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Post by tedhontz on Jul 17, 2004 20:41:05 GMT -6
ok, hi, my name is Ted. I'm 24 years old. I have owned 9 mustang 5.0 cars in the past with no regret. However, with a kid and wife now, my car needs are different. I currently drive a 2003 Hyundai, yes i know, Hyundai Elantra GLS. I did get the stick shift and for the money, its been a good car. My wife is getting a new car. We decided we both loved the Aurora so much we'd get one and take turns driving it. I know this will eventually lead to me getting one on my own. So, here is what I need help on. I haven't purchased one yet. Do I really want the Autobahn edition? I have no desire to go over 108mph, I have enough prior tickets with my mustangs. Is there any engine or tranny difference in the car? Im looking for a used and affordable one. 95,96,97 most likely. What should I look for in buying on and what should I watch out for? Is one year better than the other? etc... Please help so I don't make a dumb move. All I know about this car is from the mixed reviews I read on MSN autos. I still want one though, even though there have been many complaints on the electrical, tranny, and leaks section. Again, please help......I think this will be a fun thing for me to get into and possibly soup it up a tad Thanks!
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Post by erw38 on Jul 17, 2004 20:54:28 GMT -6
Welcome Ted!
I'd look into getting a 97. Its bound to have lees miles on it then a 95 or 96. I have a 97 and its been good to me so far. I've have to replace the wires and plugs, radiator and change brakes. That's all as of today. I think you will really be happy with the Autobahn package. Eventhough you say that you are not going to be a speed demon with this car now (not will you ever be) its fun to have. Its fun to have on lond streaches of isolated road or maybe you just want to get to a stoplight a little quicker or get home 5 minutes earlier. I didn't even know what the "Autobahn package" was before I got my car, but I now now the it is fun thing to have. Some people here can tell you tons of different and more exciting things about it, but I think its sounds cool when you know that your car actually has a top speed of 140mph and that 140mph speedometer is of actual use. All that said, only you can weigh the pros and cons. But, if you want my 2 cents, I say go for it. After all you are only 24! ;D ;D
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Post by JimW on Jul 18, 2004 0:13:58 GMT -6
Welcome Ted, you and I are roughly the same age and with similar concerms. However, its not necessary to experience the Autobahn package and not enjoy the vehilcle. Autobahn gives you a higher gearing ratio (3.71 as opposed to 3.48) in the standard Aurora. V-rated tires are more expensive to replace then standard H-rated. And yes the higher governor.
I like the Autobahn, simply for the more gutsy acceleration.
Personally, the electrical and oil leaks are most of the problems I have heard of, however I hear less about it on the later Classic models (97+). In my opinion the 4T80-E that is standard on these cars is one of the best GM has to offer. GM has a better tranny in full sized cars (compartively) then Chrysler or Ford.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 18, 2004 19:07:22 GMT -6
I'd look '98 or later also ('97s would be cool too). There were many changes for the things like leaks and such over the years. The autobahn will get slightly worse mileage and I supposed you could say it will wear slightly more as the engine turns faster at any given speed. I'd go for the autobahn if you can find it, but if you don't care too much maybe just get a car that's the way you like it and if it's autobahn or not, then hey, whatever.
Good luck with your search, though. And I'd suggest having a dealer run the service history on any one you get. At least you can see if it was a problemed one when it was under warranty.
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Post by Amanda on Jul 19, 2004 8:17:08 GMT -6
I suppose I’ll throw my two cents in… being one of the few non-autobahn Aurora owners around the car still has a LOT of get up and go. It certainly can hold it’s own and get out of it’s on way if it needs too. I have 95 and I have been beyond pleased with the car.
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Post by Gerry on Jul 19, 2004 19:08:56 GMT -6
Hi Ted, welcome to the group. Like Amanda I do not have the autobahn package on my 99 Aurora but am extremely please with the vehicle. A very powerful V8.
Only problem so far was a fuel pump, and that was replaced under warranty July 2003.
Good luck with your search.
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Post by RADEoN on Jul 20, 2004 10:07:54 GMT -6
i drive both, and quite honestly i dont notice a difference.
mine even has the airbox mod lol
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Post by JimW on Jul 20, 2004 10:12:37 GMT -6
Until you hit 108+ mph, the accelerating power of the Autobahn is better (moderately) and the tranny is much more "rev happy"
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 20, 2004 11:09:27 GMT -6
Until you hit 108+ mph, the accelerating power of the Autobahn is better (moderately) and the tranny is much more "rev happy" I'd bet the accelerating power is better after 108 mph too...
