It's Over! Finally

[jratism]

My 11 year odessy with my 2002 Alero ends today. It was never a car I had great confidence in. As my thousand$ of dollars in repairs can attest to. Hopefully the 2013 Nissan Sentra treats me better. It feels good leaving all my GM cars in the past for a first 'Foreign Car'.

Along the way this forum has helped me a lot (Bill Naylor) in identifying problems enough to talk logically with mechanics and service techs. And to let me know I am not alone in dealing with this lemon. I appreciate all the feedback and think this forum covers all/most the problems with the Alero's in some way, shape or form.

My advice is to learn to ignore the ABS, Trac and Service engine lights, use Silicone spray on all the window moldings, keep an eye on all leaks and for oil in your coolant (yup Manifold gasket, been there done that, s/h/b a Recall!) check your brake light and backing bulbs regularly, and know when to say when with these babies.

It's all to bad as like most Oldsmobile engines, they could run forever. Fortunately my need for a Rack and Pinion (Lucas pwr steering fluid/sealent bought me a couple years), exhaust system and a mysterious oil leak all within the last month made me see sense.

Thanks and good luck!

[peteralero]

Sorry to hear you gave up. My 2004 - 260k km still runs pretty tight.
Other than Check Engine Light - EVAP code - no air care here so no prob and
Air Con leak I can't find - PITA for 3 months outta the year.
Lots of help gained from this site as well and no (knock on wood) major repairs IE LIM or anything else. Biggest repair to date 2X wheel bearings - did myself.
Hope I get 5 more yrs.