Faults:
I guess I should title this "What Has Not Gone Wrong With This Car". I bought this Alero brand new in December 2001 for $10,500. It is now December 2007. I want to keep the car for another three years, if possible, but I do not believe that is feasible.
You name it, I have replaced it.
Fuel Pump- 3 Times
Fan Belt- 1 Time
Tired - On my 4th set
Radiator- 1 Time
Alternator- 3 Times
Windshield Wipers- on 3rd set
Cruise Control- 1 Time.
I also have many mysterious electrical problems with this car. My warning lights come on for a few days and then decide to turn off on their own (i.e. Low Tire Pressure, Trac Off and Service Engine Soon).
The radio in Alero's will stay on as long as they key is in the ignition or if you stay in the car for two minutes without opening the door. After opening, closing and locking the doors, my radio (sometimes) continues to play.
My window seals are not that great so when it rains (more like pours) I have wet carpet in both front floorboards! It smells like mildew a day afterwards, but I always clean up the mess.
My car WILL NOT crank some mornings. I have to keep it plugged up to a battery charger ALL NIGHT and then it goes dead when I reach my destination. My battery doesn't hold a charge--a reason no one has been able to decifer.
My car will go dead sitting at a red light. My RPM's are low and my gas mileage is TERRIBLE after so many repairs.
Not to mention gaskets, oil changes (synthetic) and other small things with the car have been replace numerous times.
Over railroad tracks and speed bumps my front end feels like it's going out and my alignment is very funny-- sometimes it's straight and sometimes it's great!
I paid 10,500 for this car and have spent (after this next repair bill which I am REPLACING THE ENGINE) I will have spent well over $20K for this car. Not worth it in my opinion, but it beats paying a car note. My tag is only $68 so I can't complain that much.
I hope this mechanic helps the car work for another year or two. That's all I'm asking for and I will sure as H* () get my money worth. I will drive this car into the ground again and again. I will NOT own a GM product again.
General Comments:
My heater and AC still work beautifully.
::knock on wood::
The stereo system is great and the car has enough room for me and my stuff, except for around Christmas when I'm traveling with gifts and away from home for three weeks.
The cup holder is o.k. with me.. better location than most cars. The seats are o.k. for a longer ride.
Um.. let's see... that's about all of the positive I have in me about this car.
Good Luck!