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Post by tpunk on Mar 24, 2010 23:37:56 GMT -6
Sorry, Potential buyer just put the BLK/BLK 99 Autobahn in the garage for the night. I bought it this afternoon and drove it 440 miles to its new home in Minnesota. I averaged 24.9 MPG for the trip home. I was happy with that for an autobahn. It now has 72,400 miles. The only thing I can find wrong is the button for the rear window defrost is stuck in and won't release. There is a BLK/BLK 98 with 31,000 miles for sale in California but he wants $7,490.00 for it. I think he will need to come down from that price or he will be waiting a long time. Rick 1999 Aurora 1995 Aurora Haha! Good to see you on the board! You got a good deal on that Aurora, she looked cherry from the pics! I wondered if it may have been someone who was from the forum because he mentioned that the other party (you) had made him do all kinds of research to find out if it was an Autobahn or not. Got word from the insurance today and they want to offer me $5500 for the car. I'm going to try to push for a full $6000, based on my own research of comparables in the area. Hopefully I can squeeze that extra couple of hundred there and then pocket a few hundred on the re-selling of the damaged car to the guy at the body shop and come out with a solid $2500 down payment. I have really grown to like the '03 STS, and found a really nice one in Illinois in particular. Again, it's unfortunately a little pricier than I'd like, sitting right at about $12k. I may still go for it if I can get them to come down to maybe 11 on the price and stretch it over 4 years. I'll keep you all in the loop.
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XJSman89
Administrator
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Post by XJSman89 on Mar 24, 2010 23:58:33 GMT -6
Good to hear it, man. I like the STS myself, it would be a very nice car to have. Best of luck!
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Post by rdebord on Mar 25, 2010 8:40:16 GMT -6
Good luck with the STS. They are great cars. Rick
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Post by intheb0x on Mar 25, 2010 22:12:47 GMT -6
Sevilles have their problems too. My mom has an 2004 Sevilles SLS and its in the shop a lot. So cant say they are more reliable than an Aurora. I love my Aurora's so I dont care what people think. They are classy, elegant, and luxurious/perfection sedan. but aurora vs STS/SLS the sts/sls wins hands down. more power, more luxury, a better and quieter ride. im sure the 4.6 northstar and tranny is more reliable then a 3.5 shortstar and there tranny that is notorious for losing gears. im not trying to argue with you, im glad u love auroras, i love mine to, but it has been a money heap, but i do look at it everyday and think wow it looks so good, rides good. its a nice car. but id take a STS any day, even thou i think the aurora is more of a rare car... id opt for the better ride and more power.
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Post by aj on Mar 25, 2010 22:52:40 GMT -6
^ but you are forgetting the major factor: Oldsmobile was being phased out so that means poor Olds was getting the cheap stuff, if they were not going out they would have been made better quality. But GM gave them the axe.
Dont get me wrong they are nice but a $10,000 dollar price difference between the Aurora and Seeville not much and the AUrora had a lot of stuff standard and better value for the money. For my 15 almost 16 years of ownership of the AUrora couldnt be any better than that. My mom has replaced more things on her 2004 Seville SLS than I have on my 95 Aurora. But my 95 is a great car.
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Post by tpunk on Mar 25, 2010 23:36:34 GMT -6
^ but you are forgetting the major factor: Oldsmobile was being phased out so that means poor Olds was getting the cheap stuff, if they were not going out they would have been made better quality. But GM gave them the axe. Dont get me wrong they are nice but a $10,000 dollar price difference between the Aurora and Seeville not much and the AUrora had a lot of stuff standard and better value for the money. For my 15 almost 16 years of ownership of the AUrora couldnt be any better than that. My mom has replaced more things on her 2004 Seville SLS than I have on my 95 Aurora. But my 95 is a great car. That's a good point, but it still really doesn't make up for the differences that he's pointing out. I'm not advocating either ride over the other (never driven a Seville), but that argument is sort of like saying Kansas would have beat UNI if they had been given better players. Well, that may well be the case, but it doesn't change the fact that they lost. Anyway, here's the latest transgression: Insurance is re-assessing value of the Aurora based on over 10 comparables that I sent them with a price tag of $6k+ The '03 from eBay sold for $4700 - I'm trying to get into talks with them of a buy-out for a cheap price (Shooting for $6k) -- based on personal and professional inspection of the vehicle. So far, no luck. Still waiting to hear back. I'm thinking that they may well not want to sell now, because based on history report I'm guessing they still owe on the car. (Although, it doesn't list a lien -- so I might be wrong).
