i NEED A New(er) car...feedback from various makes/models???
 

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's and GP GT's...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's 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's 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's 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's 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 ass! It's 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's 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's 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 :D

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.. :wink:

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's pretty darn quick too. Seems to be a good bet.

You have info on the Catera? Speciific problems? I need to know :wink:

Stand away from the Stratus. It has Chryslers POS tranny and if its a V6 it prolly has the 2.7L that fails from sludge build up @ 60-80K.

Would that 2.7 be the same that's in the Intrepid...and has the sludge problem? The Stratus V6 that I would get would be the 3.0L...how is that?

What about the Stratus 4cyl engine (2.3 I think...?)

I was never crazy about their trannies..but if it had low miles and I drove it easy,I was thinking I may be ok if I get a Chrysler. :?

I'm not getting the Alero...will lose my $100 'deposit' but that's ok. I read a lot of horrible problems it has in the past 20 minutes on a few different websites, and Aleros seem to be pretty 'lemon-like.'

The search continues..........

If Aleros are lemon-like, a Grand Am won't fare any better.

Chrysler 2.7L-equipped cars: they may make 200hp, but WAY too much is lost through the transmission - which is probably also apt to fail relatively soon. I've heard that the sludge problem is really bad, too. I don't like the 2.4L either, worse NVH than mom's 2.4 Altima (which is bad as it is)...

I don't like the Catera either, ever opened a door or hood on one? Way too much weight - they're *really* heavy...

2.0L VW isn't awfully bad, if you can get around the fact that 60mph comes in 10.5 seconds - with a 5-speed - or 12 or so with an automatic. 1.8T and VR6 are going to require premium fuel. As said, electric reliability IMO, is quite piss-poor. Interiors are pretty, but trim pieces quickly fall off. Power windows fall into the door at random.

Saabs are quirky, which means they'll be quirky to fix.

1998 (and potentially 1999), being the first-model year of that body style Accord, have automatic transmission issues, definately with the V6, but I'm not sure about the I4.

I really don't know what to suggest you Pete, but from what you mention, a GP GT or Intrigue seems like a much more sound choice.

If you get an Intrigue get the 3.5L not the 3800. It's a lot more peppy. Trust me on that. :wink: The Intrigue's are really great cars! I looked at a few when my brother was car shopping.

JimW will love me for this:

What about an Aurora????

There are several nice ones on Ebay........


(never thought I would say thAt!!!!!)

\

True, Auroras are sweet. I would like one for my next car.

What about a 97+ Regal? Proven V6, L67 if need be, and reliable, at least according to Comsumer Reports. They always liked the Regal.

actually... I have to second the Regal. I LOVED my 2000 GSE. Didn't have any major problems with it other than the lead foot. The suspension is pretty tight and handles nicely. If you get one that is decently loaded, you'll like the comforts. pre 2000 had a pass-through that was 1.5 times the bonneville one and 2000 and newer had a fold down rear seat. The looks are really nice as well. And the prices on them are very reasonable. I got my loaded 2000 GSE with 74K in 2003 for under $10,000. With the L36 and L67 you'll know the basic issues of the drive train already and there is a decent aftermarket.

i dunno about the newer caddys, but the early 90s caddys were a big pita, when they break down it takes forever to fix them....

ive heard some bad things about some of the stangs, i dont know if it applys to the one ur looking at..

mitsubishis are the worst cars ever, dont buy one.....

ur best 2 choices are probly the nissan altima, or the honda accord....

Altima.

Altima would be nice...except it's pretty hard to find one for less than 10g's...and that is the 2.5. It will be even harder to find a 3.5 for less than 10g's...unless it has a TON of miles on it. I am going to a dealership down south of me (Rockwell-Simmons, for those CNY guys). They have VERY low mile cars at below blue book prices. I will hope to find a decent car there.

