1996 Oldsmobile Aurora review from North America
"Gorgeous styling, but expensive maintenance"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Battery needed to be replaced, and only with AC Delco, no aftermarket ($120 battery)
Starter replaced, difficult to do because of location under engine. $675.
Valve cover gaskets leaking.
Oil pan leaking, no gaskets on this particular car so without spending 13 hours labor on a new pan, all I can do is spend 4 hours on re-siliconing the linings to keep the oil in.
Steering column is loose from connections and don't know whether it can be tightened or the whole column needs to be replaced.
A/C compressor has leak and needs to be replaced; dealer charge is $1200!
General comments?
This is a beautiful looking car that is a blast to drive.
It feels more like a V6 than a V8 to me, and actually my V6 Acura Legend has more power. But then again, this is a heavier car.
I have learned all too many times that GM cars last 150,000 miles and that's it. Unfortunately, I see this is the case with the Aurora.
Despite all the expensive maintenance this car needs, it's quite nice and I'm glad I have one of the last Oldsmobiles.
Recommended reviews
  | 1996 - Aurora Gold package 4.0L V8 Northstar Fun to drive when you can actually drive it! |
| A great car if you can afford to maintain it |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 135000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 136000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Calais |
| Date of Entry | 2nd January, 2003 |