I've been searching for a newer car since I sold my Cutlass. I made an offer on a black 02 Alero GLS, LOADED, leather, chrome rims, 3.4L w/ 19,000 miles. I drove it around for a while, very nice car, interior is great. (I just wish it had the 4t60-E)

But I'm still looking around. I'm only looking for a car that will hold me over until my next Bonneville, which is why I have been looking at a lot of different things besides just GM, mainly looking at less than $10,000...some are; Stratus SXT Coupe, 02 Jetta 2.0L, 2000 Cadillac Catera (are these Caddys any good?), 97 Saab 900S convertible, 99-01 Accord 2 door, 99 Mustang, 02 Eclipse, 01+ Altima....

Basically, I may or may not get a familiar GM car, though I have my eyes on quite a few GA GT'* and GP GT'*...which is ok as long as I get something reliable and has some decent power....preferrably looking for a V6, and preferrably something with less than 50,000 miles, but all I want is something that will last me. From that list of cars is there anything anyone can tell me more about them from experience? Reliabilty on the 2.0L Jetta...3.0L V6 in Stratus...the Saab..Catera?

Thanks for all your input. I won't have a car as of tomorrow 10am, so I'm in need of all assistance in making a good decision on a car asap.

i think that the Catera would be a sweet ride, i cant remember what plat they were made on but they were only made a few years

Please, whatever you do, don't get the Alero, I had NOTHING BUT problems with mine, my neighbour'* daughter had the same issues, I've talked to dozens of people with Aleros and I've heard nothing but problems. www.carsurvey.org Take a look on there at Aleros, count the number of dissatisfied VS Satisfied!
lol, they are good looking cars, thats about it.

is the altima you looked at a 3.5? they are sickly quick and extremely reliable

I've heard mixed feelings on the Alero, most have had luck, some like Matt mentioned have not...basically its the Oldsmobile version of the Grand Am, so take from that what you will

If you want a Jetta, get the 2.8 VR6, the 2.0L GL/GLS is pretty gutless, but VW'* have a tendancy to have electronics go (windows, power locks, accessories etc). Our 2001 Jetta VR6 5 speed was a great car, the power was amazing and the 5 speed made it fun to drive.

The latest Nissan 3.5 is damn good, and the Altima with 3.5 is where its at with Nissan (besides of course the 350Z). Not much a fan of the interiors (in fact I think its kinda corny) but the power makes up for the cornyness...gonna be expensive though.

Catera...I dunno what happened to the Caddy that Zigs, seemed to be a good entry Cadillac but never took of as expected, I think because it lacked power, it reminds me of a Malibu dipped in gold, in fact, I have NO idea what powers it (til I check of course )

Wow..its a built in Europe 3.0L 24V V6 with 200bHP and 192 tq, it also features independant front and rear suspension similar to Merc and BMW
http://media.gm.com/division/cadilla...ra/00specs.htm

Sounds like a fun car, and they look quite nice, I would put the Catera at the top of the list Pete.

86 the Caterra. It'* not like a "real" Caddy from the normal line-up. From what I've gathered, they don't hold their value like a Deville, Seville, or Eldo (not they hold their value extremely well either in this current used car market), but still better than the Caterra. IT wasn't a big seller, and is somewhat underpowered.

It'* kind of ironic that you are getting out of your Olds and considereing a Caterra. A few years ago, my freind was looking for a low mile used car. We went and looked at a Caterra out in Rome NY. Come to find out it someone had tampered with the PCM wiring. during the test drive, from the back seat where I was sitting, I noticed the speedo was cutting out whenever it wanted to. My buddy wasn't even paying attention. We get back to the dealer from the test drive and we popped the hood. I notcied where the PCM was mounted (in a little boxxed in area). I pulled the PCM right out of the box (wasn't even mounted in there) only to notcied a hackjob with electrical tape in the wiring. After conversing with my buddy about how if he bought that car I would kill him, he questioned the dealer about how can they verify the milage on this thing if the speedo hasn't even worked during the test drive alone. Who knows hom many miles were on the dang car. To make a long story short, we got the heck out of there, drove all the way to Seneca Falls where he ended up purchasing an unbeleiveably mint 1995 white w/ white leather Cutlass Convertable with only 10,000 miles on it. Much better choice for him. He still has the car today. So much for the Caterra. I drove the Caterra too during that test drive and I wasn't very impressed. For wearing a Caddy badge on it, it felt nothing like a Caddy as far as quality goes. Felt rather cheap. Actually I can say it felt more like a dressed up Malibu if anything. Built off the Opel line, I wasn't impressed at all. Felt too cheap to be a Caddy. If I were you I'd stay away from them. I've heard they're an electrical nightmare just waiting to happen, and I heard that before we even went and saw the speedometer-problen-infested one in Rome.

Holy Crap....I had no idea about Aleros...while I was just thinking it was like a GA GT with the 3400 and therefore should be fine, those other problems seem like a huge pain in the ***! It'* such a nice looking car inside and out (with all the leather and other options, it doesn't seem like it would fall apart... damnit, I guess I shouldn't buy it. The Catera I'm not too familiar with, but the one I am going to look at is a 2000, with 34K miles, and is going for only $8999...it'* in my budget.

Anyone know of any problems with the new Stratus? I know Chrysler trannies aren't the best, but this one with 16K miles may do me just fine for a couple years....

How about Intrigues? Are these as cheap as the Aleros? I'm looking at a 2002 GX with 27K for $8999. There was also a GL loaded with leather, 2001 3.5L with 47K...but that was 11,990.

Buying a totally different car than what I am familiar woith is not easy. I don't want to get something and have there be any problems like those people had with Aleros. But I do know some people that have them and have not claimed to have problems....maybe I should just get a GA GT....there'* a couple here for 9900. anyway I have to do more research..if anyone knows more about the other cars I mentioned, or more news on the Cateras, PLEEEEEASE chime in....I don't want to make a misinformed decision on buying a car. Thank you!

I would stay away from chrysler. We had the PT and have had problems with it. Friend have had 2 Cirrus/Stratus and those both have had issues, although they were not the latest gen.

98 and I think 99 Intrigue had the 3.8 in it. I would probably say the caterra would be a good one. The looks are nice and it Zigs

I would stay away from the VW 2.0L. It is a underpowered engine as was stated before. I would go with the VR6 or if going newer, the 1.8T, although you have to run premium.

I really would prefer a V6,but if I find a decent Jetta and it has the 2.0L, I may get it..., cause I have not seen one single 1.8T or VR6 Jetta for sale. I would be able to deal with the lack of power AS LONG AS it is a reliable engine. If there are minor electrical problems that may be ok...I really need to do more research. Thanks for the help, and keep it coming....I'd like to hear more good things about the Catera..

Other car I know little about... 02 Eclipse..any thoughts?

Don't get the Alero or the Cattera.

I would go for a GA GT, one of my buddies has a white 2002. That thing looks SHARP! Chromed wheels, sunroof, dark tinted windows. The seats in it are really comfortable too. It'* pretty darn quick too. Seems to be a good bet.