2003 Alero New Car need advice

[2003 Alero Helper]

I've got a 2003 Alero with the 2.2L ecotec. I'm looking for any useful information that you can give me, such as common troubles, cheap/simple performance modifications, anything that helps fuel economy etc.

[PotIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by 2003 Alero Helper

I've got a 2003 Alero with the 2.2L ecotec. I'm looking for any useful information that you can give me, such as common troubles, cheap/simple performance modifications, anything that helps fuel economy etc.

Don't be scared to look at the "many" threads we have here... Almost all of them are problem threads with answers... Common troubles with the Alero is the Alero itself... A new car would help fuel economy...

[JTrujillo86]

Okay...well, needless to say, he's a pessimist.

The first good move you made was going with the 2.2L engine. They're bullet proof compared to the 3.4L engines. MPG is only so-so with the 2.2L compared to other 4-cyl's on the market.

Some issues with all Alero's across the board: warping dash pad and door panels, bad wheel bearings/hub assemblies/speed sensors, bad resistor packs on the blower motor, bad ignition switch, and various suspension issues.

Some of the people here may add to my list bad alternators and bad rear window defoggers...however, I think they addressed those on later models. I have almost 60K miles on my 2002 and am on the same alternator and defogger. Most of the defogger issues happened with the 1999's and 2000's. Also, warping rotors seem to be a problem. My rotors lasted until about 45K miles. At that time I had the rotors turned and the front pads replaced. So far, so good, but if you need to replace the rotors, definately go aftermarket. (I personally think this has to do with driving habit and the torque setting of your lug nuts. Make sure when you have your tires rotated that they don't over-torque the lug nuts...over-torqing will kill your rotors quick.)

Upgrades...let's see...well, I don't mess with "performance" or aftermarket stuff too much. I like to keep my car pretty much stock. One thing I have done that I really like is install a strut tower brace. I ordered it online from PartsForYourCar.com for about $85. I noticed a HUGE improvement with cornering. If you order both the front and the rear bars, you get a pretty good discount. It's worth looking into.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your Alero!

- Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by PotIsYourFriend

Don't be scared to look at the "many" threads we have here... Almost all of them are problem threads with answers... Common troubles with the Alero is the Alero itself... A new car would help fuel economy...

lol. Your answers really crack me up at times. I guess we should have some humor in an otherwise boring forum.

[mcrosby]

I have a 2000 Alero with the 3.4L engine, and although I have had some exspensive repairs lately, i.e., gas pump, fuel filter, power steering return line, front rotors, I still love the car. It is my opinion that every car, and I have owned a few, has it's issues. I don't think there are any trouble free cars. I bought mine used and expected to have to do work on it. My car looks good, it is very peppy, and I enjoy it.

Good luck!

[PotIsYourFriend]

Thank you, Thank you I'll be here all week...

[JTrujillo86]

Unfortuantely...

[PotIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

Unfortuantely...