I Won A 97 Oldsmobile Aurora At Auction For $400

www.hemmings.com/blog/2019/05...

[@ProducerLare]

Fantastic buy Al! 👍👍I actually met & had lunch with the chief designer of the Aurora, Bud Chandler back in the early 90s!!! One of those experiences as a “car guy” you never forget!❤️I knew about Aurora’s release before the press even did!

[@garbage854]

Sweet 😀

[@42luke93]

LRL Official I always wondered why they didn’t put a front split bench seat in it. I feel that would have went well with it!

[@jacobyo99]

Not exaggerating when I say this: the first generation Aurora is one of the best looking sedans ever made

[@marcelloribeiro2750]

Agree.

[@lario1030]

💯💯

[@gregpardy3522]

Ever made? Take it easy ill give you some time to think about your response

[@williamegler8771]

My mother's parents are long-term OPEL dealers in Germany. For their fifty year wedding anniversary they decided to spend six months touring the U.S. They wanted to buy a car built by GM for their trip. They didn't care for Cadillac Buick or Chevrolet. It was between this car or Pontiac. Opa liked the looks of the Pontiac but Oma preferred the Olds. Once they drove the Old's they loved how much like a European car it drove. When their trip was over they gave the car to my parents and they drove it for the next fifteen years and 210 k miles.

[@Titanic19127]

It’s nice to have an Oldsmobile, especially since the company is gone

[@1997DanielFlores]

My dad bought my grandpa a brand new Oldsmobile Alero. It was a good realible car ,until my dumbass cousin crashed it.

[@klwthe3rd]

I hate that everyone shits on the NorthStar or Shortstar engines. Yes they have head gasket problems but once fixed, they are bulletproof. I always had a love for these first generation Auroras. They were designed way ahead of their time and quite distinctive. Nice to see someone appreciate and show this car some love. It's a rare gem and I love it.

[@kevinkeeney6693]

I think most people are insecure and are looking for acceptance from the world. For example, a person who wouldn't buy a North star wouldn't hesitate to buy a 2003 Subaru Forester which also had head gasket issues. I have a Jeep Liberty and a Honda Civic. Despite what people believe, I'm finding that the Liberty is slightly more reliable than the Civic. Haven't given up on the Civic though which is far better in gas, but sucks in the snow.

[@starxlr7863]

The Northstar and Shortstar engines are fantastic. It has always been my expeirence on Cadillac's and other cars that have a head gasket leak is always a coolant related issue. The cooling systems unfortunately is not a top priority with people and is not something that is always diagnosed correctly. These are definitely the best Oldsmobile's of the newer generation.

[@lario1030]

Very well said loving my 96 Aurora right on💯

[@Iamthestig42069]

You have to drill out and rethread the the head bolt holes in the block in order to bulletproof a head gasket replacement. They will still leak oil like crazy.

[@jasonkupke6768]

Love it!! Very nice condition! My mom bought one new in 1995 and only put 22,000 miles on it in 5 years. Brings back memories.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

I'm paraphrasing here, but Carroll Shelby once said the Olds 4.0 N* was the best damn engine in production, and subsequently put that engine in the Shelby Series 1.

[@andyborowitz1730]

carroll Shelby was a crook

[@starxlr7863]

He did say that. An dthere use to be an auto shop down here in Clearwater Florida that use to modify and build the Aurora 4.0 V8's and also the 4.6L Cadillac Northstar V8's. There are still a lot of them around down here but this shop also knew Mr. Carroll Shelby and he loved the Northstar engines.

[@Stressless2023]

These 1st gen. Auroras were the most impressive cars GM offered in the mid 90's... The attention to detail was very un-GM-like, nicer than any Buick or even Cadillac at the time. The interior features and overall design were extremely innovative and upscale by mid-90's standards, and 20+ years later they still don't look nearly as dated inside or out as most other cars from the era.

[@dianeadkins-diorio1783]

Gen-1 Olds Aurora = four-door version of Gen-8 Buick Riviera :)

[@howieblanding9964]

I have a 1995 in equally good condition , maybe a step better and I love this car ! After a lifetime of BMWs this car is almost as fun to drive but it's more comfortable. After fixing the serpentine belt tensioner it's been very easy on maintenance !

[@howieblanding9964]

I forgot to mention I paid $200 for mine with the bad serpentine belt tensioner which I replaced myself

[@torythefanman]

Thats a sweet Oldsmobile. I rarely see them anymore. defiantly in that nice of condition! Great find on that one for sure!

[@mattszurko2831]

I always loved that style aurora! Friend of mine actually had one in High School, 97 same year with 39K i believe she got it with! That thing was amazing and crazy powerful!

