Faults:
The front wheel bearings went out of it as soon as I bought the car from the dealership. I got them replaced under warranty.
As soon as my warranty ran out, the A.C. quit working. I never had it fixed.
The front of my hood started rusting away and looked horrible. So I spent 50 bucks on a bra to cover it up, instead of having it fixed and painted.
Around in 2005, I started having problems with my passlock sensor. I had it replaced probably 6 or 7 times through the years, with a cost of between 1000 -1500. Then finally a mechanic told me how to reset it. I still have problems to this day, usually after I use my 4 way flashers.
I have had to replace the control module tower (I think that's what it's called) probably 10-15 times. The first 3 times were 135 bucks a piece. Then I started doing it myself. They cost about 45 dollars a piece, and they usually are under warranty for a year. So I've had to pay for around 5 plus labor.
I had to replace bearings again at 130 a piece plus labor.
I have replaced all 4 rotors 3 separate times.
Replaced all the brake pads around 5 times.
Both of my heater knobs broke, had to replace them for around 11 bucks a piece.
Replaced a plastic piece in my trunk for around 35 dollars.
Replaced front tie rods.
Had two 4 wheel alignments.
Replaced 2 rubber boots around my control arm (somewhere) for 90 bucks; includes labor.
Had to replace oxygen sensors 3 times.
Replaced the catalytic converter once. Replaced under warranty.
I had to replace two caliper bracket bolts at a cost of 12.50 a piece. That's just for a little bolt.
Replaced the back shocks, and now the front ones need to be replaced.
I had coil pack replaced for about 160; that includes parts and labor.
The emergency brake has quit working 3 times. I forget what the mechanic charged me each time.
Replaced brake light bulbs 2 times.
As of right now, both of my quarter panels are rusting away with holes in them. So they need to be fixed. Also my car is started to miss again, so I need to replace my control module tower again.
I'm sure there is more, but it escapes me at this time.
General Comments:
I bought my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero in 2004. It had 36,000 miles on it. I had a lot of problems and spent a lot of money on it. I would say that I have almost spent as much in parts and labor for this car as I had when I paid for it.
I like the way the car looks and drives, and I do get good gas miles, between 30-33 per gallon.
I would advise anyone not to buy one. I'm really easy on the car, and it still fell to pieces. It now has 130,000 miles on it.
13th Dec 2010, 17:30
How much was the car, & how much were the repairs when added up altogether?