My $500 Alero [Archive]

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 01:40 PM

$500? buy it from a relative?

Nope. Brought it from a friend's garage. It was sitting at the front parking lot and my dad's friend said "That's a good car to buy" my dad said alright, he went to the mechanic and said "How much is that?" and the mechanic said 500 dollars; My dad thought that he was joking but he was dead serious, the next day he went and got $500 and got it licensed etc. and drove it home.

pimpalero2003

08-26-2010, 01:40 PM

Or motor/tranny blown an yeah body looks amazing!!

Ttop191

08-26-2010, 01:40 PM

sick deal dude...specs on it?

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 01:42 PM

Or motor/tranny blown an yeah body looks amazing!!

Nope, runs like a dream. The only reason why it's so cheap is because it has high km's on it. When my dad brought it, it had 250,XXX km's on it.

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 01:46 PM

sick deal dude...specs on it?

2000 Alero GL3
3400 V6
Gold Package
CD/Cassette Player
Goodyear Eagle RS-A Tires 205/55/R16 (have to upgrade to some 225's)
16" Rims
Cloth Interior
6 Stock speakers in total
Trac Control
Low Tire Pressure device
Fog Lamps

Ttop191

08-26-2010, 01:53 PM

so its a GLS, nice...plan on doing anything with it?

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 01:56 PM

so its a GLS, nice...plan on doing anything with it?

It's not a GLS, there's no chrome rims, or sunroof. It's a GL3. I'm planning to do a coolant flush in the near future. Already changed the air filter, oil, oil filter, topped up the A/C. All I need to do now is the LIMG (it's leaking a little bit) and change the TPS. I already fixed the wheel bearings. I need to do a tune-up badly because it's burning more gas than usual.

Ttop191

08-26-2010, 02:02 PM

Um, unless we have found out something new, last i knew all 3400's were considered GLS...

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 02:04 PM

Um, unless we have found out something new, last i knew all 3400's were considered GLS...

But I thought that all GLS's had chrome rims, sunroof, leather interior, spoiler, and 200 watt speakers?

Ttop191

08-26-2010, 02:13 PM

i'm sorry, you are correct, but o well, not like i drive one anymore don't need to know everything :p

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 02:15 PM

i'm sorry, you are correct, but o well, not like i drive one anymore don't need to know everything :p

I'm one of those technical guys. :lol:

pimpalero2003

08-26-2010, 02:30 PM

I have a 3400 and not a gls no upgraded wheels or leather. Have Leather now

That01Olds

08-26-2010, 04:37 PM

Dang dude the car looks really good. Definitely one of the best looking $500 cars I have ever seen.

hok666

08-26-2010, 05:01 PM

really good deal

kwhauck

08-26-2010, 07:47 PM

no alero's came with chrome rims.....

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 07:57 PM

no alero's came with chrome rims.....

I'm saying that only the GLS came with chrome rims. And mine didn't because Ttop said that all GLS came with the 3400, but he was wrong.

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 07:58 PM

Dang dude the car looks really good. Definitely one of the best looking $500 cars I have ever seen.

Thanks guys for the positive feedback, and it really is a good looking car.

Ttop191

08-26-2010, 07:59 PM

and he's saying no alero's came with chrome lol, polished yes, but no chrome

and i said all 3400 were GLS not all GLS were 3400 lol, the first statement is false, second is true

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 08:03 PM

and he's saying no alero's came with chrome lol, polished yes, but no chrome

and i said all 3400 were GLS not all GLS were 3400 lol, the first statement is false, second is true

Oh is that what they call it? lol. So in Alero trim's there's GX, GL1, GL2, GL3 and GLS or is there no such thing as GL3?

sleepyalero

08-26-2010, 09:07 PM

man thats tight 500$ what a steal! i got a GLS too. :) i like em, even though my thing says like GL or GX member.. idk how to change that haha.

Thewolf

08-26-2010, 09:12 PM

man thats tight 500$ what a steal! i got a GLS too. :) i like em, even though my thing says like GL or GX member.. idk how to change that haha.

I know on Grand Am forums you can change the member thing, and don't ask how I know that lol. Btw, how can you tell if it's a GLS or not?

kwhauck

08-26-2010, 09:58 PM

Oh is that what they call it? lol. So in Alero trim's there's GX, GL1, GL2, GL3 and GLS or is there no such thing as GL3?

ding ding ding........polished aluminum rims, not chrome..........there is a HUGE difference just google it....