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Post by RADEoN on Jul 20, 2004 13:10:55 GMT -6
lmfao, on non-AB there is no more lmao... sorry, its just the way he said it lol
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 20, 2004 18:20:24 GMT -6
thanks for all the replies so far. i started to look for an aurora and so far its been a nitemare! i found one on ebay and looked at it and fell in love with it, drove 7 hours one way to see it. i got home to place the buy it now bid and the guy prematurely finished auction and sold it from under me! ive checked autotrader and all the good ones have instantly been sold. i'd rather not buy from a dealer cause all they do is jack the price up but i may be forced to anyways. i want to pay for it with cash but have $4000 to spend so the picking is limited. two cars i've come accross have been advertised as having a 3.8L V6. anyone ever heard of a 97,96,95 coming with a V6? if anyone knows of one for sale let me know!
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dred98
Aurora Driver
Posts: 470
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Post by dred98 on Jul 20, 2004 18:32:09 GMT -6
The classic Aurora - up to 1999 - only came with the 4 litre V8. The second edition had a 3.5 V6 or the V8. They may be advertised with a 3.8 litre V6 - but that just means the guy who's selling it doesn't know. The sister car - the Buick Riviera, had a 3.8 V6.
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Post by JimW on Jul 20, 2004 20:40:09 GMT -6
And that sister car is SUPERCHARGED ;D
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Post by Amanda on Jul 21, 2004 9:58:48 GMT -6
Not all the Riviera’s are supercharged… I was looking at those too before I got the Aurora… I love the body style... hmmm I wonder why… ;D anyway… I think they are rather plain inside compared to the Aurora. I also couldn't get past the interior color matched the exterior color.. I found a beautiful blue one but the interior was sooo blue! I guess the Aurora won...
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:00:12 GMT -6
OK EVERYBODY, I FINALLY GOT MY AURORA. WELL I PAID FOR IT AT LEAST. I HAVE TO GO BACK TOMORROW ON THE "GREYHOUND" TO PICK IT UP. I drove to right outside of detroit, michigan. i looked at one for $4000 but it wouldn't start. Dead battery. It also had 170,000 miles, about 40,000 more than the guy said. It was plum colored with BROWN leather, not tan, interior and no sunroof, UGLY! I then went to the second and last aurora in michigan. It was BLACK with Tan interior and sunroof. 149K. He wanted a $1000 less asking only $3000 for it. I took it to a mechanic down the street which said it needed some definite work done on it. I went back and was prepared to offer even less than the already low price of $3000. I was going to offer $2500 but he opened his mouth and said he was going through a divorce and needed money so he sold it to me for $1700! I does have problems but I will have more money to fix though now. In the next reply I will be asking for some help/advice on what some of my problems could be. Id appreciate all the info I can get since im a "NEWBIE"!
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:09:27 GMT -6
ok, first question. The temp gauge reads half when driving but when going slow and sitting in traffic on a 93 degree day, the temp gauge was reading about 3/4 the way up. I read some post off here about taking the cover off engine since it seems to run 225 degrees. is this gauge reading 3/4 on a hot day sitting normal or not normal? Next question, no turn signals. When i hit the flasher button, i do get the symbols to light up but when using both turn signals, none of them light up. Question 3, i took it to 3 places to have a scanner hooked up to read why the check engine light is on, all the scanners come back saying "unable to communicate with computer. Why? Question 4, keyless entry works but unlocks and locks all doors except drivers door, drivers door power door lock switch also works but only locks/unlocks 3 doors. the manual key entry and manual lock push level both work for the door though, just not the power. any suggestions? ON the digital readout on the dash, when you hit engine, it tells you the oil pressure. what should it read when idle at a stop and what should it read while accelerated? Finally, for now, the famous A/C is of course not working. Everybody says its like $1300 to fix if its the compressor, which i don't know or not. But the compressor rebuilt with one year warranty is only $199. How did the figure arrive at $1300? Sorry to nag, but im desperate to get fixing these problems.
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Post by erw38 on Jul 21, 2004 22:09:28 GMT -6
Best of luck with the car!
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:10:12 GMT -6
one last dumb question. i know where the switch is to turn on the lights, but how do you turn on the FOG LGIHTS?
