How long do they last?

[TheEdgeofSanity]

i have the option to buy a '99 alero for $300. i'd prolly use it as a donor car for mine since the paint color and interior is the same and all. it's been rear-ended so thats why its so cheap and the car has 130K on it. i was thinking of driving it as-is for the winter and saving my '00 alero from the crappy michigan winter and then taking the parts off it that i need in the spring. does this car have much life left in it or is it on its last leg?

[troyertrain]

hell, for $300 the parts alone are worth that. if the engine runs at all, and the front/interior are descent, then i would say go for it. you can always part it out if it dies, as the complete interior alone would get at least $300...

[TheEdgeofSanity]

yeah, the interior is in surprisingly good shape other than someone tore the vinyl off the passenger air bag. its got new tires and battery as well. like i said, the exterior is pretty rusted/crashed but at least the decklid is good and thats what i'm gonna need so its fine for me. isn't parting a car out a big hassle though? i was thinking of just cleaning it up after swapping out the parts and putting it for sale in the spring as $500 o.b.o and taking what i bought it for.

[nickbain]

if its got the 2.4 in it (I'm assuming it does since its posted in the 2.4 specific section) Headstrong may want it depending on the price and condition of it and the location (I don't know how far apart you guys are, I don't know my US geography very well...)

[TheEdgeofSanity]

nobody's really answered my question yet....how many miles are the 2.4's and their corresponding automatic transmission good for? also, i was wondering if the transmissions in the 2.4's are the same as the 3400's?

[alerored04]

2.4 uses 4t40e 3400 uses 4t45e, very similar just different quality of parts since 2.4 doesnt make same hp as 3.4. If it was treated right the tranny should have 10,000 more in it but who knows, its a hard thing to judge without driving the car, even then its tough.

[nickbain]

damn only 10,000 more? That's not too good.

[[ion] C2]

lol I got 174,700 miles all original engine/trans, and boosted

[cherrington17]

there are more then a few members who have taken the 4cyc close to 200k miles. Its certainly possible. depends on how abused it is.

[[ion] C2]

on j-body there's turbo'd/supercharged 2.4Ls on stock internals over 200,000 mi

[alerored04]

see i was wrong, thats why i try to word vaguly. i meant 10,000 minimum.

[cherrington17]

but for 300... i'd be a little worried about losing parts off of it, as your driving it in the winter... thats a pretty heinous price for such a newer car...

[TheEdgeofSanity]

if you saw the exterior, you'd understand why its so cheap.. the windshield is cracked in like 3 places, the front bumper is crashed, 1 headlight broken, rusted badly, rear bumper held on by paperclips (yes, paperclips). i just wanted it for the wheels, rims, decklid, and some interior parts. I doubt it'd make many more miles because it has been towing things (trailer hitch on back) and the engine compartment looks like something exploded under there. but for $300, i think alot of the steering parts are the same and i could use some spare lights, etc.

[spyhunter]

want to ship me the engine when it kills itself? I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands.

[01silveralero]

Originally Posted by TheEdgeofSanity

i have the option to buy a '99 alero for $300. i'd prolly use it as a donor car for mine since the paint color and interior is the same and all. it's been rear-ended so thats why its so cheap and the car has 130K on it. i was thinking of driving it as-is for the winter and saving my '00 alero from the crappy michigan winter and then taking the parts off it that i need in the spring. does this car have much life left in it or is it on its last leg?

my other one is right around 170,000 miles and still going. she only ate a flywheel and a couple sets of brakes and also think it was a rental/company car at one time because it had no smoking signs over all it.