anyone owne these cars? (looking for owner opinions)

[vacuumfreeeke]

Hi there. I'm looking to upgrade my car and I thought I'd ask here to see if any of you have the cars I'm considering. The car I've always wanted is an Oldsmobile Alero. I love the way it looks on the inside and outside and it has the features that I want. However, they have numerous chronic problems and I've read too many horror stories to consider getting the only car I've ever wanted. I don't have the time or energy to spend over half my life in a repair shop... I need my car to work! So, letting go of that was a little hard because I've wanted one for so long... it just wouldn't be prudent to put myself through that. I also thought about a Saab 900, but expensive repairs do not appeal to me.

The other cars I'm considering are the VW Jetta or Passat (1999 or newer), Camry, and Accord. I don't want to spend over 5 thousand dollars because I want to pay cash and not have a car payment. A guy at work said he had an 04 Mazda Potege 5 hatchback and it was the best car he ever owned... he said I'd be silly not to check them out. I'm not crazy about the looks of those cars, but the hatchback model is almost tolerable.

For any of you that were at the Ruskin gathering a few weeks ago, I drove over in a 1984 Pontiac Fiero. I bought that car from my ex two years ago... It is falling apart, and the fact that I'm driving a car that my ex sold me is not a good thing! My mechanic broke the A/C a couple months ago while changing belts and refuses to admit responsibility. Now the radiator fan has stopped working and the relay I need to make it work isn't manufactured anymore. When I drive a POS, I feel like one... this next car will be my first car that isn't a jalopy so I want to make the right decision.

If you have any of the cars I mentioned above, or any experience with them, please share it with me! I would very much appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[jaxsunst]

Of the cars you mentioned, the Honda Accord would probably serve you the best. You might also want to look for a Subaru. They can't be killed.

 

[mistereric]

Alero

Hmm.. Mom owns an '03 Grand Am, which is the same platform. She's had nothing but trouble with it - google "gm 3400 gasket" and see all the issues people are having with the V6 version of this car.

So far mom has had the Lower Intake Manifold gaskets and head gaskets replaced, a faulty front brake caliper replaced, and most recently the fuel regulator replaced.

I used to like GM cars... but damn.. this car is only 40k miles. Seems like a piece.

You may have better luck with the 4cyl version. Or get yourself a Honda.

 

[pulsator]

I did a Bobload in the Neptune TL to see what it can do!
The load consists of 8 full sized bath towels, 2 floor towels, 1 hand towel, and 2 men's large hoodie sweathshirts. I used the Super Wash cycle (which seems to have the fastest tumbling speed), warm/warm, heavy soil, and max extract.

 

[pulsator]

Here it is all loaded and ready to go!

 

[pulsator]

Washing away!

 

[pulsator]

Final spin:

 

[pulsator]

One full dryer!!! Vids of the wash, final spin, and final result to come!

 

[lavamat78800]

Wonderful Load....

Jamie,
I really love your towels and your pictures you always post!
But I´m always wondering where you get the money from to buy new appliances...mhhh ;-)

 

[funguy10]

Finally! A BobLoad thread which is a clothes washer and not a dishwasher! My dream has come true!

 

[pulsator]

Wash vid!

 

[pulsator]

Final spin vid!

 

[petek]

From all you've mentioned I'd go with the Camry or Accord. I had a 93 Camry back when and it was a very good car. Sister had a 92 Accord and it was good as well. I don't think you can go wrong with either so long as you know it's not been absused. There's nothing worse than having a car that's always in need of a fix and $.
What about a Corolla, less money, great cars as well, hard to kill.

 

[joeekaitis]

Your humble author's '96 Subaru Legacy with All-Wheel Drive shows no signs of giving up the ghost as it approaches its first 100,000 miles.

Oil changes every 6,000 miles, major maintenance (tranny, radiator, plugs, filters) every 30,000 by a reputable indie mechanic. New timing belt coming up at 102,000 but it's cheaper than a new car.

 

[pulsator]

Here's the final outcome!

 

[jasonl]

Fuel Economy: VW TDI Beetle or Jetta
Most reliable: Honda Accord/Civic, Toyota Corolla/Camry (even though my Bug has been good to me)

Wanna draw attention to yourself? Smart Fortwo. Don't knock the little car. It's roomy on the inside, makes 50mpg and does well on the interstate (about the same as an old Bug)

 

[rp2813]

I agree, you should add Subaru to your list. I'd say you'd be safe with either the Camry or the Accord too. I drive a '97 Passat VR6 with 137K miles on it and I really like the car, at 6' tall I'm way more comfortable behind the wheel in it than I ever was in my partner's old MBZ 190. My Passat does require regular maintenance that doesn't come cheap but as Joe stated above, it's cheaper than a new car. I had to have the clutch replaced last year, that was a killer repair and the most major one it has ever needed but I honestly don't think all components needed repair. The mechanic I took the car to would always try to find more things wrong every time I brought the car in. So after the shock of the clutch bill, I quit him and the car hasn't needed attention since but somebody new will be working on it next time. My sister has a 2001 Subaru Forester and loves it. It hasn't given her any trouble, she just gets routine maintenance done and it keeps on going. I would definitely scratch the Olds off your list. That is just asking for trouble.

