Whether or not to buy

[fraido2002]

Hi,

Well I don't know much about alero's but i'm attempting to learn. I am very interested in buying one but i have read a lot of threads that have made me think twice. I have a beretta that was nothing but problems and i don't want another car like that. So if you have advice or info on the alero model, let me know. Thanx

Jerami

[jamcllw]

I think that the Ecotec motors they put in the newer ones don't have very many problems. And the Ecotecs have a huge aftermarket (thanks to the j-body's) if you plan on doing any mods to it. The 3400 V6 is torquey motor that really get up and goes (also what I have), but they are prone to having their lower intake manifold gaskets leak. I haven't heard much about the 2.4 in the earlier models but there's also a huge aftermarket for them also. I'd say get the V6 as long as its had the intake manifold gaskets changed. A basic problem on all of them is the brake rotors. They tend to warp real easy. I'd just replace them with a quality aftermarket. Other than those few things I absolutely love my Alero and plan to keep it as long as I can. For the money they're not a bad car.

[brimickri]

I have the ecotec 4 cylinder, bought it used, GM certified, I bought it 16 months ago, put 20,000 miles on it since, the only thing I needed to do to this car was replace the front bake pads, actually, I did that this past weekend. Very good, reliable car. The wife has a Grand Am and I wouldn't buy another if YOU paid for it!!! I would buy another Alero in a heartbeat!!

[JTrujillo86]

Brimickri, which 4 banger do you have?...the 2.2 or 2.4? I drove a 1999 2.4 when I was looking for my Alero and it just wasn't worth it I thought. It was very noisy and underpowered. Also for only $3K more I was able to get a 3 year newer Alero and the V6. If you are looking for a 2003 or 2004 the intake manifold shouldn't give you any problems. The materials they used after I think April 02 were updated and the torque specs on the manifold bolts were changed. The 2.2 motor is, in every sense of the word, bullet proof. I honestly have not heard one thing go wrong with those bad boys. Also, if you do your own work on your cars, the 2.2 will be a sanp to work on because there is PLENTY of room under the hood for hands. I personally have had a few issues with my car, but the only big ones were a power steering pump and a right front wheel bearing. The power steering pump is just an isolated issue I think, but on some Aleros, the wheel bearing is not so uncommon. I would say if you opted for an Alero manufactured after April 02 about the only problems you would encounter would be a wheel bearing and maybe a trim issue or two. My car currently has 34K miles on it and she's pretty damn solid. I just had her on a trip back down to Denver from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO and I had her at about 95 MPH for nearly 50 miles...I know it's a little illegal but she was a champ the entire way. I honestly hope to keep mine though college and long after. I want to see it hit 200K on the odometer :-)

Just take care of it and you should be very happy.
Jeremy