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I just purchased a 2001 Olds Alero .. will I regret it?

6 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2012 at 9:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Oldsmobile Alero, Car Buying,, Sedan

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#1 of 6 I just purchased a 2001 Olds Alero .. will I regret it? by dawn10806

May 01, 2010 (10:53 am)

I've done a lot of research and have found many positive and negative reviews on this car. It's a 2001, 4-dr sedan with a V-6 motor. It only has 57,000 miles on it, one owner, no accident or serious mechanical issues per Carfax. I took it out for a test drive and to my mechanic before buying it and the only problems they found were rear brakes and lower ball joints, along with the trac off light and service vehicle soon light being on. The body is in great condition, aside from two small dings and a little surface rust on the rear wheel well. The dealership agreed to fix these issues before I take delivery of the vehicle. I'm hoping that this isn't too good to be true and that as soon as I take ownership of it, things will go wrong. The price was reasonable and I work for the sister company of the dealership, so any issues I may encounter should be handled without a problem. Any suggestions, issues I should know about?

#2 of 6 Possibly by snowboy76

Jun 01, 2010 (11:34 pm)

I bought my 2001 Alero back in 2005. Has a V6 3400 SFI engine. Had 47000+ miles on it. Carfax showed clean report, but what they don't tell you is that Carfax wont inform you if the car has been in an accident and repaired by a private party. This was the case with mine unfortunately. The car is not always the same for everyone from what I've searched. Mine however has been a pain at times. The ignition switch has been replaced 5 times, the fuel pump once. All due to miss information from a GM dealership. I didn't buy the car from them. The only thing I needed to do was reset the ignition/security by leaving the car in the "ON" position 10seconds the off for 5, then start it. works every time. The engine is known for leaky upper and lower manifold gaskets, I've replaced mine twice. once at pepboys, other time recent myself. Takes 6-8hrs cost for pepboys was $735...my own replacement $250. if u need this replaced buy the higher priced metal gasket, it's worth the extra $30. Other than these two issues the windows will dry-rot the plastic brackets and be usless. This has happened on more than one person's Alero. Hope you got a REALLY good deal, I got screwed since buying at one of the "Buy Here Pay Here" places. Car was worth $9897 and I've spent in 5 yrs due to interest $25,000. ouch! Not including repairs. The iginition replacement alone $438.00 the fuel pump $567.00 GM should have recalled many of these for the ignition thing, they have only recalled Aleros for a Turn signal issue. Make sure that's repaired!

#3 of 6 Re: Possibly [snowboy76] by mrbreezeet1

Jun 10, 2011 (5:02 pm)

Replying to: snowboy76 (Jun 01, 2010 11:34 pm)
Well To the OP how has the car been, I am looking at an 02 with a V 6, it's a little rough, and the ABS and traction control light are on, as well as a check engine light.
There are 135,000 miles on it.
The hood needs painted and the left rear door and quarter are dented, with the front dog leg rusting out due to the dent.
He is wanting $1,500.00 I am wanting to pay only $1,000.00 due to the miles and the work needed.
Thanks,
Tony

#4 of 6 Snowboy76 by hatealero01

May 28, 2012 (5:33 am)

Its not worth the trouble at all. when you buy an alero either u get a great car or you get a lemon. i personally believe you should save you money and buy a car more reliable!

#5 of 6 2002 Alero trac off/worn wheel bearing by ez50

Nov 26, 2012 (7:38 pm)

Humming started at low speeds 3 months ago. Now Trac Off/ABS/Service engine soon lights on. The humming gets noticeably louder (I think noise is from LF) when entering the "on" ramp on freeway while making sharp RIGHT turn at 35 mph.
 
Other research tells me the worn hub/bearing is usually the opposite wheel of the turn--sharp right, humming from left wheel. Does this sound accurate? Any feedback is appreciated.

#6 of 6 Re: 2002 Alero trac off/worn wheel bearing [ez50] by stellarex

Nov 30, 2012 (9:27 am)

Replying to: ez50 (Nov 26, 2012 7:38 pm)
I replaced the wheel hub/bearing in mine, it was a fairly easy job and relatively cheap.
 
The worn bearing is usually the one you turn into (if you turn right and it makes a humming noise its usually your passenger side)
 
They are so easy to fix you might as well do both at the same time.

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