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Post by erw38 on Jul 21, 2004 22:19:09 GMT -6
When you''re sitting in the drivers seat look at the part of the dash where it curves down just before the dash ends and the door starts. Its a little push in button that when you actually push in you get a green light to come on (a very tiny light (almost a pinhole type)). When I drive the ar tomorrow I will double check for a more accurate statement.
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:46:30 GMT -6
i know the switch you were talking about. i thought is was a defroster switch. i have no manual for this car. THANK YOU FOR THE HELP!! I APPRECIATE!!
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Post by JimW on Jul 21, 2004 22:48:42 GMT -6
Sounds like the temperature issue is ok. Once you get moving the temp gage comes right down, doesnt it? Regarding the turn signal, I've heard that it could be the stalk itself, or as simple as the relay (signal accuator). 95 is powered by OBD1, make sure they are using the correct scan tool , I hope your PCM isnt fried. I'll check into the PSI counts for both hot and cold engine temps. Check for leaks as well in the meantime (oil) AC problem: dred98 is your man, among others.
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:53:13 GMT -6
thanks for all the help, this is just an EXCELLENT site and a great idea. this is what america needs to get back into doing. helping out each other and sharing ideas!
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Post by JimW on Jul 21, 2004 22:55:31 GMT -6
I could be 0 for 5 on this one, but hey! its worth a shot huh? Good luck and congrats on the car!
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dred98
Aurora Driver
Posts: 470
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Post by dred98 on Jul 22, 2004 5:21:55 GMT -6
The difference in prices in fixing the a/c is that the $1300 would include a dealer installed new compressor and a few hours at a scary hourly rate. I don't know how easy it is to fix it yourself with a rebuilt compressor - if that's the problem. Check the freon first. For an owners manual in pdf format visit here - www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2content/manual/US/en/oldsmobile/
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Post by Amanda on Jul 22, 2004 7:53:56 GMT -6
Congrats Ted! We'll be glad to help anyway we can!
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Post by Aurora40 on Jul 22, 2004 16:21:42 GMT -6
ok, first question. The temp gauge reads half when driving but when going slow and sitting in traffic on a 93 degree day, the temp gauge was reading about 3/4 the way up. I read some post off here about taking the cover off engine since it seems to run 225 degrees. is this gauge reading 3/4 on a hot day sitting normal or not normal? Next question, no turn signals. When i hit the flasher button, i do get the symbols to light up but when using both turn signals, none of them light up. Question 3, i took it to 3 places to have a scanner hooked up to read why the check engine light is on, all the scanners come back saying "unable to communicate with computer. Why? Question 4, keyless entry works but unlocks and locks all doors except drivers door, drivers door power door lock switch also works but only locks/unlocks 3 doors. the manual key entry and manual lock push level both work for the door though, just not the power. any suggestions? ON the digital readout on the dash, when you hit engine, it tells you the oil pressure. what should it read when idle at a stop and what should it read while accelerated? Finally, for now, the famous A/C is of course not working. Everybody says its like $1300 to fix if its the compressor, which i don't know or not. But the compressor rebuilt with one year warranty is only $199. How did the figure arrive at $1300? Sorry to nag, but im desperate to get fixing these problems. Temp gauge: I believe this is not linear on the classic, and as long as it is not in the red it is ok. I think it tends to move up a lot but is normal. I think I've heard other folks that say 3/4 up happens a lot. Turn signals: Beats me Scan tool: Yeah, the 1995 is OBD-I. I believe it has an OBD-II connector, though. It is not trivial to find a scan tool that will work with it, at least from what I've heard. Perhaps that's not right, though. Keyless entry: I'd check the door wiring first. It could be the wire to the lock motor is broken or damaged. It could also be the motor is dead. This is in the door jamb when the door is open. That wiring tends to break due to the constant flexing. Oil pressure: When warm and idling, mine tends to read around 10 psi or so. I believe above 5 psi is considered ok. When you are accelerating, mine tends to be 50-70 psi depending on how warm it is and how much I'm accelerating. Once warmed fully and cruising, it's probably around 35-50 psi or so. I believe on the classic, the AC compressor is liquid-filled to keep the compressor itself cool? Something about the capacity of it or some such thing? Also, it's mounted in a very inaccesible position, hence the $1000+ charge to replace it.
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