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Post by Aurora40 on Mar 26, 2010 7:49:38 GMT -6
but aurora vs STS/SLS the sts/sls wins hands down. more power, more luxury, a better and quieter ride. Ehh, sort of depends. The SLS is probably no faster due to the extra weight and lower gearing. Plus the Aurora has a firmer ride than the base Seville. The 2nd gen V8 seems to be within striking distance of the STS's in terms of 1/4 mile performance. Plus the V8 Aurora had things standard like 17" wheels with H-rated tires that were an option on the Seville. A nice STS, sure it's probably a better car than the Aurora, no surprise though. But an average Seville, ehh maybe not. I also prefer the Olds' style over the Seville, both interior and exterior.
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Post by tpunk on Mar 26, 2010 9:19:17 GMT -6
but aurora vs STS/SLS the sts/sls wins hands down. more power, more luxury, a better and quieter ride. Ehh, sort of depends. The SLS is probably no faster due to the extra weight and lower gearing. Plus the Aurora has a firmer ride than the base Seville. The 2nd gen V8 seems to be within striking distance of the STS's in terms of 1/4 mile performance. Plus the V8 Aurora had things standard like 17" wheels with H-rated tires that were an option on the Seville. A nice STS, sure it's probably a better car than the Aurora, no surprise though. But an average Seville, ehh maybe not. I also prefer the Olds' style over the Seville, both interior and exterior. I often wonder about the target market for the Auroras. I mean I think that it's pretty obvious Cadillacs are generally marketed toward, probably, the 45+ crowd. Auroras on the other hand -- especially with the first gen's styling features -- I think is probably aimed at right about a generation younger. 32-45 Year-old mid-level business people, is my guess. I sort of have a hunch that they really went out of their way to market them to women, in fact, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, faster or not isn't a really big issue to me. In fact, I'd rather it be slower than the Aurora and not have such a gas-guzzling 4.6L. Hopefully I don't see a drastic increase in gas consumption if that's the route I go. Probably the only semi-issue I have with the STS at this point.
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Post by roara on Mar 28, 2010 17:29:56 GMT -6
Man I drove some GTPs before I got the Aurora and was absolutely unimpressed. They have that cheap thin leather that I think is much worse than the Aurora. Plus the cheap plastic interior is devestating. I've looked a couple different thing but nothing really hits the price/value ratio of the Aurora: 01-03 Lexus IS300 03 CTS 04-05 Impala SS 02-03 BMW 3series To give you an idea of my payment range I need the following price ranges (based on age and possible financing terms): 01 - $3-4k 02 - $4.5-$5.5k 03-04 - $6-9k 05+ $9.5-12k (MAYBE) Sorry no pics and I doubt I'll see it again -- it's in the lot at the bodyshop awaiting a verdict. On the upside one of the guys at the shop wants to buy it from me so he will probably fix it and keep it in commission. Sorry for your loss! Go with a later year Impala SS. Good old fashioned rear wheel drive LT-1 350! Or keep on the hunt for another 'rora.
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Post by Marc on Mar 28, 2010 18:44:54 GMT -6
There's the Buick Lucerne Super & the Cadillac DTS Performance.
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Post by intheb0x on Mar 29, 2010 1:59:01 GMT -6
i dont really know how much more of a gas hog the 4.6 would be compared to the aurora.
i still think the STS is a better car then the aurora, im talking 2nd gen here also..
after driving a 02ish loaded sts then hopping back into my aurora, my aurora felt cheaper and less luxury.. but the aurora was also what 25k less new??
i liked the aurora dash setup better, but the STS wins with better get up and go, and a much better ride with bump/pothole hits being really quiet/non existent. while in the aurora the ride is good but not the greatest and when u hit bumps they are more noticeable..
i discussed this before in my STS review that perhaps the STS has more insulation and such, thicker metal or something.. but in my eyes it is a more luxurious better automobile then the 2nd gen aurora was.. but it should be anyways since it was 20k or more then the aurora was when it was new.
if you have never driven one, i recommend you do, you can find them around, take one for a spin (STS that is...) and see what your observations are.
