Faults:

I have replaced the alternator twice.

I had to have new bearings and pistons placed in my engine.

I had to replace my ignition, because my security light kept coming on; so my car would not start.

My service engine soon light came on this year, so I had to repair some valves in order to have my car pass inspection.

I replaced the regulator in my passenger window about a month ago; only to have both rear windows do the same.

My rear defrost does not work.

I just replaced my power steering pump and reservoir. Now I need to have one the power steering hoses replaced; along with the rack and pinion.

My radiator has leaks. I was told that a new thermostat, water pump and gasket kit is needed.

I've had to replace serpentine belts also.

I feel like screaming.

Faults:

I guess I feel pretty lucky now after reading some comments. After being unemployed for 3 years and having my 2006 F150 Supercrew pickup repossessed, I just recently bought a 1999 Alero GL with 170,000 miles on it. I knew it had some problems, mostly plastic parts like radio knobs and AC vents, but really, how often do you see an American made car from that time still running?

Yesterday afternoon the passenger side window started down, and wouldn't stop, and is now stuck in the door. We took off the door panel and tried to pull it up manually, but the front part is stuck and won't move. There were a couple of pieces of white plastic inside the door well, which I assume is these clips that everyone has commented on. Of course, since I live in Texas, today is the first truly cold day this year, in the low 40s, and the window is stuck down. I was trying to find out how to fix it myself when I found this site. Very informative, even though no one has told me "how to" do it myself.

Other things were wrong that I knew about, and I am looking for junk yard parts to replace some things. The AC vents are broken, top of shifter handle comes off, driver's seat has the stuffing worn out of it, cruise control and power seat lift don't work, power mirrors don't work, etc. But I have had a lot worse things wrong on more expensive vehicles!

General Comments:

This car has problems, but it is 11 years old and has 170,000 miles on it. It runs great, handles great, and so far seems to get good mileage. I'm pretty sure it has been in a wreck, but you can't tell from driving it.

There are a lot of rattles on bumpy roads, but very smooth on normal roads. Being poor again, it is back to basics, runs great - heat/AC works - radio/CD works - good rubber, I'm happy.

Actually for a car of this era (with 170,000 miles) with all the cheap plastic used back then, I am impressed.

Faults:

The manifold intake gasket went 30 hours into owning it.

The water pump went at 55,000 miles.

The drivers side wheel bearings went at 58,000 miles.

The transmission can't decide what gear it wants to go into, although the MECHANICS don't know why.

It gets terrible gas mileage. Around 16-17 MPG.

I even replaced the fuel filter.

I don't know why you need performance tires, on a car that can't even decide what gear it wants to go into.

The brakes and rotors are being done, and it's only been 8 months since I replaced them.

General Comments:

Terrible gas mileage, and very uncomfortable.

The repairs have cost me more than I paid for the car.