have been a missprint. Has anyone ever seen one?
I purchasing a PAIR of 2001 Alero's Mine is a GL4 sedan leather/sun&sound... love it. My wife's is a GL2 coupe 5-SPEED, sun&sound... she loves it. The 5-speed was VERY hard to get (N/A V6). Most 5-speeds are stripped DX (crank windows). The GL2 and above you get the 225 tires, FE3 suspension, 6-way power seat, power windows. The GETRAG 5-speed is SYNC 1st,2nd,reverse with self adjusting hydrolic clutch. Performance is as follows for those interested 0-60 7.9 Auto V6, 8.4 5-spd DOHC4, 9.1 Auto DOHC4. I test drove the V6, DOHC4 has a better silage, balance, less expensive, dual timing CHAINS (never wear out), and LESS torque steer.
My brand new Alero GLS (780 miles) is acting strange when it starts.
This only happens when the car is semi-warm. If it is cold or hot, it'll start right up. If it's only been driven for a few miles and I try to start it again, it'll try and try and try to turn over, and it'll eventually fire. Sometimes, I'll have to wait a minute or two because it just won't start. Once I get the car started, it runs just fine. No stalls... If the car is cold, it fires right up. If it's hot, is doesn't really seem to have a problem either.
The starter sounds strong, but it's just not getting the spark it needs to fire.
Is it time to take the car in? I'm wondering if they'll be able to duplicate the symptoms I'm describing???
I have about 5500 miles on my 2000 GL3 with 6 cyl. I drive in a mix of highway, suburban and city . I've noticed that my mpg has gone down a lot now that it's colder in NJ. I'm avaeraging about 20 or 21 mpg compared to Oct and Nove when it was above 25. I hope it improves. I've never experienced such a drop in mpg in colder weather and am disappointed.
I went to the Auto Show up in Motown this year. Saw lots of cool cars. Couple of observations:
They had an Alero OSV on display. You know, that new style spoiler it has? Well, it isn't a bolt-on unit. The trunk lid and quarter panels are actually different - they're molded into that curved shape so it would be impossible to copy that style by bolting it onto a normal Alero - you'd have to replace all the rear body sheetmetal!
On the streets of Detroit, I saw soooooo many Aleros it was incredible. They're all over the place. Even at the car rental place at the airport, they had rows of Aleros ready to go!! THat is not a good thing - dumping all those rental units into the market just lowers the value of the Alero. But I was surprised at how common they are. They are not as common down here in Alabama.
If Alabama like Detroit had sooo many around maybe GM would'nt be dumping the longest running line of cars.Here in W central IL(town of 10,000) I too am seeing more and more Aleros.I've spoke with some of them(buyers not the car) and asked what drove them to this purchase? They all say first off Styling...then having a standard gaurntee till its paid off.
I have a 99 Intrigue that has the same problem. I took it to the dealership to get it checked out. They ran the trouble codes, and "crankshaft sensor" came up twice. So they fixed it ($225, and I'm off warranty )
Guess what, the next day I got in the car, fired it up and blam, same thing. The problem is under investigation. Let me know if you learn anything.
Thanks people -- I went and bought the car yesterday. I didn't get the deal I wanted but the dealer threw in free undercoating so I went with it. Also didn't charge for the spoiler or the detailing (they put detailing on all their cars). So I didn't get the Ruby Red =( because the only one they had was shaking terribly, and because the servic engine soon light was on -- at 9 miles on the odo! Dealer tried to tell me it was nothing. Yeah, right.
So I got the GL4/leather in Bronzemist. Never even considered that color, but I wasn't going to let color make or break a deal.
But one more question: My sister doesn't remember getting the Olds owner coupon. But can I still use it even though I put the down payment on it yesterday? Any idea? And what do I need in order to redeem it?
Just take the title or registration of your 96 or newer Oldsmobile to the dealer and let them make a copy of it as this is all they need to give you the $1500 off. If they haven't already figured that in the deal, you need to go back and have them give you the $1500 off.
I need some help: I finally located two new Aleros (4 dr. sedan, with the 5 speed getrag trannys). Drove the car-really likes it. Dealer says he would take around $2500.00 off sticker ($17,000.00). Is this a good deal? I would expect ivoice to be arpound $13,000. for this car. It has everything except power windows and seats, plus cloth upholstery.
where did you wind up buying the car? I can't belive they'd have a new car with the engine light on and try to sell it like that! What kind of deal did you get? That sucks they were being so sleazy, but most dealerships are like that. Well, the Ruby GLS is doing fine at over 1k miles now. I've noticed a starnge phemonenon with my car: when you take the keys out after stopping or get in the car, the speakers activate for a little while. No sound other than a muted hiss comes thru, and if you stay in the car even after opening the door and then closing it, it stays on for about 1 or 2 minutes. Kinda wierd. I wonder if this has to do with the mergency broadcast system in our radios? If you read the owners manual you know what I'm talking about. Listen for it after you stop or get in the car. But I love my Alero, and it really is a nice solid car (so far).
