2003 Aurora 500 model buy suggestions - opinions please

[Roadster90]

Hi folks,,

Please comment on if I have this request in the proper forum or not....would it be better or get more exposure in the Olds buy-sell forum <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ?

I am from the Reatta forum. Before owning a Reatta I was very fond on the Cutlass Internationals, FE3 models, and the '88 Supreme "Classic" edition. I changed as they didn't seem to have a notable following at the time.

I am going to be needing a car that is a little bigger or a 4 seater soon, and would still like to combine my needs with my desires (like the 4 seater combined with a vehicle that is rare, collectable, and unique, but current and dependable). This is where I started thinking about the 2003 limited 500 last model produced (I am sure there is a better description of the car <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />) Aurora. I still intend on keeping at least 1 (the Select Sixty <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) and maybe both Reatta.....

Can I possibly get the forums ideas, opinions, and suggestions on this model please? I am at a point and age in life where this may be the last automobile that I may purchase and don't want to make any <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> mistakes....For instance, Opinions on

the collectablility (is this car going to be a true collectable), ideas on the future values of the car (is it going to depreciate like the Cadillac...like a "brick" or maintain, and possibly appreciate years "down the road"), the dependability (should I purchase tow insurance <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />), ease of owner repair (how is the 4.0 to work on...like can a novice as myself <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> replace or even get to items such as plugs and plug wires), current or known problems (what if any, are the inherrent problems with this model), future parts availability (and how many parts are unique only to this model, etc), and anything else that you folks think may have importance. Also is there in reading material available anywhere that might provide design and production information and history? Some of the above questions may be impossible to answer at this time, but any opinions/answers will be helpful in my decision making....

Opps, forgot to mention a concern that a close friend from the Reatta forum brought up >>>> the head gaskets on the Northstar. Was this negative condition still a concern in the 2003 models?

Thanks in advance <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> for any help,

Nic

[Oldsfan]

The Auroras are nice cars. They seem to be relatively trouble free in service. Some of those 3.5/4.0 motor were known to be oil leakers due the block design. That can be expensive to repair. I don't know of any head gasket issues. Don't know what to tell you about value/collectibility. Right now it's just a used car, Final 500 or not. And an orphan to boot. We had Aleros we couldn't give away. Finally sent them back to GM.

Paul