At a dealer today there was a young guy with a 98 Eclipse Spyder convertible with a for sale sign on it. I was looking at the used cars when he walked up and asked me if I wanted to buy it. It has 30,800 miles on it, nice shape....but he was asking 12,000, which is $3500 above bb value. He does have rims and a system in it, but I wouldn't want them....the rims are heavy as heck, he let me test drive it. If it was $8000 I may have taken him up on the offer.

I saw a 3000gt for sale for $6900 too...not sure if I want it though.

If engine reliability is not an issue with the Catera I may go with it if I can talk them down a few hundred. I don't mind if it's heavy, as long as it is in good shape. It is heavy, but I wont be racing it, it has to last me with little or no major money put into it for maintenance. The interior isn't too bad either. I just wish the 2000 Catera had the back end of the 1999 with the lights going across the back. It's a decent looking car, but it ain't no STS. It IS RWD though :D

As for the Aurora, I would love one, but if I have problems they may be VERY expensive to fix...Jim knows this. I was looking at a Buick Riviera on ebay...gorgeous car, but those too like the Roras, are expensive to fix.

I retract my statement on the Catera.....I won't be getting that either..just read a LOT of bad reviews....probably 80% bad vs. good. Same common EXPENSIVE to fix problems. GM sure screws things up sometimes. :roll:

Next review: Mazda 626

I read reviews on the Grand Am, Mazda 626, Jetta, Intrigue, Altima, Tiburon...man so many common problems with all these cars. Now I have no idea what to get. Jettas are nice but I guess the transmissions have issues: Maybe I will check out that 155K mile SSEi for $3800.

2000 SLE with many options for $9995 with 63k

95 SSE with most options but roof 65k $5995

I would look at either of these before the 98 SSEi. While it should be fine, that is higher mileage on the supercharger. Plus the mileage is outside what you were looking at.

I will have to third the regal option if you are looking for reliablity.

Truth is a lot if not most regals were bought by old old people, older than would usually by a SSEi usually.

This means the boost levels never exceeded around 4....and the oil WAS CHANGED EVERY time.


REGAL GS are nearly ALWAYS cheaper than a SSEi or GTP with the same year and miles.

example
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4541774849



I also love the Altima 3.5s EVEN IF it is not a 5 speed.

I emailed the dealers, thanks for the links :)

Wow...I guess all cars suck :?

Thats what troubles me about internet reviews, especially from forums and google searches, people are generally cynical and will only create ridiculous sites about how shitty their cars are.

I have my doubts about an Alero, Grand Am, Strautus, Regal, Catera, VW...on and on in this thread about how everything is crap. I refuse to believe it. I'll agree on one thing, talk to people that you know about the experiences they have had, use sites like Consumers Digest, something a little less biased then web forums and lemon sites.

My Aurora CAN be expensive to fix, its a top of the line premium car and repairs can be expensive, fine, but I wouldnt classify the car as crappy, esp later models, and I refuse to believe EVERY Alero is a lemon...come on, be a bit more subjective.

Repin, we had a 2001 VW Jetta VR6 and it didnt need premium IIRC, the 1.8T does tho, cuz its turboed.

Peter, assess your budget, pick a car that you like and that feels right and jump into it. Buying a car is an exciting, challenging experience, it shouldnt be based on bias and pessimism.

Heh..sorry to derail this thread :cry:

2000 regal gs 45k for $7800. I'd hit this if I had the cash. Appears loaded

And check out Regalgs.org for issues.

That's a nice Regal...I may call him up right now. It's way below bb value I wonder if there are problems with it. :?

Jim, you didn't derail the thread. In fact I feel the same way you do, that not all cars are lemons. I think some people just rant about their problems and exaggerate the situation. Because there are people who have these alleged 'lemons' that don't have many problems. I am however too skeptical about the Alero now, especially on the brakes and cosmetic defect problems (dashboard wrinkling). I think I would be too worried all the time about things going wrong, and I don't want a car like that. And I don't want to take as much of a risk now, since I need a car that won't cost me much on repairs, as I need to save up in order to move out of my house.