That01Olds

08-26-2010, 11:02 PM

Oh is that what they call it? lol. So in Alero trim's there's GX, GL1, GL2, GL3 and GLS or is there no such thing as GL3?

For the 2000 model year the Alero trims were GX, GL1, GL2, GL3, and GLS which were available in either the 2D or 4D version. So yes there was a GL3 lol.

For the 2001 model year the GL3 trim was replaced with the GL4 trim.

Then from the 2002-2004 model years the GL3 and GL4 trims were both dropped making the trims available GX, GL1, GL2, and GLS.

Now as for finding out whether or not your car is a GL3 you can try entering your VIN number in a website like this one and it should decode it and tell you all the info you want about your car.

http://www.decodethis.com/

Hope that helps you out some man.

colonel6632

08-26-2010, 11:23 PM

I know on Grand Am forums you can change the member thing, and don't ask how I know that lol. Btw, how can you tell if it's a GLS or not?

sigh... you can't change it unless your a premium member. if your not, then it just changes by how many posts you have

clutch1

08-27-2010, 12:00 AM

Beauty of a $500 car.

I wanna see some chrome Alero rims.. I always like the stockers. Same with the classic Aurora.

zzyzzx

08-27-2010, 08:58 AM

$500 for an Alero with only ~155,000 miles on it is really cheap. How much was it after tag, title, registration, etc?

Thewolf

08-27-2010, 02:39 PM

For the 2000 model year the Alero trims were GX, GL1, GL2, GL3, and GLS which were available in either the 2D or 4D version. So yes there was a GL3 lol.

For the 2001 model year the GL3 trim was replaced with the GL4 trim.

Then from the 2002-2004 model years the GL3 and GL4 trims were both dropped making the trims available GX, GL1, GL2, and GLS.

Now as for finding out whether or not your car is a GL3 you can try entering your VIN number in a website like this one and it should decode it and tell you all the info you want about your car.

http://www.decodethis.com/

Hope that helps you out some man.

I entered my VIN number and it says "choose which model is closest to your vehicle". I chose GL3. I'm guessing that my Alero is a GL3.

$500 for an Alero with only ~155,000 miles on it is really cheap. How much was it after tag, title, registration, etc?

I've haven't gotten a quote yet.

sleepyalero

08-27-2010, 04:29 PM

I know on Grand Am forums you can change the member thing, and don't ask how I know that lol. Btw, how can you tell if it's a GLS or not?

well GLS i THINK is the gold series Aleros. They come with all gold emblems the "alero" "Oldsmobile" and olds tags are all gold. but my car is 9 years old so they are chrome now all the gold faded off. :P but i like it better with the chrome and black paint then the gold and black.

but idk there could be gls thats not gold series also.

sleepyalero

08-27-2010, 04:29 PM

also on mine came with gold pin strips. but i removed those.

billytheman1188

08-27-2010, 06:57 PM

I wanna see some chrome Alero rims

you might have just inspired me to do that in the future....im gonna get the stock rims chromed!:coolio: :dance1:

zzyzzx

08-27-2010, 10:22 PM

also on mine came with gold pin strips. but i removed those.

Mine came with white pin stripes, but I also removed them.

cherrington17

08-27-2010, 10:32 PM

i have a GL with a 3400. no features at all, except the v6. :glare:

nice catch for $500. I'd replace the LIMG gaskets in that tune up. with that many miles, replacing the gaskets is only a matter of time anyway, plus you'll be sure to not have a coolant issue later on. (or coolant/oil issue)

clutch1

08-28-2010, 12:09 AM

you might have just inspired me to do that in the future....im gonna get the stock rims chromed!:coolio: :dance1:

Good call, do it!

Christato71

08-28-2010, 09:55 AM

nice looking alero!

Alerojester

08-28-2010, 11:24 AM

i have an LD9 with black pinstripes and nothing special just power locks and traction control

Thewolf

08-28-2010, 07:47 PM

also on mine came with gold pin strips. but i removed those.