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Cars!

If you don't want expensive repair bills, then stay away from Volkswagen! Especially Jettas from 2000-2003/4. I've heard numerous horror stories about poor reliability--them constantly being in the shop. My mom has a 2001 Cabrio that has been nothing but check engine light, after check engine light. She takes meticulous care of it, but it still seems to act up again and again... a few days after it's home from the shop...

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege, and have had it for 4 years now. I've put minimal repairs into it--other than changing the oil and rotating the tires. I did do a timing belt at 65,000 miles, and now have 117,000 miles on it. It's gonna be time for another overhaul/tune-up/brakes very shortly--so my mechanic told me.
They're great cars, and will last forever... and are reasonably priced when looking around the used-car market. The 5 door is indeed a nice looking car!

My other half's previous car was a 1994 Mazda Protege that was originally my fathers (bought new), and then became my sisters... she sold it to Joe when she got her Honda about a year and a half ago. That Protege went through a clutch--but we'll blame that on the sister. Otherwise, it was just regular maintenance, and bits and pieces that wore out over time. It had 150,000 miles on it and the air conditioning didn't work--but even then, it drove him from Wisconsin to North Carolina last summer. He would probably still have it if the A/C were working-- in this southern heat and humidity, no A/C really sucks! We traded it in on a 2007 Mazda 3 back in August.

And of course, everyone knows that used Hondas make excellent cars... they have some of the highest resale values.

I seem to remember Tom Anderson having an Oldsmobile Alero--and having tons of problems with it.

Personally, I don't like American cars. I think that foreign cars (esp. Japanese) are tons more reliable!

Good luck! Keep us posted on your decision!

~Fred

 

[rp2813]

Well, I'm impressed with all that machine can hold and still clean it well. I don't think I'd stuff that much in my Duet HT! No doubt the Bobster will be giving you his blessing on this one!

 

[whirlcool]

We have a 04' Mazda Tribute that has almost 75K on it and haven't had a bit of trouble with it. It is still as quiet as it was when it was new. Just oil changes and tire rotations. We still have the original Continental tires on it from new!

Honda's are pretty reliable but when they break you pay through the nose for repairs. And even used ones command a premium price. But in your instance and price range, I don't think you are worrying about resale value. You just want something that will get you where you are going and won't break down on you.

But you haven't had an unreliable car until you had either an AMC Gremlin or a Chevy Vega. The stories I could tell you.....

 

[Timonator]

Another Story

My mother has a 2002 Pontiac Grand am essentially the same car as a alero..This car is a 4 cylinder it has had routine maintenance and NOTHING else. oil changes and brakes and a battery The car has 140,000 mile on it today has no rust and looks and drives as well as it did the day she got it. Gm cars are relativley inexpensive to repair unlike some volvos, subarus, volkswagens . It all depends on what you find Reliable these days I would stick with something mainstream not a lot of "frills" like all wheel drive and stuff like that that you really dont need. And I wouldnt pay a ridiculous price for some foreign car because "reliablity" is in the mind of the owner! AND the way the car has been maintained All cars wear out the minute you turn the key your using "something" up afterall noone drives for free. So If you can find a 4cylinder alero that was taken care of..I'd buy it !

 

[johnb300m]

wow that's some damn quick turnover.
this actually looks like a decent machine.
do you like this machine?

i wonder why they were so short lived? looks like a much better concept than the bottom mounted wash plate Oasis machines.

 

[appnut]

Hi Jamie. Thanks. I feel very honored. And very cool!! What a LOAD!!!

 

[jasonl]

I guess I'm lucky

I haven't had very much trouble with my Bug. But repairs and service is pretty expensive. It's the price to pay if you want a "different" car.

 

[liamwa]

Great washer!

What great turnover. It just shows that Maytag had some great ideas right up to the end. It's a shame that WP didn't continue manufacturing these units, as they have a much better wash action then their wash plate Cabrio machines. Does anyone here know what kind of reliability record these washers have? Also what did Consumer Reports have to say about them? From what I can see it seems like the best HE top loader.

Congrats on getting it!
Liam

 

[washabear]

From a reliability standpoint, Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans are all good. I have a Honda Civic and love it. It only has 54,000 miles on it so far, but it has been flawless. Previously I had a Nissan Altima, which was also good. It had 140,000 miles on it when I bought the Honda, and it was fine, but I wanted a change. I'll bet it's still going strong for some new owner somewhere. Sometimes I miss it, but I do love my Honda.

 

[myhooverco]

Vacuumfreeke...

