Emergency Flasher Switch repaired under manufacturers recall. Cost $0.00
Shocks and Struts at 200,000 miles. Cost 340.00 (ebay)
Starter replaced at 212,000 miles. Cost $127.00 (ebay)
Intake manifold gasket replaced & Head gaskets replaced at 293,000 miles (elective). Cost $1400.00
Transmission overhauled 327,000 miles. Cost $1095.00
Tires every 75,000 miles. General Maintenance
Oil change every 12,000 miles (Castrol Syntec). General Maintanance
Transmission oil change every 200,000 miles (Amsoil Synthetic). General Maintenance
Front power window switches/regulators wore out years ago and have never replaced. A/c blower switch only works on medium high and High. Minor inconveniences though.
Very pleased with this vehicle. I am still driving on a daily basis with a weekly commute to work of 1100 miles round trip. This is used as a daily driver, complete with trailer hitch for hauling twin seadoo trailer. Still gets 28.4 mpg. Does not burn any oil between changes (12,000 mile oil changes). Have written GM congratulating them on the reliability and design of this vehicle. There only comment was that it was not unusual for Loyal GM customers to contact them with 500k up to 1 million miles on there cars. I answered yeah, right... And how many engines and how old were these vehicles. In return for my letter of commendation of their engineering GM sent me a free oil change. I returned their certificate with a note reading "The only reason this vehicle has performed as it has is that I have been using 100% Synthetic oil since day one. Thanks for the certificate, but save it for somebody who uses your service centers."
"Excellent, wish I could buy another"
- You can't buy another Alero or any other new Olds anymore, thanks to the GREAT BRAINS at GM!
Just rolled over 400,000 miles and still going strong...
I have decided not to tempt fate any longer. This Alero has been turned into a household 3rd vehicle (an extra in case primary vehicle is down) It is still a good car but its appearance has become very stressed. This car presently has 442,000 miles on its original engine, and it still does not use any oil between oil changes. Oil change cycle is still every 12,000 miles.
You can't buy this car anymore, but you can buy similar cars. The new Malibu, G6 and Aura are very similar and probably even better engineered.
My Alero drives like a brand new car at 123k miles. It's good to know there is plenty of life left in it.
Also, the fan speed problem is an easy fix. You need a new resistor set. They are $17 at Autozone.
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