Thinking Of Buying An Alero

[oudidntkn0w]

Hey all, im new here. anyways, i was referred here from my friends over at mymonte.com, I currently own a 96 chevy monte carlo and love that car, you couldnt pay me to get rid of it :D . but thats besides the point, i joined this site to get some opinions.. we are looking for a car for my sister (first car) and we found a 99 black alero, 2.4L with 69K for $6700 at a local dealership. and another one 99 silver 3.4 with 48K for ~$7000, GM certified. The cars look very nice and clean but I was wondering what problems come with this car, if any? Which engine should I be looking at or is the 2.4 decent enough for a first time driver? I know on my engine, the 3100SFI we have a bad problem with gaskets leaking coolant, Do you guys experience this too? I lost my first engine to this mess at 55K, I dont want to cause my parents the same stress and $$ again. Also what kind of mods can be done to these cars, beside exhaust, CAI and the normal every-car stuff.. Sorry for the long post. Any help would be appricated, thanks.

[Sportalero]

I'm sure others will add more. As a first car, I couldn't tell ya. If your sister has a heavy foot, i would say the 2.4. Still a quick, peppy engine, but not so much as the 3400 (probably gonna catch hell for that). I don't know about the 2.4, but i know the 3.4 has the leaking gasket problem. Me and a couple others can vouch for that, but other than that, i've had no real problems with mine. And not all Aleros, but some of us see random problems, but then again, what car doesnt. For the benefit of saving 21K at the very small burden of paying an extra 300 bux, I'd go for the 3.4. Though the aftermarket for the 2.4 is larger than the 3.4 due to the fact that Alero has the same engine as the Cavalier Z24 and Sunfire GT. So finding upgrades performance-wise is just as easy as hooking up a Honda. We're always looking for companies to help advance the 3.4s performance, but hey, the 2.4 stuff is already there. As far as suspension and brakes, they are a number of choices to choose from, for both models. Two bodykits, one ground effects kit. Fits both cars and photos are all over the website. Dont know what else to tell ya. Alero was my first car back in '00 and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon, but not because i'm still payin on it :thumbsup: . If both cars are in good shape, then she won't be disappointed in either choice. Don't know if i help or confused ya more :unsure:

[oudidntkn0w]

yea i understand ya.. as part of the monte carlo community @ mymonte.com we also are looking for aftermarket for the 3100/3400 engines, such as performance, braking and cosmetic mods. we have a few guys whove done the 3400 swap :D and a few whove done an l67 swap ;) nice to know there are people out there that take pride in their car like we do.. yet i digress.. still any ideas on a first timers car?

[Oldsman]

i would recommend the 2.4 for first time. it is a very rieable engine. like with any engine normal maintanance must be done.

I have 93,000 on my 99 2.4 and i have only replaced the plugs.

the issues the 2.4 has had is...........some people have seen the spark boots go bad. water pump going bad. But nothing as common as the v-6 coolant leak.

the 3400 has the famous coolant leak. it seems to depend on how you drive and how well the seal was as to how often it happens, but not sure. All I know is that it has the same issue that you have exprience with.

[ptrudel]

my alero is my second car, i got a 2000 with the 2.4L 5spd...wouldn't trade it for the world...damn fun car to drive, no real problems...up to 121 000 kms...either way tho, she'll be happy for sure :thumbsup:

[Naich]

Yeah, if you plan on keeping the engine stock, and power isn't an issue, the 2.4 and newer 2.2 ecotecs are much more reliable than the 3400. The only thing is that the 3400 has a lot more low end power so IMO it is a little more fun to drive.

I've had a couple of problems with my 2001 fully loaded GLS. The most common engine problem with the 3400 happened to me... the lower intake manifold gasket leaked, causing coolant to enter the oil. Not a good thing. I also had the power steering pump break and the e-brake handle stopped working. All 3 things were luckily covered under warranty.

Those prices seem just a tad high to me. Unfortunately for us, the resale value of the Alero is not very high. However, they are fun, good looking, and fairly reliable cars. I'd definately reccomend one, and I honestly think they'd make a great first car.

Hope this helped you. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. We're always here to help :thumbsup:

[jamcllw]

Between those 2 I'd have to go with the V-6. Yeah its $300 more but you get more power, less miles and GM certified. If you went with the V-6 I'd try to get the system pressure checked to make sure the leak wasn't there. If it did have the LIM leak I'd try to get them to fix it before I paid for it. Tell them your gonna go buy the 4 banger if they don't fix it. You start pressuring dealerships by telling them your going somewhere else they'll usually buckle and do anything to get you in that car.

[vodkaslut85]

I had the same dillema when I got my car not even 3 months ago, I had found a 2.2L ecotec in a 2003 and my 99 3.4L 1999, both for about the same price, the ecotec had 26k, mine had 41k miles and I just got an extended engine warranty for my car incase the LIM leak ever does happen. The 3.4 is allot more fun to drive than the 4 bangers because of the better low end, but just check all body moldings to make sure they are secured and also, the roof light inside the car, makesure it's not falling off like mine is, also that little cubby hole is comming off too now, don't know why, I don't store anything but cigarettes there. Oh, and don't forget that all GM brakes suck, so make sure the brakes you get with the car aren't dead or close to.

[BLK03GXS]

Well it depends on how manny k's she drives... if she commutes lots then i would get the 2.4/2.2 powerplant. They are a little more relaiable than the 3.4, and if she dont care about low end torque then the 4-bangers are where its at.

Myself i get my torque fix from my Grand am... with the 6.6L in it.. so having a 4cyl commuter aint worryin me too much...

[blueyezalero]

I'd go with the 2.4 being that it's her first car....she probably wants appearance. Talk them down on the price....those are kinda high. I have the 2.4 and really haven't had any problems. I only had problems with the a/c not blowing on low settings and turn signals not working, a/c fixed under warrenty and turn signals fixed by recall.

[Steve03TropicTeal]

justy in case anyone was wondering i got the latest Consumer reports form my sister.. and as far as used cars between 95 and 03, it states Alero as one of teh worst cars in driveablity, and durability. And to stay away from.

:D. comparing the 2.4 and 3.4, the 3.4 gets just about the same gas mileage, a tad worse.

if she doesnt care about power, get the 2.4. But for me the 3.4 would be worth it.

I personally have the ecotec for the good mileage...

[|Rev|]

the 2.4l is my first car, i would definately recommend it, I don't know how the hell I have a perfectly clean record, but I gaurantee I wouldn't have it if I had the v-6 lol. ( just lucky for me my dad gets the Tacoma more often )

[|Rev|]

OH and the prices are high, you should knock em down to 6300 (atleast) on the 2.4L