I am looking for a cheep daily driver and noticed that I can find Alero's for less than $2500 all day long. Does anyone know what the common problems are after 125,000 miles. I know all the normal things at that mileage but wondering if there is anything common like head gaskets or transmissions that go out all the time?

 

The 3.4 V6 had issues with intake gaskets. But at that mileage, I would like to think they were replaced with improved metal backed ones by now. Another common problem was the security or passlock issue. There is a bypass, that can be done, just goggle that. Cruise goes out, usually the switch needs to be replaced. Since were in the rust belt, check for rust in the rack and pinion mounting area, engine cradle and rear of the car.

Pat

 

I have replaced some of those intake gaskets on the Van models. Not fun on a van. I may go look at one this week but it has the 4 cylinder in it.

 

On a manual trans car, the slave cylinder is inside the bell housing. When it leaks...

 

I have a co worker with one that he bought from his brother for a winter beater. This is winter #2 with it. Brake lines rusted out, and he is fighting the ignition/security issue right now. It sits idle.

 

99-01 quad four or 02-04 ecotec?

 

03 is the one I want to go look at. I also found an 89 calais International series I am thinking about going to look at but it is a little to much money for what I am looking for

 

For $2500 you can get an Oldsmobile 88/LSS or Buick LeSabre with less miles and a 3.8l v6. The 3.8l v6 is probably the most durable engine GM ever made. Do a quick YouTube search and you will find plenty of videos that speak highly of them. Check it out!

 

Olds64: Good idea, they are great cars. Many cars came with the 3.8 V6: 1980's Buick Century, Regals, Olds Cutlass Cieras, Add to your full size list Pontiac Bonnevilles, Olds Silhouettes. Silhouettes are plastic clad which might be a plus in New England or Midwest winters. I had a friend with a 89 Calais Quad four that just ran and ran for ever without problems. I like the Olds Achieva, but would find one with a Quad four and stay away from the 3.1 V6. I also have a buddy with an Alero that he reported one problem, likely the leaking head gasket. Maybe 1977+ RWD 88, Caprice, LeSabre, etc might be found in the right price range. So, it depends if you want a smaller and larger car there are plenty of good choices. You said cheap daily driver, not necessarily a smaller car. Regards, Trent in Los Angeles

 

One thing about these old Buicks, I agree they are a great car but around here the front cradle rusts out. My son bought a 90( or so) Lesabre that was a nice running low mileage old lady car for his daughter. He asked me to check it out and I could pull pieces of the cradle off with my fingers! It was like the metal gets on a burn barrel- just pulls off like a saltine cracker! My 02 Impala had a aluminium cradle which went 300,000 mile without bad cradle corrosion- though the rest of car was rusty.

 

Greg: Good point, I saw a nice one posted on the east coast for cheap and the seller said it had rust problems and provided good photos. Nice to see an honest seller. I think the shock support along the bottom looked horrible, like it needed a new cradle. Something to check before purchase on any car, I always look on the bottom. Regards, Trent in Los Angeles

 

I found a 1989 98 that I would like to get but he is 3 hours away and about $600 more than I really want to pay. I sent him a message, I will see where it goes.

 

Check the cradle on that 98 too. A friend had one of those that was bought new by his since deceased mother and it became so rusty it wasn't safe anymore. He actually junked it and was really bummed because it was such a nice driving car. I don't know how much salt they use in Indiana but here in Michigan salt just destroys our cars.

 

That's why my wife and I trucks, we have a wash package that has the under carriage wash.

Pat

 

Right you are Greg. This is also the area where sub frame bushings fail. I'm glad I'm not up in the rust belt. Even my 71 98 has barely any rust on the frame and suspension parts and it's getting close to 50 years old!