1997 Oldsmobile Achieva SE 3.1 from North America
Summary:
Worst car ever!
Faults:
EVERYTHING!!!
I have put more money into this car than I care to know... this is probably not a complete list, but I'll try to remember everything:
Transmission (at 45,000 miles)
Radiator (twice)
Fuel pump.
O2 sensor.
Map sensor.
Tires.
Rotors and brake pads (three times)
Two coolant leaks (not related to the radiator)
Electrical short circuit behind the dash.
Both power windows.
Power locks.
Passenger door doesn't open.
Horn.
All wiring under the hood had to be replaced.
A/c compressor.
Trunk release latch doesn't work (enter through key only)
Battery.
Alternator (twice)
Shocks and struts.
Spark plugs (three times)
Interior flooring wearing terribly.
Serpentine belt (twice)
Fog lights don't work.
That's everything I can remember. I'm sure I missed a few things. I know that some of the items like tires and brakes are normal wear and tear, but c'mon, this is ridiculous. If I knew then what I know now I would have dumped the thing... but after you put so much money into it, you start thinking that the moment you get rid of it, it will run well cause there's nothing left to fix. Now I get into the thing and I fear that I will end of stranded or that it won't start again.
As soon as I can, I will get rid of it. It's just that I've already put well over $7,000 into maintenance, so now I can't afford to.
117,000 miles.
General Comments:
I'll admit that the engine is nice for it's class. the car is quick.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th February, 2007
16th Jun 2008, 18:45
I just bought my daughter a '97 Olds. Achieva SL, and only because they had just put a new engine in it, and I thought it was a good buy at $1250.00.
Well I am now up to $2200.00 total investment, and have only had the car for a little over a month!! It has actually only started and ran for three days at a time since we got it. After two O2 sensors, one battery, 2 alternators, one chime module, some other engine sensor, and a fuel filter this car STILL won't run!! What a joke this car is!!
Tomorrow its back to the mechanic for some more electrical testing!! I'm sure it will be the ECM this time, along with another alternator... IF, and that is a HUGE if I ever get this car to run long enough to get it to the dealer auction, I will be rid of it forever and cut my losses... it is a worthless piece of JUNK!!!
Oh yeah, the interior does wear very poorly... the carpeting is frazzled and looks horrible. The original poster... EVERYTHING he said is true and we have experienced it ourselves...