[@harleyguyinmilw]

great car!!! I just sold mine a little over a year ago, it was a 98 I bought it at the end of 99, I got it coming off a 1 yr lease, mine was Platinum outside and neutral leather inside. I replaced the stock rims with some really nice 18inch 5 spoke rims, and performance tires, I loved that car, I stayed on top of the maintenance and it NEVER gave me any problems, I sold it in 2016. I sold it simply because I just didn't drive it anymore, and it stood covered in the garage. now in 2019, I miss the car, and wish i never sold it.

[@Ridgeroader]

Love that Aurora. Always wanted one but couldn't afford it at the time. That is a major score.

[@mrklimczyk]

My dad had a 1996 model he bought in 1999! Unfortunately at some point in the early 2000s, a pickup truck (early 2000s Dodge Dakota crew cab) ran a red light and totaled out the Aurora as well as the pickup truck itself. Everyone walked away fine. That car is still his most favorite car he owned today.

[@KarimDMan]

I have my 97 Aurora for years now and I love it more than even my wife lol. The funny thing is that my wife was the one who told me to buy it because she love it as well. The car now has 178432 klm and I will tell you that when it is running you dont even know that the car is on because it is so silent. When the car is driving its as if you are floating on air because you dont feel the road due to its wonderful suspension. I LOVE THIS CAR and i think that there are no other car like it..... 23 years old and this car is as if it is still new.

[@mellyzaurora1277]

I have a 99 with 88,000 miles today feb 6 2021

[@stewartclough4866]

As a kid I loved American muscle cars from very young from movies. But now they are very in vogue , expensive and overpriced. You have got me interested in these cars. I first went to the states in 2005 and Oldsmobile and Pontiac were still in production. The first rental I had was a Pontiac Sunfire. After that they were dull as dish water.

[@tommitchell2055]

The first gen Aurora is definitely underrated, at least in terms of styling

[@jalopyjustin]

Wow Al, you scored big with this Aurora! Same as you, this is a bucket list car for me as well. I still can't believe how clean it is, everything is perfect! Being that the Aurora was the successor to the Toronado, i'm glad to see that the luxury feel did not stop even when Oldsmobile was going down.

[@JoeManLARockinEmpire]

Now thats a Beautiful Aurora. Look at that well kept Interior. And the Garage kept Black paint. I give you mad props Al. Awesome video. And CONGRATULATIONS on the new member of your Sweet collection.👍

[@jeremyt7752]

Sweet find! I've have always had a soft spot for Olds and Buicks. First high school car was an 83 Olds Delta 88 Royale 2 door coupe. A beautiful land yacht with a big block 6.6L 403 V8 (very rare option my grandparents ordered from the factory) vinyl top, front bench, and 8 track. You could floor it and literally watch the gas needle drop, but fuel was $1.09 per gallon.

[@Blueblur444]

I definitely agree with your sentiment about higher mileage vehicles. One of my toy cars, a 2003 Holden Statesman with the LS1 V8 has over 360,000km (223k miles) on the original motor & trans, and it presents just like this Aurora - phenomenal. I bought from the elderly 2nd owner and he spared nothing keeping it in top shape, and used it for long distance driving inbetween rural Australian centres. That's the sort of car you want, not a low mileage city dweller.

[@jas4925]

My first job out of college in 1997 at an accounting firm my boss Dora had a new Aurora in red. Such a nice car!

[@RodderFiles]

All Black its a Keeper, personally i think it would look great with some dark aftermarket wheels, we had a silver model i loved the ride lost the air ride compressor and the trans went out but b4 that it was good ride fast smooth strong and comfy and i like the drivers seat everything surrounds you

[@Cardude182]

God bless you for saving these 90's GM greats! this is my first time commenting on your channel but just had to say how much i respect you in saving such awesome cars for and uncertain death. Thank you

[@Brycereigle2000]

In 97 the range rover was also equipped with also a 4 or 4.6 liter v8. Think of the size difference. Amazing.

[@fenrislegacy]

The head bolts problem was fixed in 2004.5, a few months before the DTS & Lucerne production started. They used LS6 head bolts which were longer and had a much coarser thread.

[@luminazkidd21]

I loved these when they came out i really hope you keep this one

[@jrighteous1984]

This was my first car when I was 16 years old , I bought it with 42k miles and it was only 4 years old , drove it to 173k miles , that engine was smooth till the day I sold , never left me stranded !

[@Tomcat71]

Dont be scared of higher mileage, It just means the vehicle is reliable. I just bought a 96 aurora, pulled the engine and transmission, rebuilt the trans due to a torque convertor clutch failure. and everything inside looked brand new, and I resealed the lower end of the engine while it was out. I love it. Drive like its new.

[@BREN70S]

Was worried you might be running out of space at this stage but no your good 😁😁 thanks for uploading , always a treat .

[@rodrigooliveira-tu2mw]

Man l love your channel. I'm subscribler . I love big american sedans , from the 90's and early 2000's . Keep it up the good job. Thanks for posting. And greetings from Brazil.

