1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L V8

Summary:

High Performance Luxury Car

Faults:

Radiator went at 132 000km

Front brakes changed at 145 000km Electronic Leveling sensor changed at 146 000km.

General Comments:

Very well appointed, well designed, unique car. Handles well, steering is responsive and easy to handle with Magnasteer.

V8 Northstar is good on gas on the highway, not so good in the city.

Leather is soft and has good life to it.

Definitely nothing similar to it on the road today.

Mechanical issues to be expected for a car of its age and mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2004

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0

Summary:

Low sticker price - high maintenance: good deal overall.

Faults:

In two years: Replaced rear shocks & 1 rear spring - didn't bother fixing the auto load-leveling.

New plugs & wires (ouch!).

Replaced water pump.

Turned front rotors 3 times & replaced 1 tie-rod end.

Repaired wiring in driver's door/under drivers seat for mirror & seat controls.

Current problems include: failed automatic antenna; traction control & ABS that go on and off by whim (guessing a wheel sensor) ; an as yet undiagnosed oil leak; and occasional exhaust smoke after running at highway speed.

General Comments:

Fell in love with this car the first time I saw one and as yet haven't regretted buying one. It is an absolute joy to drive.

Any used car is a bit of a crap-shoot, but so far, the very low purchase cost of this used luxury auto has more than compensated for the on-going repair bills.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2003

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora

Summary:

Will never buy another one!

Faults:

Air Flow sensor went out 2 weeks after purchase. Dealer repaired, but would have been VERY costly.

Tires-400.00 after 1 year-front only. Broken spark plug wire-80.00 and tune up-400.00. Spark plug misfiring 1 week after repaired and ANOTHER crack in wire!

Check Engine light won't turn off and no one can tell me the problem.

Sluggish off the line and the RPM needle bounces-along with the car when at a light, in gear or in neutural.

Rear seat belt inoperable.

Front strut issues, but have not fixed due to cost-1000.00 at a minimum!

General Comments:

WAY TO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR!!!

Comfortable ride when driving well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th November, 2003

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.6

Faults:

Egr valve getting cleaned today if not a new one for around $300 will be put in. Radiator broke 4 months ago, then water pump, then needed new bearings in front driver-side wheel hub. New bearings were $400 for one wheel.

General Comments:

Car rides great. Has good power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd November, 2003

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 V8

Summary:

Great car if you are very rich!

Faults:

Water pump failed twice within 20,000 miles.

Power steering pump failed at 22000 miles.

Rack and Pinion bad at 36,000 miles.

Brake master cylinder and booster replaced at 26,000 miles.

Excessive oil leaks. Ridiculous! Dealer never fixed all the way. Extended Warranty fixed though.

Transmission replaced at 65,000 miles.

Lots and lots of interior gadgets and knobs replaced or fixed. Very Expensive!!

General Comments:

What a sweet looking car! Thank Heavens for an extended warranty! If you are looking at the Aurora I would not buy it. I would at least buy the second generation Auroras. Don't be fooled by the low prices of the 95 - 99 series. They just have horrible resale value. The car is WAY too expensive to operate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2003

1996 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 gas

Summary:

A fast luxurious car

Faults:

Front wheel hub was damaged at 103,000. After this was repaired, the Body Control Module quit working. A pinched wire from the hub replacement may have damaged it. This was a very expensive repair - over $2,000, but still cheaper than a new car.

The transmission speed sensor is intermittent at 130,000 miles. A $18 part that requires the engine and the transmission to be removed to replace the sensor. This has not been replaced. Another great design form Oldsmobile.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car, with lots of driver amenities. There is plenty of room for up to 5 adults, even in the back seat.

There is ample power, and the ride is smooth at speeds over 100 mph. The suspension is set very loose and the feel when cornering is mushy.

Operating cost is hight due to premium gas, 7 quarts of oil and a lot of dealer only repairs.

A very fun car to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th February, 2003

4th Jul 2003, 14:21

I also have a 1996 and the same problem with the "Check Engine Light" staying on due to the same problem--the $18 sensor located in the transmission section. To correct this will cost over $700 unless you wait until transmission needs fixing. This should have been a recall item, but would've cost them too much. I would never give up the great ride.