scottydl
Super Moderator 
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
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Post by scottydl on Jun 29, 2004 2:34:10 GMT -6
Hi all! I'm possibly in the market for a used Aurora soon, thanks to (1) an unfortunate engine fire in my Bonneville, which will probably be totalled, and (2) reading all about Jim W's Aurora at www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum. I'm most interested in a 98 or 99 model year, with low miles. I hail from central Illinois, and I'm learning that there aren't many classic Auroras available in my area. Any, and I mean ANY tips on finding an Aurora... recommendations on certain years... or anything else you can think of is much appreciated! |
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Post by JimW on Jun 29, 2004 9:11:44 GMT -6
hey Scott Welcome to ACNA, I'm not much of a sales men, but you should be able to get some good objective information from members here. Good luck with the decision  |
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Post by Aurora40 on Jun 29, 2004 11:30:38 GMT -6
What, is the Bonneville like a gateway car to Aurora ownership? Olds should have given away old bonnies for free, then charged them when they came back for an Aurora...
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Post by JimW on Jun 29, 2004 11:44:44 GMT -6
You'd be suprised how many Bonneville owners have asked me about Aurora.
I'm starting to think it is a gateway car
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Post by Amanda on Jun 29, 2004 12:02:47 GMT -6
Aurora's are just great cars in general. I own a 95 the first year the aurora was available and it's completely comprable to most other luxury cars out there. I chose the 95 Aurora over a 96 Mark VIII and 97 Eldorado. Like any car test drive a couple and see how it fits with you... the first Aurora I saw I wasn't *hides* overly thrilled with. It wasn't until I went and sat in one I never wanted to get out of one...  This is a great resource and I am sure anyone of us would be willing to help you out if you have any specific questions... |
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Post by omegaic on Jun 29, 2004 19:11:16 GMT -6
The Aurora is a real driver's car. Everything about it connects you directly to the road. The layout of the controls, the feel of the suspension, everything is just right. Olds outdid themselves with the Aurora.
Anyway, since you want an Aurora with lower mileage, you pretty much rule out most of the pre-1998 models. Granted you could get lucky (My '98 had 43000 miles when I got it 1 year ago.) Have you considered which generation you wanted? Have you driven an Aurora yet?
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Post by RADEoN on Jul 4, 2004 23:50:23 GMT -6
older gens are all around better imo, if i could afford either, i would get generation 1
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 5, 2004 9:07:57 GMT -6
older gens are all around better imo, if i could afford either, i would get generation 1 Have you driven both? |
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Post by JimW on Jul 5, 2004 11:37:41 GMT -6
haha! You could see that question comin from a mile away |
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Post by Newbie on Jul 9, 2004 14:30:53 GMT -6
I am also looking at an Aurora. It is a 2001. A friend told me that I should stay away as they are having electrical problems. Any feedback? I really like the car and I am getting a very good price ( I think). What does the group think I should pay for a 2001 with 28,000 ( in mint condition as it is a Florida car)
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Post by JimW on Jul 9, 2004 14:33:59 GMT -6
I believe that our members Marc and Aurora40 will be able to assist you.
Post a thread in 2001+ Mech and Maint
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Post by Newbie on Jul 9, 2004 14:36:18 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by RADEoN on Jul 9, 2004 20:03:46 GMT -6
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 10, 2004 9:31:12 GMT -6
Do tell, then. What were all the better things? I would certainly say each has strenghts over the other and it depends on what you prefer. But one is all-around better than the other? Really? Losing 160+ lbs isn't better? A larger interior isn't better? 17" wheels aren't better? (and forget about things like rain-sensing wipers, stability control, side airbags, etc) Give me a break... |
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Post by RADEoN on Jul 10, 2004 12:31:40 GMT -6
I just think its a better car, I like the skin, I like the body style better. I like the interior better. I like the car better.
I don't need to explain myself you anyone, let alone you.
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 10, 2004 13:17:00 GMT -6
I don't need to explain myself you anyone, let alone you. Way to take it personally. And if you don't need to explain yourself to anyone, why post in a forum in the first place?  I just think its a better car, I like the skin, I like the body style better. I like the interior better. I like the car better. Wouldn't it make more sense to say this in the first place, to quantify your opinion? Unlike what you said the first time, this actually has useful info in it. Also, you just did explain yourself when you posted this... |
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Post by omegaic on Jul 10, 2004 18:25:07 GMT -6
Now now, can't we all just get along? I too have driven both generations. Taking everything into consideration (Including my 43,000 miles and the 2001's 28,000 miles) and my '98 just feels...tighter? Noticeably stiffer in the turns. It also appeared to have less wind noise. That 160lbs difference wasn't sound insulation, right? |
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Post by Amanda on Jul 10, 2004 18:52:23 GMT -6
Oy, let's just leave it as a matter of opinion...
