Oldsmobile Aurora

Price Paid:  $11900.00 from Masters Pontiac GMC

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:
I have had nothing but problems since I purchased a 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora in April of 2008. I test drove it before I bought it. I got home with it and before I pulled into the driveway I could hear a clicking noise when I turned the steering wheel. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was something in the steering and replaced a part that was made out of plastic, that should have been recalled but was because it wasn't considered a safety concern, with something metal. Oh did I mention when I took it back to be fixed at this time as soon as Pulled into the service area of the dealership the check engine light came on. At this time the car had around 58,000 miles on it. Found out the car needed two crank sensors and a catalytic converter. Picked the car up and still heard the clicking noise. My dad discovered it was coming from the struts. I took it back to the dealership found out it needed strut mounts. Why they didn't catch it before I will never understand. After getting the converter on the car I heard it making a revving noise and kept feeling like it was going to cut off which it eventually did a few weeks later. Took it back to the dealership it needed a intake boot. Why they didn't catch it when I complained about the problem the first time I don't know. They checked it and said they couldn't find anything at the time. And did I mention, it shakes around 60-65 miles per hour. The service department told me it was because it had flat spots in the tires from sitting. And that I may need to also rotate the tires. At first the dealership did fix the initial problems then I was stuck after that. I had to pay a deductible to get the boot on. I got the boot fixed on the car last tuesday now this friday a week later my back window on the car will not go up or stay up. I can pull it up by hand and when I push the switch it makes a popping/cracking noise. I called the dealership service department and they said it sounds like the window regulator and now I going to have to pay another deductible and it's only a week later. I'm very dissatified with my purchase. I thought I was going to a reputable car dealership. I could have went to one these side street dealerships for this and probably would have gotten a better car. The car looks very nice on the outside but it's sick on the inside. Nice smooth ride up to 59 mph. It's hard to believe that a car that could have cost as much as it did when it came out in 2003 can have this many problems in 2008. The car that I traded in, a 93 honda civic Ex, was better than this car. This car has discouraged me from ever wanting another American made car and I want to support me country but how can I when my country is not supporting me and giving me bad products. The dealership I bought the car from said they give their cars 150 point inspection. I don't see how my car could have even earned a point. I spoke with the salesman and he said he would talk to the general manager to see if they can trade the car out. I'm not holding out much hope but this is my second and my last American made car neither have been worth the money or the time. I hope this helps someone before they become a victim like me. But if you buy this car just know this "You must be rich". And you've been warned.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $15200.00 from Maroone Pembroke Pin

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:
The second Aurora I have ownwed, This vehicle is both luxuriuous and sporty. It is just plain fun to drive. It is a good size and very stylish. It is frugal way to own a sporty, well made vehicle. The small 8 cylinder is both responsive and good on gas (18 to 26 mpg). It can be purchaed relatively inexpensively.

Strengths:
Gas mileage, utilizes regular fuel, sleek styling, responsive gas pedal, great road feel, beautiful and comfortable interior, comes standard with all neede options.

Weaknesses:
Occasional gas pedal hesitation, occasional hesitation going into gear, current low resale value.

Similar Products Used:
Lincoln Continental, Mercury Grand Marquis l