Question on Aurora's!

[cruzer69]

This is my first post.. just looking for some general knowledge on these awesome cars!!

Ok so i learned to drive on an aurora and i have been seeing on ebay alot of pretty good deals. was the 4.0 the only available engine in these things in the mid to late 90's? when did they switch to the option of the smaller engine or larger engine9which ever it was)? what are the opinions of the best years? best place to get one?

thanks
spence

[omegaic]

The 4.0L northstar was the only option between 95 and 99. 01-02 had the 3.5L shortstar V6 as well as the newer 4.0L. Olds dropped the 3.5L option for 2003.

Having driven both the classic (duh, I own one!) and kobalt's 3.5L gen2, both of them are fantastic cars. I would look for a gen2 if I wanted a sportier ride, it definately has more road feel. Everything seems to be a little tighter.

Personally, I prefer a softer ride. The classic deals with road imperfections like seams and potholes in a more comfortable fashion. That's important to me because as many can attest, NJ roads are really bad.

The best thing to do is find a couple local dealers that have auroras on the lot, and go for a test drive to see which one suits you better. Also, spend the extra $$$ for lower miles, it usually pays off in the end.

[kobalt]

omegaic said:

...spend the extra $$$ for lower miles, it usually pays off in the end.

I can't stress this enough. Auroras are known to be reliable cars but you are looking at paying luxury prices to maintain this luxury car. Spending a bit more for a car with less milage is usually cheaper than fixing up a higher milage one. But in the end it all depends on the previous owner's driving/maintenance habits. I suggest looking for a car with full maintenace records and/or low milage.

[Aurora40]

cruzer69 said:

what are the opinions of the best years?

I'm pretty sure the group concensus is that the best ones were the red 2002 models. ;D

Seriously, though, I think if you go with a classic design, the 1997 and definitely 98-99 are the most likely to be trouble-free. Which is not to say that there aren't excellent 1995-96 cars out there. Nor that there aren't crappy 1997-99's out there. Just that the later cars are probably a safer bet. Same goes for the new model car. The later 2001's seem to have fewer problems, and 2002-3's seem to have very few. Though many of the problems should be one-time things, like the bad crank sensors or the glove box that eats paper, etc.

As said, proper maintenance is the key with these cars. Welcome to the board and good luck!

[Marc]

cruzer69 said:

Ok so i learned to drive on an aurora

That is an excellent way to learn how to drive. I am one
of the oldest members of this board, and when I learned
how to drive, it was on 1940s vintage cars


__________________

GM!!! BRING BACK OLDS!!!

[Mr. Javi]

I would say go with a 1999 Classic Aurora, low miles.

Or if you like the Second Generation Aurora 2002 or 2003 models.

Which ever one you decide on make sure they have the V8, it has it's advantages.


[glow=red,2,300]Javi.[/glow]

[JimW]

Also, if you want to get the Classic Aurora (95-99) be prepared to use premium octane gasoline. She drinks like a fish in the winter, but gets incredible gas mileage on the open road (where its meant to be).

The reason the car needs 90+ is due to the high compression ratio of the engine (10.3:1). Another thing to look for in the Classic is something called the Autobahn performance package. V-rated tires, 3.71 revvy gears and 140 mph speed limiter (as opposed to 108 ish)

Good luck with whatever you do and welcome.

[cruzer69]

Thanks for the opinions on the advantages of the years.

Why do i keep reading that they guzzle gas in the winter?

What is the reason of using 90+ octane?

THanks
Spence

[JimW]

JimW said:

The reason the car needs 90+ is due to the high compression ratio of the engine (10.3:1).

/\ only applies to Classics (95-99)

All cars drink more gas in the extreme cold due to the increased demand on the cars systems as well as increased idle times (gotta warm up the car right?)

[cruzer69]

understandable on the use of gas. so on the classics from 95-99 it is best to use 90+ octane.

alright, thanks for the help guys. hopefully i will be getting one very soon and i will post pics as soon as i find one.

spence

[JimW]

You'll find many many threads on this site pertaining to the use of premium fuel in the Classic Aurora. But for proper fuel economy and proper performance 90+ octane is required. The 2nd generation (2001+) doesnt require premium due to the lower 10.1:1 compression.

Good luck with your search!