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Post by tpunk on Mar 29, 2010 3:22:13 GMT -6
i dont really know how much more of a gas hog the 4.6 would be compared to the aurora. i still think the STS is a better car then the aurora, im talking 2nd gen here also.. after driving a 02ish loaded sts then hopping back into my aurora, my aurora felt cheaper and less luxury.. but the aurora was also what 25k less new?? i liked the aurora dash setup better, but the STS wins with better get up and go, and a much better ride with bump/pothole hits being really quiet/non existent. while in the aurora the ride is good but not the greatest and when u hit bumps they are more noticeable.. i discussed this before in my STS review that perhaps the STS has more insulation and such, thicker metal or something.. but in my eyes it is a more luxurious better automobile then the 2nd gen aurora was.. but it should be anyways since it was 20k or more then the aurora was when it was new. if you have never driven one, i recommend you do, you can find them around, take one for a spin (STS that is...) and see what your observations are. Yeah that's a good call. I really should check out a local STS before I make the trek for the one I'm eying. I've never driven a Cadillac but from what I hear the ride is just incredible. I believe my friend put it as, "it feels like you're not even driving, you're just floating."
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Post by intheb0x on Mar 30, 2010 0:27:23 GMT -6
i dont really know how much more of a gas hog the 4.6 would be compared to the aurora. i still think the STS is a better car then the aurora, im talking 2nd gen here also.. after driving a 02ish loaded sts then hopping back into my aurora, my aurora felt cheaper and less luxury.. but the aurora was also what 25k less new?? i liked the aurora dash setup better, but the STS wins with better get up and go, and a much better ride with bump/pothole hits being really quiet/non existent. while in the aurora the ride is good but not the greatest and when u hit bumps they are more noticeable.. i discussed this before in my STS review that perhaps the STS has more insulation and such, thicker metal or something.. but in my eyes it is a more luxurious better automobile then the 2nd gen aurora was.. but it should be anyways since it was 20k or more then the aurora was when it was new. if you have never driven one, i recommend you do, you can find them around, take one for a spin (STS that is...) and see what your observations are. Yeah that's a good call. I really should check out a local STS before I make the trek for the one I'm eying. I've never driven a Cadillac but from what I hear the ride is just incredible. I believe my friend put it as, "it feels like you're not even driving, you're just floating." Agreed. if you check some of the recent test drives ive taken, the 2006 DTS i drove felt like a modernized aurora, under the hood looked exactly the same, sounded the same. only difference is newer interior, more "doo-dads", and the faster you drove the better the ride was.. it was kinda crazy actually. the current gen sts i drove felt nothing like a caddy engine wise. the cvt or whatever they use makes the engine seem to have alot more life then the northstars we are use too, i was pretty impressed actually, and the power was alot more hands on then more down stream. the last gen sts i drove, the one your looking into was nice, i posted a review on that also. like i said above it was a couple notches above the aurora, but was always meant to be.. it was the ride that impressed me, along with the quietness of the inside of the car, the motor was hard to hear, kinda nice actually. if your looking for a more bang for your buck but at the same time a better car then the aurora, id def take the last gen sts for a ride, perhaps 2 different onces so u can see if one isnt as good as the other to get the best impression.
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Post by tpunk on Mar 30, 2010 2:21:10 GMT -6
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XJSman89
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Post by XJSman89 on Mar 30, 2010 6:30:07 GMT -6
She looks damaged, sure, but not totaled! Again, what a shame. Sorry man!
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Post by Marc on Mar 30, 2010 7:52:58 GMT -6
Sure doesn't look totaled, does she? Looks repairable to me!
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Post by intheb0x on Mar 30, 2010 17:41:56 GMT -6
Wow, i see alot of newer cars/suvs and such that are in way WORSE wrecks and the air bags dont deploy.
i think insurance companies automatically total a car when the bags deploy.