Go to the New Car Pricing section of Edmunds and look up the invoice price of the Alero. It will let you add all the options and give you an MSRP and invoice. $2500 off sticker will bring it to invoice or maybe slightly lower. Believe it or not(and I'm not a car salesman) the mark-up on cars like the Alero is not that large.
If you check out www.alero.org it has links to aftermarket suppliers for the GA/Alero. Alos, check out the members' cars profiles-some people have really gone all-out with their Aleros. I think a front strut-tower brace would be a nice addition. But for now, what I'm doing is accumulating cash to get a nice hifi sys installed...I've already got 2 15" Kicker CompVR subs, which I got a fat discount on since my friend works at frys electronics. Next I need amps, speakers, crossovers...I'll be busy doing that for a bit...
Last month I purchased a GL4 Ruby Red sedan, and I just love it! (I hate my dealer, but that's another story) I have about 1100 miles on the car and have been really pleased, though I wonder if anyone else has encountered this problem... I drove through a lot of water following a snowstorm and my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I read the manual, which says it could be either the gas cap or wet wires--the light should go out after a "few trips" after the problem is corrected. I've put on about 250 miles since the light came on, but it's still on. I can't get a service appointment for another week; my brother says to reconnect the ground wire to see if the computer resets itself, but I don't want to mess with anything in case it doesn't work. Any thoughts?
My GL3 w/6cyl has 5600 miles. I had the oil changed at about 3200 miles. I noticed today that the change oil light has come on. I don't think the car is due for an oil change as its been only 2400 miles since the last change. I remember reading that at every oil change something has to be reset. Do you think the dealer forgot to reset? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Comments
sysop "Pontiac Grand Am" Jan 10, 2001 2:54pm
(Jan 09, 2001, 04:09 pm), denigrating the very same GA. Looks as the person just have fun insulting everybody around.
P.S. To host: please, do not delete the whacko messages. They can serve as a useful reminder.
I'm going Saturday so if anyone else is gonna be there just look for me hovering around the Alero's on display!
Bruce
Mileage on the first tank was 23 mpg with a range of 300 miles. The mixture was 70/30 highway/city. Filled up right when the alarm went off. The alarm is set for the 13 gal mark. This gives you 1.5 gal to find the next station and a total range of 320-330 miles per tank. This is typical of the 4 cylinder. I had an 88 Grand Am with a similar engine. I didn't see the highway mileage on it until I took it for a full trip about 2-3 months later. It got the EPA sticker of 32 mpg back then. Then as all things do, it settled to a 23 mpg city/ 30 mpg highway.
I like the idea of going with a manual tranny, but haven't been able to get any impressions of it from either print or in person. Also.....
....Has anyone received their $1,500 loyalty coupon yet? Am still waiting on mine. Am curious at to what add'l info we must add to the coupon, and if you have to have been the original owner.
Thanx in advance!
My parents went to Portugal today for three weeks and left their Alero parked in our driveway (better than $7/day at Park and Fly). I drove around with it this afternoon and really enjoyed it. It's a 1999 GL with the V6 and power everything inside. The V6 is very responsive and the car handles VERY well. I will be driving it off and on while it's here, so I will give y'all my impressions.
Also FYI.. the dealer mentioned that they were going to bring back the 0/0/0 for 1 year option soon, he thought later this month. Of course that would be instead of the $2000 cash back but you could still use the loyalty discount. By the way today was my first commute through Chicago traffic in the new Alero and I must say it is a very comfortable car, handles well and the V6 really has some giddyup to dart out of the toll booths... oh yeah, the premium sound system is more than adequate. 150 miles and counting.....
I, too, had poor gas mileage with my first tank, and it doesn't appear the the second tank is going to improve either. About 17 was all I could get. I'm told it just needs to get broken in and things will improve.
With the Oldsmobile product line being discontinued, is anybody worried about customer support down the road? Do you guys feel that the car will hold its value since they won't be making them any more?
The interesting thing is that in the Friday paper today, NO OLDSMOBILE DEALER has a display ad advertising either the low APR or the 5 yr/60K warranty, which I heard about on these boards.
My gut feeling is that for our family, it's better to buy a new car then take a chance on a rcent used car, even though the latter is a lot less money. The great financing deal Olds is offering now makes a huge difference. I'd be interested in any comments on the new vs. used issue.
It looks as the common perception that the one-three year old cars are less expensive is just a myth.
Yes, the trade-in price fells at least couple of thousand bucks as soon as you sign the dotted line at dealership. Would you buy the car in private sale, from a trusted friend, you could split the difference.
But not so with the prices you pay at dealer for a used car. Slightly used cars are priced pretty close to its prorated mileage, if we assume that American cars are losing almost all value at 100k miles.
E.g., a car with 15k miles on odometer would cost about 1/6 less, than the new one; the car with 20k miles - 1/5 less, with 30-35k miles - about 1/3 less, etc. This is when comparing the real-life prices, after rebate and discounts, not the MSRP. nor the sticker prices for used cars.