Mine came with gold pinstripes too.

i have a GL with a 3400. no features at all, except the v6. :glare:

nice catch for $500. I'd replace the LIMG gaskets in that tune up. with that many miles, replacing the gaskets is only a matter of time anyway, plus you'll be sure to not have a coolant issue later on. (or coolant/oil issue)

It's about $600 dollars to replace the LIMG. Some places are more.

cherrington17

08-28-2010, 08:20 PM

Mine came with gold pinstripes too.

It's about $600 dollars to replace the LIMG. Some places are more.

do it yourself. awesome link in my sig. Its not hard, just time consuming.

Thewolf

08-28-2010, 08:26 PM

do it yourself. awesome link in my sig. Its not hard, just time consuming.

Here's a even better link: http://d-tips.com/General/Articles/article.aspx?id=/free/How%20to/Chevrolet%203.4%20intake%20manifold%20Gasket/art10.art

I can probably do it for around 300 dollars but I'm afraid that I might screw up the pushrods.

Malibu369258

08-28-2010, 08:46 PM

Here's a even better link: http://d-tips.com/General/Articles/article.aspx?id=/free/How%20to/Chevrolet%203.4%20intake%20manifold%20Gasket/art10.art

I can probably do it for around 300 dollars but I'm afraid that I might screw up the pushrods.

As long as you have time on your hands and somewhat mechanically inclined, you'll be fine... you can get paranoid about it and label every single piece you disconnect or remove... and even take pictures.

It's a great learning experience for sure though!

BTW great looking car for the price.

Thewolf

08-28-2010, 11:16 PM

As long as you have time on your hands and somewhat mechanically inclined, you'll be fine... you can get paranoid about it and label every single piece you disconnect or remove... and even take pictures.

It's a great learning experience for sure though!

BTW great looking car for the price.

I can do it myself if I want, but there's one problem...I don't think that they sell the metal LIM gasket in Canada. Only the plastic ones. I've heard that autozone in the states sells the metal gasket.

you might have just inspired me to do that in the future....im gonna get the stock rims chromed!:coolio: :dance1:

To me the polished alero rims looks chromed to me, that's why I said that it was chromed and not polished. It'll be pretty cool to see the alero rims chromed, probably the first to do that.

Rexter9x

08-29-2010, 01:09 PM

You can get the metal lim gaskets here in ontario. They should be fairly easy to find too

cherrington17

08-29-2010, 01:32 PM

you just need the felpro part number. I'm sure that number doesn't change, internationally.

and for the pushrods. take them out, and lay them on something soft (large rag, newspaper..etc. in the exact order you removed them. then reassemble the exact same way.

I had a friend help, who had more engine experience then me, but then when i saw how... i was embarassed i didn't do it myself.(he was there for mostly just pushrod help, i did damn near everything else myself) Took one full day...and i'm VERY green with engines.

Thewolf

08-30-2010, 02:19 PM

I'll probably do it myself then. I'll have to get a torque wrench first though. But does that metal gasket come with the gasket alone or does it come with the complete kit?

Ttop191

08-30-2010, 02:26 PM

http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/1996-2005-3400-and-2000-3100-intake-manifold-gasket-set/prod_118.html

Thewolf

08-30-2010, 03:43 PM

http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/1996-2005-3400-and-2000-3100-intake-manifold-gasket-set/prod_118.html

Thanks for all the help.

Ttop191

08-30-2010, 03:46 PM

no problem, I'm sure Ben would be willing to give you a few tips as well :thumb:

billytheman1188

08-30-2010, 04:49 PM

probably the first to do that.

Yup :) Along with the pacesetter exhaust on a 3400...hehe. BTW if your in the market for an exhaust and want something that will last and works best for you....go with a 2.25in pipe and dont go pacesetter....it will rot out in a year and a half...lol. it sounds good, worked good...only thing is it was a 2.5in which you dont really need unless you plan on building your motor....so....your options are....custom exhaust, borla(most expensive) or pacesetter (which you will have to replace in a year and a half....)...i have the borla now...sounds good...especially after its broken in ;)

Good luck! Happy modding :)

kwhauck

08-30-2010, 05:49 PM

don't be a kitten, go with 2.5 or go home...

