97 Aurora

[d21156]

I am thinking of purchasing this car. It has low miles and is one owner. Would appreciate hearing pros/cons etc. Any particular problems this model seems to develope, etc. It has less than 80,000 miles. This is a sharp car and excellent riding car. And the only thing I have gound so far wrong with it, is the push button for opening trunk does not work.

Thanks in advance,
Deanna

[baron1701]

97 is a good year. You have an OBDII computer which means that you can bring it to any autozone and have it scanned, which is the first thing i would do. I know on mine, the engine light is blown, so you never know if your spitting out codes for sure without a scan.

First, 80000 is low mileage for a 97 but see what work they have had done. As stated several times in other posts, these car usually have a mile long paper trail. I know that I have a folder put aside for repair invoices. At 80000 and 8 years, you should watch out for the tranny. They usually have to be rebuilt before 100k or so because of failing torque sensors, filter brackets, misc sensors. This shouldn't scare you because if the car is 8yrs old and shifting perfect than you are probably lucky. Just look out for hard shifts from part (jerking w/ noise) and smelly fluid. Put aside some money to do a fluid service for the tranny. This can be a flush or drain-fill. There are huge aurguments either way. If you wanna play it safe just drain and fill the fluid twice a year. I say these things because i had to rebuild my tranny on a cross-country trip that cost me my life savings. I now know what to look for.

Ask if the battery or alternator have been serviced. The alternators also go before 100k and the battery can be iffy around 8-10yrs old. It is important to take it to a mechanic beforehand and let them look through it anyway. If you notice to much white smoke than you may have a blown headgasket. If the owner is asking more than 3000 and its smoking more than you like then ask him is he will pay to do a "pressure test". The test will tell you if there are any leaks.

Withe the years on the car you may wanna look at the wires and plugs. If the car is idling a little funny then its usually an easy enough fix - clean the throttle body, new fpr (if leaking), and maybee coils. For the trunk button, check the fuse (in your book) or inspect the actual switch. Im not sure if that is a normal problem.

There is a lot more information. This forum is incredible. Some of these members could rewrite my service manuals. Any probs just ask. I'm not trying to scare you with this list but let you know that if anything these car are universally made. Almost Every classic Aurora seems to have the same problems at about the same time / mileage. If everything checks out or has already been done than grab the damn car, they are the best. If anything seems funny, either stay away or use it as leverage against the price.

BTW what are you thinkin about payin? Check the NADA value online, or the Kelly Blue Book KBB.com. That will give you a good idea. These cars came out at about $36000 in 1995 and now arent worth a lot. If you are paying too much, look on ebay.

Hope I can help, im at work so i cant be perfect with this and I hope others can correct me, or add anything. If there is one more Aurora owner in the world, it will make me happy.

[Tourmgt]

I know sometime I have brain farts and this was one of them. My trunk button quit once and I replaced fuse and even removed button panel and checked it there. It turned out to be the switch in glove box was off. I went without button for 3 months before my daughter noticed it was off.

[baron1701]

Wow,

I can definetly see myself doing that. Good info though. Maybe it is just the trunk switch.

[rbajjk]

I have had this car for almost 2 years. I got it with 59k and it now has 101k. I have replaced the radiator (crack just below upper hose - common), replaced the rear air shocks, replaced the battery (it is $120), need to replace the fuel sending unit (but only because of a whacky fuel gauge), and still need to do the fuel rail recall.

I still love this car and all of these expenses were less than $500. I have yet to replace the tranny fluid, and have not yet experianced any tranny issues.

Good Luck.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Brian.

[mrbob]

I also have this model year. Bought it for $7,000 in Feb. 2003 with 82k mileage. It now has almost 100k and is in the shop having the transmission replaced under an extended warranty that expires at 100k. I would only consider buying this car with a warranty. In the two years that I've had it, I've replaced:

radiator
PCV valve
fuel filter
had fuel rail recall done (under GM warranty)
plugs and wires (A/C Delco, of course)
2 oxygen sensors
front rotors and pads

I still have the common problem with the A/C (cold passenger side, driver's side not cold) and have to add refrigerant every six months because no leak can be found.

Granted, some of the list above is normal maintenance, but what isn't could be expensive. I spent at least $400 just on my $100/claim deductible. As soon as the transmission is replaced, I'm probably selling this car. It's in very good shape inside and out, and everything works, but I think it will be too expensive to maintain without a warranty. (I got lucky, BTW. My warranty only cost me $50 to transfer from the previous owner. It is an Encore/National Warranty, which has gone bankrupt, but the selling dealer still honors it.)

I will miss the luxury, but not the headaches.

Just make sure you do your research and know exactly what you are buying. Having already found this forum you are way ahead of where I was when I purchased mine.

-Bob

[mcnu]

i bought my 97 last august with 135,000 on it. i needed rear brakes when i got it, and i did a tune up on it as well. i have not had problem one. i am the second owner, and the guy must of took good care of it. it has a few scratches on it, but it is very nice. i now have 143,000 on it and i love it. the motor is strong and the tranny is as well. i would not even sell it because it is in such good working order, and you never know what your gonna get on the next car. i am thinking of getting a cadillac deville 98, but i dont think i can part with the aurora. i also forgot to mention, i only paid $2500 for the car. it was a great buy.

o yeah, my antenna did just crap out a few days ago.

[97 silverbullet]

i bought a 97 3 years ago with 80k on it its been the best car i have ever bought and now its got over 180k on it.