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Post by tpunk on Mar 30, 2010 19:01:27 GMT -6
Wow, i see alot of newer cars/suvs and such that are in way WORSE wrecks and the air bags dont deploy. i think insurance companies automatically total a car when the bags deploy. The actual metal bumper bar was impacted pretty badly, according to the shop, which is what set off the bags. He claims that the plastic bumper must have been more damaged and popped out. To be honest, it happened at night and I'm not too sure. The biggest problem is that it just did a little bit of damage to a lot of pieces. I would have basically needed the entire front clip, windshield and dash replaced along with work on the hood. Plus the 2 airbags and module add up to like $2500. And of course, painting is more expensive because it's got the three-stage pearl coat. I got the full report, it was a LOT of parts. Definitely repairable, but not worth it from my end. As much as I loved the car and hate to see her go in such condition, like I mentioned in the first post I think I kind of dodged a bullet. I'm sure the head gasket was on the way out, as per the described oil/coolant issues, and she had just cracked 100k on the odo. I ended up getting $5700 from the insurance. Probably more than I could have sold her for (especially with the issues I mentioned), and certainly more than I would have gotten in a trade in. If you're wondering, no, I did not intentionally wreck it to collect the insurance. I'm just trying to see the upside of a bad situation.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2010 20:00:44 GMT -6
what kind of accident where you in? I don't think you ever told us. Definately looks repairable and that guy at the shop is getting a helluva car for next to nothing.
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Post by tpunk on Apr 5, 2010 4:03:57 GMT -6
I hit a telephone pole. I wasn't going very fast on impact (obviously) -- but it was a dead-on collision so, like I said, it bent up the metal bumper pretty good and deployed the bags.
I don't doubt at all that it's repairable. But I do doubt that it's repairable for a decent cost. Like I said, it's a small amount of damage to a lot of pieces. Most of them would need replaced and/or repainted.
As far as the hunt goes, I'm still in talks with the guy regarding the STS, but I'm not sold on it. He doesn't really want to haggle at all with the price, which always kind of puts a sour taste in my mouth.
I've found another Blk/blk '03 Aurora that seems to be nice. 75k on the clock. I pounced on it as soon as it popped up online, and they haven't even run it through inspection yet. They just took it in on a trade so I've definitely got my finger in the pie before anyone else. I'm waiting for the inspection to go through and to get some pictures and that may be the route I end up taking.
As I mentioned earlier, Auroras near the same year/mileage as a Seville are generally about 2k cheaper, so it will be a little lighter on my wallet to go that route. Plus, I know I love Auroras. Never driven/dealt with a Seville. And I also put a lot of stock in Auroras' ability to run just about forever, as evidenced by the huge number of 1st gens with 150k+ that are still running strong.
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Post by aj on Apr 6, 2010 16:47:54 GMT -6
Well hopefully you will be able to find a great car that you can depend on and get a great deal on. And Aurora's will last forever if properly maintained like you already know that.
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Post by tpunk on Apr 12, 2010 22:30:56 GMT -6
Well hopefully you will be able to find a great car that you can depend on and get a great deal on. And Aurora's will last forever if properly maintained like you already know that. Thanks for the kind words AJ. It's been a long and stressful fight with insurance and different dealerships, but I think I've found it. I have a deposit on a car approximately 6 hours away, they're holding it for me until I can make the trip on Wednesday. Although you may be able to guess already what it is based on my recent crooning over a certain color combo, I'll keep it a secret until I get it (unless there's something wrong with it). Thanks for all of your guys help so far!
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Post by rvrrat on Apr 13, 2010 9:11:53 GMT -6
Black on Black rora perhaps??
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Post by tpunk on Apr 15, 2010 2:28:19 GMT -6
Well, I just finally got home. It was a really long drive. Made for an incredibly long day. But, I'm happy to say that everything worked out. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Here's a teaser. More pics to come:
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XJSman89
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Post by XJSman89 on Apr 15, 2010 5:57:30 GMT -6
Looks awesome, man! I can't wait to see it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2010 10:06:17 GMT -6
looks like a taurus to me! ;D
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Post by aldrichd on Apr 15, 2010 10:41:24 GMT -6
Are those Final 500 wheels??? Nah couldn't be. The half picture makes the car look like a 2 door.
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fatjock
Aurora Groupie
Reality is an illusion caused by lack of alcohol
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Post by fatjock on Apr 16, 2010 13:46:59 GMT -6
Looks good so far!
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Post by Mr. Javi on May 8, 2010 8:35:17 GMT -6
Sorry to hear about your loss, I remember when I had to go through something likes before. Good luck with whatever you decide to settle on.
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Post by cbburtraw on May 10, 2010 12:56:08 GMT -6
Love the color on the new whip! I dont think you will miss your old one TOO much with that one
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