1998 Oldsmobile Aurora review from North America
"The car is comfortable and fun to drive, but the maintenance costs are becoming too much for me"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The driver's side window stopped operating at about 45000 miles.
A mysterious tapping noise (not unlike the sound of a card stuck in the spokes of a bicycle) developed around 55000 miles. It turned out to be the hubs and cost about $1,700 to fix.
Now I am told that the a/c compressor has died at about 60000 miles.
General comments?
The car is by far the most comfortable ride I've ever had. It handles beautifully on the road, although it is difficult to parallel park and get into tight spaces (obviously).
Aside from its size, my only problem with the car is its reliability. I've had the car for only 18 months and already it's been in the shop three times for separate problems, with repair bills/estimates amounting to more than $4,000. Is this just the way it is with American luxury cars? Is this normal? My other car is a '94 Toyota Corolla wagon and it just keeps going (125,000 miles) virtually without any maintenance at all. I'd like to keep the Aurora as a touring car (for that purpose, it is unmatched), but the maintenance costs keep adding up. Can anyone out there give me comfort that these problems are typical at this mileage and things will settle down on the repair front?
Recommended reviews
| 1999 - Aurora 4.0 V8 Northstar Reliable, few problems until now, enjoy car |
|
| 1997 - Aurora 4.0L 32 Valve Northstar The best/most expensive car to maintain that I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1999 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura Integra |
| Date of Entry | 22nd September, 2005 |