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Post by skorpiius on Oct 17, 2022 23:50:40 GMT -6
Finally ready to replace my 26 yr old Maxima and a 2nd Gen Aurora is in my short list. A couple questions:
- is there any difference between 2002 and 2003 models? All the ones for sale seem to be these 2 years.
- any difference in the likelyhood of headgasket issues between the v6 and v8?
- are there any exterior clues of whether it has the v6 or v8?
Thanks!
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RCA1186
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Post by RCA1186 on Oct 18, 2022 6:04:47 GMT -6
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Post by Marc on Oct 18, 2022 7:00:42 GMT -6
I have been driving a 2G Aurora 4.0, specifically a 2001, for almost 22 years. There have been no head gasket problems. There is engine ID on the trunk lid. An 8 Cylinder Aurora will have the inscription "Aurora 4.0" there. A 6 cylinder will say "Aurora 3.5". BTW, my 2001 has been the most trouble free car I've ever owned.
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Post by ljhermsen on Oct 18, 2022 14:18:41 GMT -6
If I'm not mistaking, the hood and trunk lid on the V8's are aluminum.
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Post by skorpiius on Oct 18, 2022 15:00:09 GMT -6
If I'm not mistaking, the hood and trunk lid on the V8's are aluminum. Oo interesting. That's also useful since if I were to end up with a V6 I could potentially compensate a bit for the lower power if I were to lighten the car with a V8 hood and trunk. |
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Post by skorpiius on Oct 18, 2022 15:00:27 GMT -6
I have been driving a 2G Aurora 4.0, specifically a 2001, for almost 22 years. There have been no head gasket problems. There is engine ID on the trunk lid. An 8 Cylinder Aurora will have the inscription "Aurora 4.0" there. A 6 cylinder will say "Aurora 3.5". BTW, my 2001 has been the most trouble free car I've ever owned. Good to know, thanks! |
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Post by Marc on Oct 18, 2022 15:11:21 GMT -6
OK!
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Post by skorpiius on Oct 18, 2022 15:14:05 GMT -6
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Post by kbpickle on Oct 19, 2022 6:54:53 GMT -6
More info on hood and trunk lids:
All hoods, all years, all models - -aluminum. No visual clues to distinguish between models/years.
Trunk lids: One piece aluminum for V8 in 2001, 2002. Two piece steel for all V6 and 2003 V8. Visual clues: if you see a one piece trunk lid it's a 2001 or 2002 V8.
Also, I believe I've read on this board that the opening spring arrangement for the trunk lid is different for the steel lids vs the aluminum lids (different weights).
kbpickle
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Paulaurora
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Post by Paulaurora on Oct 19, 2022 16:46:49 GMT -6
2003 had a lot more improvement of the engine. 2003 had improved design and added gaskets for example inside side mirrors where motor is. 2003 will rust a lot less than prev models. V6 will have more issues with engine ( burning oil) and Trans( hard shifts common issue) in long run than v8. The radio harness in 2003 is regular wires unlike in 2001 -2002 is thin ribbon cable. So much easier to add after market radio. 2003 pcv valve design was changed. So ye a lot little improvements compare to 2001-2002 models. Head gaskets can be an issue on v6 and v8 at random depends how the car was taking care of. My intrigue with same v6 engine as in aurora went up to 215k miles while my Moms v6 Aurora had head gasket issue at 90k.
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Post by AuroraGirlFromMars on Nov 1, 2022 6:56:26 GMT -6
If you get a V6, prepare to keep oil in the car. I kept a 12 quart case. 400 miles a quart is where she was in the end.
If you get a V8, try and see if it had headgasket and stud work done. if it has, awesome. if it hasnt, look for careful ownership, coolant servicing, and no neglect.
The 4t65e is good, they seem to have a weird thing with input speed sensor drama on the 3.5
The 4t80e is gooder, it weighs about more than the v8 its behind
The 3.5 was a cool car, engine to own. but I wish I had a car that had better Previous owners, my car clearly had extended intervals for oil changes, because sludge was real evident. Then eventually it didnt have oil pressure at idle, so I sold her. It was good car, I got it cheap, it taught me a LOT about cars. Almost as much as now my park avenue has.
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Post by Marc on Nov 1, 2022 13:54:21 GMT -6
careful ownership, coolant servicing, and no neglect. What I've done with my 2001 4.0. |
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Post by AuroraGirlFromMars on Nov 8, 2022 0:12:43 GMT -6
careful ownership, coolant servicing, and no neglect. What I've done with my 2001 4.0. a happy aurora is a loved aurora is a happy aurora owner  |
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