Please comment pro and con on the advisability of purchasing a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora in pristine condition.
I have the opportunity to purchase a 2001 Olds Aurora 3.5 in pristine condition. I owned one of these cars in the past and absolutely loved it. I have always been sorry that I allowed it to slip through my hands.
What is your take on purchasing a car with 84000 miles on it?
6 Answers
If the price is right, why not? Mileage isn't too bad, would make a good used car. Keep in mind you are buying an older out-of-warranty car, pristine or not, closing in on 100K miles, so it will need more service and attention paid to preventive maintenance than a newer lower-mileage car.
Was this owned by a retired person who didn't drive much? This is an extremely low mileage car..it really depends on the condition of the body and mechanical condition. Can they provide you with service records?? I assume that you have driven this car and also depends on price, which you didn't mention? Will this be a collector car or daily driver?
I agree with Ken that after 100k, you will need to pay more attention, but, most cars can and do go to 200k... Again, it's all about you and how diligent you are about keeping it going.
One thing comes to mind is at 84K miles, check with owner if it has had any trans service. It should have a fluid flush and filter change at around 75K. No big deal if it hasn't had it yet, but you'll want to get one after you buy the vehicle, and that type of service is expensive (around $150-200). You may also need to flush coolant, as old coolant loses its rust inhibitors, so that is another expense to go along with purchase of car. I'm not going to recite all the "used car checklist" items, hopefully you've done that or have a mechanic to look it over with you. I buy used cars all the time, but work on them myself, if I had to pay someone to work on them buying used may not always make economic sense. If car is a good price it would make sense, check with the price guides at Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and Edmunds.
gearheadRHINO answered 7 years ago
I would stay well clear, they are ugly cars built by idiots and completely unreliable, I've had 3. the first I bought new that went right back to the dealer, the second was the replacement and the 3rd was bought for spares to keep the other running.
If the price is right, do it. See if you can get maint. records. If not have all the fluids changed, all the filters changed and have a tune up done to it. Also look at the date codes on the tires and if the tires are older than 5 or 6 years have them replaced. The Aurora was a pretty decent car in it's day.