I basically just read too many reviews that were bad and it definitely put a damper on my good car-buying mood. The Catera seems like if it needed repairs, they would be too expensive for me to fix, and they aren't that common so fixing them would not be easy for a lot of mechanics. Kind of stinks because I got to like that car the more I read on it. Would have been a nice classy cruiser.

I won't dismiss all the cars I looked at just because of the reviews, I still would like a Jetta if I could find one, but I WILL stay away from the Dodge 2.7L engine. I am pretty much convinced it is not that great.

Hey Jim, I should recommend to Pete a DUN DUN DUN

Toyota Corolla! :lol:

http://ww2.teamdr.net/korruption/ima...JettaFront.jpg

err, anywho, your dad's VR6 was the 174hp model right? The 201hp 24V models needed premium, I reckon.


I usually don't base my opinions on those kind of car review sites (I hardly ever visit them if at all), my feeling on the Alero/Grand Am stems from things like SSEiMatt's... times several people. It's only an opinion, and just that, I'd want to be uber-cynical when looking for a used car - but also see the other side of the story. I'm not right, I'm not wrong. :oops:

I put down a lot of used cars. I'm way too picky. :shock:

People are quick to complain, not praise. For every person who think they got screwed, and is on a mission to hurt x car. There are thousands happy with theirs out in the real world.

EDIT: Pete, what about an F body?

Of course...

... but how many people do you see complaining about a Toyota appliance-box? Or a small-block Chevy V8? Or a 3800?

Ive read a few bad things about GA gts. Ive heard that the mazda 626s have transmission issues a lot, and i know someone that had theirs go out at under 50k. I know how you feel about searching for a car that wont be a lemon, ive been searching a little too, and everything in my price range just seems to be a lemon ( excetp a regal, go figure). No matter what i do i just dont feel comfortable with something other than my bonneville, not that id give it up even if i did get another car.

I'd complain about mine, but people would tell me to buy an L67 or quit flaming here. :lol: But seriously people do get lemons of those. SSEiMatt93's first bonne is a good example... Funny thing is those 3 names/engines are all my family has... :shock: 88 Nova, 93 Bonne, 98 Yukon, 01 Camry... Another thing is used car reliability is more previous owners then OE stuff. 'Cept early supra HG. (yes i went there) ;)

Pete, If you do get a GA/Alero, etc, get new rotors/pads first and foremost. The brakes are the only issue i have with them stock, they're worse then ours by far.

A friend I know has a (2001?) Mazda Millenia. It is one VERY sharp looking car, inside and out. His is black and has some sort of dark grey 2-tone for the bottom effects part or something. The windows are dark and there's leather, moonroof, hud i believe, and its really neat, I've been looking around for one but since I got a second car now I'm done looking. I don't know much, or really anything about the engines for them though.

Simply put, don't get the Mustang. I'd hate to see a fellow Bonnevillian upset with his purchase :P

Someone mentioned a 97+ Regal, but really I almost bought a white 96 Regal GranSport(loaded with all options) a couple months back. You can pry find a late 90's one pretty cheap, and the new ones I usually drive everyday at some point at work. They are pretty nice too, even for being a "Buick Regal". (Just not "cool" sounding haha)

I will agree with those against the Caddy. Wow, yeah, they're real nice and all, expensive, nice engines, but seeing so many of them come through the shop and hearing the mechanics and the owners b*tch about how crappy they are just tells me I wouldn't want one.

Don't get an Alero, for the same reason. The owner at the dealership I work at had a 2001 or a 2002 teal one (loaded) that he drove for a few months as his own car and he hated it and I haven't heard him say a good thing about it except for when he was selling it (which was later celebrated by having a beer and shouting FINALLY!)

If you're going to go with an Eclipse, I'd go as new as you can, and without a doubt 2000+, as I've seen many Eclipses older than that that are just crap. Drove a red 96 convertible for a while and there was so much stuff gone wrong with it that it would take 2 days straight to type it up probably.

