10th Sep 2007, 00:51
Come on now, all used cars are junk? And, I guess that the prior owner or owners could have done something that caused all the electrical problems, but, it is just as likely that the car is junk which, indeed it is. I say this from personal experience.
11th Dec 2007, 15:37
I purchased a used 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, and within a month the car burst into flames while my son was driving it to work. This is by far the worst problem that I've ever encountered with an automobile.
17th Jan 2009, 06:53
In regard to the Aurora bursting into flames, that might have been a blessing in disguise. As a former sufferer from the nightmare that is the Aurora, these cars will nickle and dime you to death. What am I talking about? 100 dollar and 1000 dollar you to death. No wonder, GM is having problems.
I would strongly advise anyone contemplating buying an Aurora to go to Automotive Forums. Look at the number and severity of the complaints and problems from desperate owners. For those of you who own this car and you're having problems with it, earn some positive Karma. Drive or have it towed to the nearest junk yard and get this piece of junk off of the road.
6th Aug 2010, 20:45
I agree. The Aurora is a great looking, handling, and quick car, but costly and unreliable. Coming from someone who has taken good care in driving and keeping their vehicles over the years, the Aurora I had turned out to be a GM let down.
Problems included... A/C compressor (2 times), stalling out (air idle control valve and cam shaft sensor), electrical issues (windows, heated seats, and control module in steering column went), and add on cooling system issues.
Oh, and the motor for the antenna shorted out, killing two batteries...
Need I say more.
7th Aug 2010, 11:07
You bought a used car. As somebody said on 15th Sep 2006, 14:18, "almost all used cars are junk". I agree with that 100%!!! I have owned 4 cars in my life, 2 new & 2 used.
I had very little trouble with the new ones. The used ones almost put me in the poorhouse.
BTW, the car that I have been driving for almost 10 years happens to be a 2001 Aurora V8. In those almost 10 years, exactly 2 things have gone bad: crankshaft position sensors & the front wheel bearings, for a total of $1400.
In contrast, to keep the 2 pieces of garbage running, there were times when I spent more than that a year!!!
6th Oct 2010, 20:40
Used cars aren't junk.
Poorly built or poorly looked after cars are junk. Luxury cars have lots of features not found on base model economy cars, and therefore there are a lot more things to go wrong. Even owners at cadillacforums.com will warn you about the lousy Northstar engine and its V8 and V6 Oldsmobile offshoots. GM's are known for blowing head gaskets, intake manifold leaks (sometimes a gasket, sometimes a melted plastic manifold), electrical problems and alternator failures, but they're cheaper to fix than Fords and Chryslers with their higher engine and transmission failure rates.
Take all used cars to an independent garage for an inspection before buying, and you won't get stuck with a lemon. By looking up known faults experienced by reviewers on this and other sites, you'll learn what to look out for.
9th Dec 2010, 09:41
I have owned my '97 Aurora for 3 years and it has been just one headache after another! It seems like every month it's got something going wrong, heater wouldn't work when really cold, hO2 sensor, fuel pump, electrical malfunctions, window, electric lumbar support malfunction, fuel injection problems and DOZENS of others!
15th Sep 2006, 23:45
"Almost all used cars are junk"!!???
That's a very ridiculous statement if there ever was one.
I've owned 10 new cars over the last 32 years, and over a dozen used (for both business & personal use, and I must say most of the used have been just as reliable (in some cases more reliable) than the new).
I would certainly rather purchase a 2-4 year-old Lexus, BMW,
Saab, or Mercedes, over a new Ford, Chevy or Chrysler as well as many imported makes.
Heck, I even owned a 13 year old VW that was at least as reliable as my brand new Jeep.
A lot of it comes down to how the car was cared for, and doing your homework before you buy.