To Jim and anyone who can offer some good advice or opinions: I'm looking at a 97 Aurora with 92,000 mi (I think thast roughly translated as 154,000km for Canada-or something like that) but you get my drift---this car has perfect interior/exterior and asking price is $8950 US.--(don't know what that translates into for CAN currency). But for my zip 78250, the Kelly Blue Book value is $6900.

The other Aurora--a 95, has 69,250 mi (or 104,000km) for $5,235 US (again perfect interior/exterior).....

Before any of you say: "Duhh, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which one to buy..."--I already know which one is cheaper to buy...BUT, I wanna know is it better to get the newer 97 model (which means the parts on it aren't as old as the 95)--OR--get the 95 because it has fewer miles (could mean the parts haven't seen as much wear and tear as the higher mileaged 97). I'm going to test drive both today (at 2 different dealerships), but I just wanted a little heads up from some of the current owners of this forum....(and yes, I joined this forum 1st --without actually owning one of the forum specified vehicles. It'* because I've been eyeing the Auroras for a few years now.) I will get the VIN #* and do a CARFAX check on them just for my peace of mind (you cant really trust everything these dealers tell you nowadays.) And for those that may be curious: the 95 Aurora is Dark Green w/ tan interior. and the 97 is Light blue (cant recall the interior color.) Note: I have a dealership brochure for the 99 Aurora--and on the last 2 pages, it shows the available exterior/interior color combos--but I don't see a Light blue color choice or the color pallet... :?: --things that make you say "hmmm". I wonder if that was actually an available color in 97 or has it been repainted for some odd reason. But I think the VIN # should tell the actual color.

And one last thing: How can you tell or decipher if you have the Autobahn package? What do I look for?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions, guys and gals.
Greg.

hey this isn't the aurora club




j/k
sorry i actually don't know that much about auroras...jim will chime in here pretty quick

This forum was created to apply to any Northstar powered vehicle, including the Aurora

Those prices that I see are very reasonable. I have a rule of thumb. Never buy a car that has been introduced the same model year. What I mean is this: The Aurora came into production in 95, I have heard many issues with the 95'*, more so then the 96+'*

The 97 may have more miles, but this Northstar V8 is a mighty good engine and as long as it was properly cared for, it should be fine. I would take the 97 over the 95.

The light blue is pretty nice, almost sterling in colour, I don't like the forest green as much...just doesn't suit it IMO. The dead giveaway for Autobahn is the in the tires, V rated MIchelin Energys and check the RPO sticker under the spare tire cover...look for QQX, if you have that...you have Autobahn

Good luck and post here is you have any more questions

chances are it might not have the original tires, and my car didn't have a build code sheet on the spare tire, so you could try 1 of a few things

see if he'll let you try to break 112mph (recommended)

check the inside door jam to see if it called for V rated tires (not as fun, but it'll work)

if you get the 95, MAKE SURE ITS NOT BUILT BEFORE........(trying to remember the month....) july of 94 sounds right. i can't remember the exact month, but it was mid year 94 that they switched assembly lines because of quality issues. there where alot of auroras made early 94, i believe some even 93 (mags where testing them in 93, supposed to be a 94 model year car). ive got a 95 and it was built in feb 95.

id still get the newer one for a couple reasons

brakes where improved, and suspension over the 95, 96 for suspension (little firmer) compass mirror isn't even a option on a 95, i believe its standard for the newer. 96 gets OBD II, not necessarly good or bad i guess.

ive seen that sterling blue before, i test drove on. it had a blue interior too, which turned me off of it. but ive also seen one driving around with DARK tint and it looked really good, thats one of those colors that you need tint with, like 20% or darker

Whether or not is has new tires, the HAVE to be V-rated...or at least should be if Autobahn is an option package.

Does it have the optional chrome rims? :?:

What color is the interior, 2 tone tan in mind (awesome) or black (dead sexy).

IMO...Autobahn or nothing, its just not worth it to be governed at 108 or 112 mph :?

Wow, I appreciate all the info guys. I feel like you guys are "Masters" and I am "grasshopper" (a little Kung Fu television humor there)--I appreciate the wealth of info and tips.

Well, I just returned from test driving the 95 (with the lower mileage on it)--conclusion: 1st off, the salesman needed to jump it with one of those portable jumpers/chargers, plus once it was started it ran like crap...I mean the idle was a little rough--like it needed a major tune-up. And of all things--there was no interior rear view mirror. It also seemed as if the charging system (i.e. the alternator-maybe) needed some attention--as the turn signals were blinking hesitantly and dash illumination was somewhat dul--not as bright. And last but not least....putting the car in Drive caused a sudden harsh jerk. The salesman offered to have things taken care of. I also asked him if he would purchase this vehicle himself and he honestly replied "No, not in its present condition." So--I think thats one Aurora scratched off of my list. And to think.....this is a highly publicized, reputable dealership. Oh well, 1 down--1 more to go. I'll let you guys know how that one goes.l

most people that bought aurora'* are old, and have no need for v-rated mine didn't have v rated when i bought it, they were H (130mph).

when i bought new tires, i bought H, got snow here to deal with.....and i wasn't planning on buying 18'*, otherwise i would have gotten snows.

not only being governed that low.....but w/ 3.71'* it doesn't tear off the line, 3.48'* are even worse!

btw, the 2001+'* all have 3.71'*, and they lost about 250 lbs w/ the v8 (v6 is like 300lbs lighter or somthing)