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 10, 2004 19:41:19 GMT -6
I too have driven both generations. Taking everything into consideration (Including my 43,000 miles and the 2001's 28,000 miles) and my '98 just feels...tighter? Noticeably stiffer in the turns. It also appeared to have less wind noise. That 160lbs difference wasn't sound insulation, right? Heh, that's funny. My impressions were the opposite. I took a nice 1999 Autobahn black Aurora for a rather extended test drive. It was at a local dealer, so I went on a lot of familiar roads. The car was much softer than mine, and reminded me a fair amount of the Regal. It also had lighter steering. My car was much more composed when pushed. There was a lot more intake noise from the classic than from mine as well. There were nicer touches too, though, like the felt covered A-pillars. Mine are just plastic. And the trip computer is a bit neater, with all the different buttons and the cover, though mine is a bit cleaner with only 3. It's also kinda neat how there are buttons all over the door, and how the trouble lights are on that thin strip around the dash. I never really liked the huge shifter of the classic, and my steering wheel is thick all around whereas the classic is just thick at 10 and 2 (though some people hate thick wheels). At the time, my wife and I were considering one as a replacement for her car. In the end we both felt it would be worth the small difference to get a similar 2001. However, we ended up with the Regal so problem solved. It would be neat to have both gens in the garage, but my wife would have to take the '02, which isn't cool by me. She doesn't like the rear of the classic at all (it's not my fave with the full-width reflector, only certain colors look good with it). But different strokes for different folks. |
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Post by Letitroll98 on Jul 10, 2004 20:18:30 GMT -6
Hey, first post might as well be on a flaming thread. The only reason to go with the classic is cost. I could afford the payments on a brand new car, but after a lifetime of eating depreciation on new cars I prefer to pay cash for a low milage used car. My '98 ran me $8500 with 43k miles on it and drives like a new car. Much better investment than a 60 month loan on a $30k+ car that will incure thousands in depreciation.
I love my Aurora and would recomend the car to anyone. I like the Gen II a little better, just not to the tune of $10-15k more. You may make different value judgements, but I think for most people the real dividing line here is the willingness and/or ability to purchase in a certain price bracket.
However you must be prepared for some gremlins in Gen I's, as this IS a GM product. (Remember, this thread started as a question on recomendations) If you want a perfect, and perfectly bland, car buy a Japanese model. The style and personality of either generation is what sets them apart and drives this pasionate loyalty. So what if I get to show off my car to my mechanic as much as my friends.
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Post by JimW on Jul 11, 2004 0:15:20 GMT -6
As in any car that changes as the model develops and the years progress, changes in architecture and technology will advance the car overall
For me it came down to styling and yes price. I feel the Classic is more of a standout car in its design...more groundbreaking, yet I havent driven a 2001+ so I cant say anything about the ride or power
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Post by omegaic on Jul 11, 2004 16:12:40 GMT -6
In any case, both generations are obviously some of the best cars on the road.
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Post by R4D30N on Aug 25, 2004 23:36:05 GMT -6
the classics stand out in the crowd more... the gen2 ended up looking too much like any of the other cars out there
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Post by olddad on Aug 30, 2004 17:07:52 GMT -6
I would have to say the the flow of the styleing on the classics are one of the best every designed by GM just look at the way it sits in Jims picture and thats just the front it only gets better from there back.The interior is the most comfortable I have been in from caddies to towncars to bemmers the Aurora cant be beat. Havent been in a Gen 2 but havnt wanted to.
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Post by JimW on Aug 30, 2004 17:28:22 GMT -6
We Classic Aurora owners are a stubborn bunch arent we  I've sat in the second gen, the seats are firmer, the seatbelt/headrest is bigger (obstructed my view, cuz I'm only 5'8) but I do like the gage cluster more. Next I need to drive one. But for now, I'll be happy with my curvy, full bodied classic ;D |
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Post by Letitroll98 on Aug 30, 2004 20:26:08 GMT -6
I think this issue is settled, he bought one. (Classic that is) ;D
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scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
|
Post by scottydl on Aug 31, 2004 13:39:39 GMT -6
Yeah, but this thread just won't die! ;D Funny thing is, I'm already thinking about my next car since I know my Classic won't last forever.  It's still a toss-up between a Bonneville GXP and the 2nd-gen Aurora. But hopefully I'll have 4-5 good years (to enjoy my '99 and let the newer cars depreciate) before that decision is necessary! |
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Post by JimW on Aug 31, 2004 14:14:34 GMT -6
Ditto, but I would have a hard time passing up an STS ;D
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This is a great resource and I am sure anyone of us would be willing to help you out if you have any specific questions...
It's still a toss-up between a Bonneville GXP and the 2nd-gen Aurora. But hopefully I'll have 4-5 good years (to enjoy my '99 and let the newer cars depreciate) before that decision is necessary!