I owned an '03 Alero that I bought new off of the lot in December 2002. I got 29,000 miles out of it before it was totaled. I had the el cheapo model...no electric windows...plain hubcaps...no spoiler....etc. I had no end of trouble with it. Mostly the brakes were a problem. I went through 3 sets of front brakes in that time. I had numerous "lights" that came on. The best one was when at 20,000 miles the hood started to come off of the car! The hinges at the rear of the hood were separating and I had to take it to the dealer. They kept the car to repaint the new hinges. They also had to replace the drivers side glass because the window regulator was puting deep scratches in the glass everytime it went up or down. I had deep gouges that made it difficult to see out of the window! The transmission (automatic) would only shift into first gear or reverse. It was actually faster to drive backwards! They towed it to my local "GM" dealer who lost my car! Later after locating the car on another lot, they lost my car keys and gave me a brand new Chevy key for my Olds. I made a big stink through the Better Business Bureau over it. Never deal with Spitzer here in north east Ohio! The transmission thing happened twice. All of this of course happended under warranty. The final straw was when they could not replace the front brakes for the third time due to stripped lug nuts.(They could not get the hub caps off of the car.) They were actually going to charge me $20 for the damn things! I refused, told the owner of the dealership what I thought of him (curse words inserted here) and left the hubcaps off! When the accident happened (women drivers!) I walked away totally unhurt. The car was safe since it protected me but I wonder about the role of my brakes in the whole accident. I was amazingly relieved that the car was totaled. I liked the size, the handling, but the fit and finish was total crap. I went right out and bought a Honda Accord as soon as the insurance check came in.

Go for the Honda! (Used or New) I was for the first 30 years of my life against all foreign cars. I have had three new GM cars in a row. All of them garbage. I take care of my cars. I am religious about it. No one even eats in my car...ask HooverWheelaway! GM cars just go to pieces in my hands. The Honda is another story. It is two years old with 15,000+ miles on it. My Accord has only had tire rotation and oil changes. That is it! My new Saturn (very crappy!!) in 1996 had a new engine at 12,000 miles. The Accord is built right here in Ohio. It is at least as much American made as my Alero was. I am looking to keep my Accord. It is solid, reliable, and easy on gas. Guess what? Even the hood has stayed on the car so far. That alone is worth its weight in gold!

I would definitely stay away from anything from GM. They are in lots of trouble now. They will take you down with them. I have even cancelled my GM Mastercard with over $1,000 credit built up toward a purchase of a new GM car or truck! Let us know what you choose. There are plenty of good choices out there!

--Tom

 

[Timonator]

Something to think about Tom

Think about the Demise of Hoover!!! I could say the same thing about vacuum cleaners as well! You cant beat a 40 dollar made in china vac ! You can throw it away when your done They work rather well and come in stunning colors! I take care of my vacuums religiously too! And as far as "american made" yes some Honda's are american made but the PROFIT goes righ back to Japan...To help japaneese companies build cheaper vacuum cleaners LOL...Seems a bit Hipocritical to me. Sounds like alot of your problems may have been Dealer related as well...Unfortunate but the Honda Dealer here in Elyria is Terrible People drive to sandusky or cleveland to buy em..

 

[myhooverco]

No...the cars were junk from the beginning. The dealers just tried to polish American made crap...hate to say but American cars use parts made in China and other foreign countries which bolsters THOSE economies. The arguement that profits from Honda sales benefits Japan is just another American cop out to produce inferior products. I could see one bad car. But THREE in a row all from DIFFERENT dealers? Of course the dealers did not help matters, but one could not help feel that at some point they too were frustrated with crappy products. At Honda, none of that. I am sure the same feeling applies to Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, etc. who all produce very reliable cars. Again THREE GM cars in a row Timonator? Come on...reality check. GM is not what it once was. Hoover has nothing to do with the topic. Apples and oranges. I guess if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to purchase an American car (that is what it would take!), I would have to choose a Ford.

--Tom

 

[Timonator]

So Hoover 's Arent american made crap?

Tell that to the guy who buys one made in china for a third of the price at Wal-mart.. Tell me how this has nothing to do with american manufacturers..Justify or tell me how Hoover was poorly managed just like General Motors...Tell me how the tax payers dont pay YOUR salary when a levy doesnt pass because they have no Jobs! Tell me what are those Honda workers going to do when they retire? Tell me what they are manufacturing in Canton Ohio anymore? who's next? Go ahead finance the foreign countries and their companies and let them continue to take control of America. My only hope is im Dead before the day comes when a Nuclear warhead with the name "HONDA" on the side is pointed toward the USA . It could happen..Meanwhile I'll sit back and watch everyone complain about their American Made Products. Others who will praise them.Funny thing though Ive never counted but I know ive seen at least 1000 Aleros on the road and not one without a hood... they all seem to be stopping at intersections too..well most of them. Dyson seems to make a nice vacuum as well..After all They NEVER lose their suction...As Paul Harvey would say..."Good Day"