I've seen 3000gt's and looked at buying a couple (turned out to be beat up crap) and they appear nice and I haven't heard many people complain about them..

The new Mazda 6, 3, R7, 007, 316, B5, I14, N 27, G55, O62 [bingo!] whatever the numbers they're throwing on them this month look pretty tight to me from what I've seen of them...

If you want a nice car, good engine, all that hoopla, as I'm sure you already know, I'd go with a Grand Prix (GTP or at least GT) as they are pretty nice, and any since the changed the style in 93 or 94 or whatever look A+ in my book.

My buddy's mom used to have a newer Stratus R/T and it was pretty sweet..

My family has a had a black 2001 Impala since they ordered it brand new when it came out and it's been a pretty damn good car. The blinkers don't always work for some reason, and supposedly there's no real explanation for this.
My mom just bought a red 2004 or 2005 Impala (the boring package as I call it) and she got it for pretty cheap because she's going with a farmer, and everyone knows those poor farmers just somehow scavenge up enough money to buy a brand new vehicle at least once a year, so they got what I guess you'd call a preferred customer discount. It's had to be taken in a couple times, but just for a few small things.
You can probably score a pretty new Impala for pretty cheap and sell 'er once you get enough money to buy a Bonneville that already has one foot out the door...

All in all, I'd just do what you can to save up that money for a bonne. You know we'd all accept your choice of buying a piece of Bonne Pride.

That's all I got. For now..

Just stating what I've heard/what I think about the cars above, do what you want with it, I was bored and had to put forth my .02 :P

Sure, early Supra HG, go there all you want. Fix it properly and it shall never bother you ever again. EVER. Unless, of course, you decide to run 20psi on like regular fuel or something.

What's gone wrong with your car, Jason? Some steering/suspension wear and tear issues are all I've heard about.

I would hope a perspective buyer of a car would know of common issues that they may (or will) have to contend with. One can never go with the "oh, it's not going to happen to me" approach and turn a blind eye to it. A lot of the cars that Pete listed have really common problems to them - 3400 LIM gaskets, VW power windows, or (in what you mention) Supra HG's, for example. Heck, with those three things it's not a matter of if, but when. And I disdain for those reasons.

SSEiMatt's two Oldsmobiles haven't made my outlook any better on my feelings about the 3100/3400 and 3.4 DOHC :dead:








Anywho, back on topic:

The Millenia is a pretty sharp car, yeah. Trick++ with the 2.3L supercharged V6 Miller Cycle engine, I liken it to an Aurora put out by Mazda. I can only assume fairly expensive repair costs, though :dead:

Older DSM (Diamond Star Motors - Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon/Mitsu Eclipse) models were the definition of not reliable. I remember stumbling on a ca.dsm.org meet in a mall parking lot and hearing things like "it's sad when your daily driver is less reliable than your DSM" or "DSM's turn people into mechanics". Also saw an 88-91 white SSE Bonneville that one of the club guys daily-drove to the meet, outfitted with LE/SE tails.
2000+, current body-style Eclipses are remarkedly better, as far as I know, and are more free from Chrysler blood.

I know I have of pessimism in topics like these (even I have trouble believing it, seeing as how I'm 99% an optimist in life). Getting a good used car is something of importance to me, if it makes me a cynical and picky old man, so be it :mrgreen:

i like the aurora, isnt it the 3800 also? i liek the looks and that its got climate contorl on the wheel instead of radio

the Aurora has the V8 only from 1995-1999. There were different gear ratios to make some optioned out Auroras slightly faster, called the Autobahn package. the 2001-2002 Models were available with the same V8 as the 95-99 but it was redesigned to accept regular fuel and all were equipped with the "autobahn" gearing. A 3.5 DOHC V6 was also available. The 2003 Aurora only had the 4.0 V8.