Thus, everything else equal, nothing is saved when buying a slightly used car. But everything else is not not equal and cannot be equal. When buying a slightly used car, the buyer:
1. Gives up the better part of the manufacturer warranty;
2. Pays about 1% higher rate on the auto loan;
3. Cannot know for sure, who used the car before, and how it was used. The car can turned to be rental, repossessed, or abused during lease. Or be repaired after an accident.
4. Have a higher chance to receive a lemon, or almost lemon, plagued by small problems.
5. The previous owner most probably did not like the car, if he sold it so soon. And this often results in so-so maintenance, etc.
I bought myself a slightly used 98 Malibu in September 1998. The car was build in July 1997, and had 15k on odometer. I did not research then the prices and other relevant info myself, and believed some magazine articles, suggesting to do this for financial considerations. Now I know better...
14yr old Taurus MT5(4cyl+ clutch)and was excited
when dealer said the doubleought(how did you say
the new millinieum)models would have one.I waited researched and asked questions and found out that
this baby was designed in Germany and assembled in
Italy and ,according to the GM website,would not
be released soon due to problems with other systems.
This broke our hearts 'cause the rust bucket was on
her last leg.We found a green 626 with everything
we wanted and could afford. Best 16K we ever spent
Thumbs Up Bry
Thanks...
Since it is a German design it will probably give
years of good service.
the DOHC motor gets 21-22 mpg in the city, 24mpg in rural driving and 29 mpg at 79 mph on the highway.
I would expect the alero to get about 32 mpg on the highway. Is anyone getting this kind of mileage?
I had a 1990 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder that used to get 28 mpg and 37 mpg for the same driving situations above. While I'm getting slightly lower gas mileage, it's a lot more fun driving with 65 more hp and ~80 more ft/lbs or torque!
To make sure you're car is broken in properly, be sure to follow the guidelines in the manual until you have about 1500 miles on the car. They are something like these:
No full throttle acceleration.
No constant cruising at any one speed (change speeds frequently - and no cruise control).
Avoid stop and go traffic and periods of idling (more than 3-5 minutes at a time - if you live in cold climates, just let your car warm up for about 2-4 minutes max, and then drive at low rpm's until it is warm).
These precautions should ensure that your car works properly after break-in and yeilds the proper gas milage as well. Good luck.
Sorry to hear about your mirror. I think I have a loose exhaust system on mine cause it vibrates when you first start her up. I'll have that checked soon. Here in Virginia we've had snow and ice, but I can't bring myself to drive it in it and get it dirty, sandy, and salty. I have washed twice though, and I haven't seen any leaks either which is good news, especially around the sun roof.
I didn't see anything in the manual about waiting to wax. It use to be, in the old days, that you were suppose to give paint time on a new car before you waxed. I'm assuming that it's OK to wax a new car? I'd like to get a silicone on it soon and I wasn't sure if I should or not.
One more thing: What can I expect V-6/auto. fuel ecomomy to be with a little heavy foot? Thanks for your help.
newalero76, check the build date on your car. I have heard that it is good to wait about 6 months after a car is first built before waxing it. I don't know if this is still true, but my father has always maintained this. You might even want to ask someone at the dealer or at a reputable auto painting/detail shop.
Davenport Iowa but when I called they knew nothing
about it and said it must have been a missprint.
Has anyone ever seen one?
My brand new Alero GLS (780 miles) is acting strange when it starts.
This only happens when the car is semi-warm. If it is cold or hot, it'll start right up. If it's only been driven for a few miles and I try to start it again, it'll try and try and try to turn over, and it'll eventually fire. Sometimes, I'll have to wait a minute or two because it just won't start. Once I get the car started, it runs just fine. No stalls... If the car is cold, it fires right up. If it's hot, is doesn't really seem to have a problem either.
The starter sounds strong, but it's just not getting the spark it needs to fire.
Is it time to take the car in? I'm wondering if they'll be able to duplicate the symptoms I'm describing???
Any ideas?
live gmc48? Nuttin' available in westcentral IL
or surrounding area.
They had an Alero OSV on display. You know, that new style spoiler it has? Well, it isn't a bolt-on unit. The trunk lid and quarter panels are actually different - they're molded into that curved shape so it would be impossible to copy that style by bolting it onto a normal Alero - you'd have to replace all the rear body sheetmetal!
On the streets of Detroit, I saw soooooo many Aleros it was incredible. They're all over the place. Even at the car rental place at the airport, they had rows of Aleros ready to go!! THat is not a good thing - dumping all those rental units into the market just lowers the value of the Alero. But I was surprised at how common they are. They are not as common down here in Alabama.
maybe GM would'nt be dumping the longest running
line of cars.Here in W central IL(town of 10,000) I too
am seeing more and more Aleros.I've spoke with
some of them(buyers not the car) and asked what
drove them to this purchase? They all say first
off Styling...then having a standard gaurntee till its
paid off.
Guess what, the next day I got in the car, fired it up and blam, same thing. The problem is under investigation. Let me know if you learn anything.
Red
So I got the GL4/leather in Bronzemist. Never even considered that color, but I wasn't going to let color make or break a deal.
But one more question: My sister doesn't remember getting the Olds owner coupon. But can I still use it even though I put the down payment on it yesterday? Any idea? And what do I need in order to redeem it?