Thewolf

08-30-2010, 07:19 PM

Yup :) Along with the pacesetter exhaust on a 3400...hehe. BTW if your in the market for an exhaust and want something that will last and works best for you....go with a 2.25in pipe and dont go pacesetter....it will rot out in a year and a half...lol. it sounds good, worked good...only thing is it was a 2.5in which you dont really need unless you plan on building your motor....so....your options are....custom exhaust, borla(most expensive) or pacesetter (which you will have to replace in a year and a half....)...i have the borla now...sounds good...especially after its broken in ;)

Good luck! Happy modding :)

I am in the market for a exhaust. I want to hear that V6 roar or should I say rasp lol. How much is that Borla exhaust? around 800 dollars? And which one is better a full complete exhaust system with a high-flow cat or just a muffler tip for the sound?

Ttop191

08-31-2010, 12:44 AM

I am in the market for a exhaust. I want to hear that V6 roar or should I say rasp lol. How much is that Borla exhaust? around 800 dollars? And which one is better a full complete exhaust system with a high-flow cat or just a muffler tip for the sound?

go all out full set up

billytheman1188

08-31-2010, 10:25 AM

go all out full set up

x2. borla is stainless steel so it wont rust out like the pacesetter. u can buy the borla for around $800 or just buy a muffler and bring ur car to an exhaust shop near you and have them make an exhaust....dont just do a muffler...1.it wont do shit for you except make the car sound like POO and 2. u will never hear the end of it on here:lol:

Thewolf

08-31-2010, 03:31 PM

x2. borla is stainless steel so it wont rust out like the pacesetter. u can buy the borla for around $800 or just buy a muffler and bring ur car to an exhaust shop near you and have them make an exhaust....dont just do a muffler...1.it wont do shit for you except make the car sound like POO and 2. u will never hear the end of it on here:lol:

There's enough fighting here so might as well do a full complete exhaust. lol

whiterider00

09-01-2010, 01:11 AM

i dont see how having just an aftermarket muffler will make the car sound bad. when i first got my alero, i installed a borla muffler, mainly because i couldnt afford the entire exhaust system being redone,and i also planned on getting a header(2.4), and didnt want to have to go to the exhaust place more than once. that was a couple years ago, and ive still got just the muffler (still have more important things to pay for than exhaust), and it sounds quite good. i also did notice a slight performance increase, whether or not it is in my head, i dont know.

Thewolf

09-01-2010, 04:06 PM

JunkProwler

09-01-2010, 05:51 PM

http://www.finishlinewheels.com/OLDSMOBILE/ALERO/2000/A-06036U85/

Chrome. I've seen a car with them in real life, but they were the 16" ones with more squarish spokes. Unless she bought them after she got the car, but i doubt it. She didn't even change her oil.

kwhauck

09-01-2010, 10:35 PM

Thewolf

09-02-2010, 03:47 PM

Thewolf

09-03-2010, 11:28 AM

In details this is exactly what options I have on my Alero, taken from this link: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-oldsmobile-alero-4dr-sdn-gl3-options.htm

-P225/50VR16 ALL-SEASON PERFORMANCE SBR BSW TIRES
(REQ: R7X Sport Pkg)
-CLOTH TRIM
(STD)
-ETR AM/FM STEREO W/CASSETTE/COMPACT DISC/AUTO TONE CONTROL
-inc: seek-scan, auto-reverse, 6-speaker Dimensional Sound system, digital clock
-16" SILVER ALUMINUM WHEELS
(REQ: R7X Sport Pkg)
-remote keyless entry, foglamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob
-inc: P225/50VR16 performance tires, 16" silver aluminum wheels, performance sport suspension system
-PWR 6-WAY DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER
-GOLD PKG
-inc: front/rear emblems, rear panel lettering

kwhauck

09-03-2010, 12:19 PM

Thewolf, here is another cool site you could check out.........http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29731&highlight=rare

Thewolf

09-03-2010, 08:12 PM

"There are 2 2000 ALERO GL SED 4 DR vehicles (0.002%) matching your exact options list. There are 4 (0.004%) with at least as many options."

And thank you very much cherrington for helping me out with the bulb numbers.

cherrington17

09-03-2010, 08:29 PM

Thewolf

09-03-2010, 08:42 PM

Lol. I replaced both the fog light bulbs, outer turn signals, the 194 rear parking lights and all 3 921 rear 3rd brake lights. Mannn whoever owned this car before never did anything with it!. They couldn't change a simple bulb?