[@brixtonwa]

Al you got a screaming deal for this vehicle whoever owned it before you took immaculate care of it and they were proud to drive it around this is one of those vehicles that to this day is still a head turner for its looks it was pure luck at the spelling to your lap and not the junkyard I also want to mention that you’re awesome cutlass I had one just like that it was a 97 white with black interior fantastic vehicle I wish I had kept it. Keep us posted as you go along with this one.

[@joekrawiec3057]

Dude I watched a video you posted last october and joined copart myself here in Utah, i'm a new englander out here in the west. Have since bought 3 vehicles included a 89 corolla gts with 163,000 miles, a 94 lexus ls 400 with 126k original miles from the original owner and most recently an 06 mazda 6 with 162k on it. LOVE the page and Videos. Keep it up!

[@thebigE101]

Awesome buy, can’t wait to see more. I also loved the outro clip there. Really a great way to end the video. I would definitely love to see more outros done it that style if possible.

[@JoshBeFreeTV]

I really love these Olds Auroras! They're just a beautiful car and are a Gem!

[@charliesydnor8889]

The Aurora looks amazing. It is uncanny the cars you find and the stupid rediculous prices you pay for these cars. I would assume this is a keeper. The inside is amazing. Congratulations on this beautiful purchase

[@jasong3652]

That's a bucket list car for me too! You are lucky to find one in such good condition! I would buy it from you for about 5 times what you paid for it! A friend of mine had a 96, I think, back in the early 2000s and I got to drive it often and fell in love! One of the most comfortable rides I have ever experienced and very powerful for its time!

[@fieryphoenixg1]

Great buy! My parents owned Oldsmobile's my whole life. Love them! Great video!

[@johnhollenkamp3769]

Bought a 1995 Aurora in 1998. Looked just like this one. You're never supposed to buy the first year of a new car, but I couldn't help it. Turned out to be a great car. Never had head gasket or transmission issues with it. Sold it at 200k still in good running condition. Found out it had the Autobahn package running it up to 138 mph on a closed course.

[@JamesLee-oe7mt]

Family friend bought one almost new when I just started driving. I was in love with how sophisticated this car was at the time. Good memories

[@KevinJohnson-fx6wq]

Nice find. If you want the best ride, change out the springs with the struts. As far as I'm concerned, that's the only way to go. Will probably raise up a bout an inch, but suspension is much tighter. Thanks for sharing,

[@ianfigures]

I miss mine, I love the crisp start up of the Northstar V8.

[@jamesjdecarlo9842]

Hi Al - I was a little late watching this one. I actually grew up on Oldsmobiles. The first was my dad’s new 1957 Olds 88. That was replaced by a new 1965 F-85. My first car was a one year old 1969 Olds Cutlass S. My father retired with a 1973 Olds 98 Regency. That Olds Aurora is fantastic. I also had a 1994 Volvo 850 station wagon. I saw your Volvo in the background. If I had more room, I would try to buy some gems like you have. If you are ever in Naples, and have the time, I would like to meet you. You seem like a great guy! Wishing you continued good luck, Jim in Florida.

[@mileshoffmann8642]

Thank you for the NICE COMPLEMENTS about OLDSMOBILE!!

[@johnhull6363]

Gm gets rid of anything good cause they want to go to china

[@fastfiatjamest6437]

Clean slick looking car! This video wasn't available to watch for a while.

[@CVO_GUY]

You got a good deal. Living in So. Fl. I don't have the luxury of lots of land for parking a "fine collection of vintage American Engineering". You definitely see the best in these old American cars and that's a good thing. Needless to say, I enjoy your videos.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

There’s nothing like a compact V8 in an Aurora. This was the Mercedes-Benz CLS of its time. Great find, Al!

[@jasonsmith6414]

what a beautiful survivor and in such great shape - good buy man - congrats

[@cameronlovesevolve]

High maintenance for sure. But worth it when you’ve got it running! In the same breath I just unloaded my Oldsmobile aurora as I quickly realized it’s not the budget luxury boat I wanted. So I settled for what I should have.. an 07 corolla! Lol. It’s got power windows and a spoiler! So I mean.. it’s got that going for it. I loved my time with the Oldsmobile .. glad I got to at least try my hand at one for a hot minute.

[@70brine]

Another Aurora. Remember the one you had in Florida. Those are so cool. Like the original body style.

[@45AMT]

Gorgeous car what an awesome buy! Takes me back to the 90's! Love those little auto clips at the end. Keeps the channel interesting.

[@NFSMAN50]

I liked the oldsmobiles of the 90s, they transformed their brand from being looked at as old man cars into strong competitors to the foreign brands. In the late 80s, the foreign brands started becoming popular in america, especially with cars like the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Mitsuishi Galant, Mazda 929, and even the luxury sedans like the Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS400, Acura Legend, BMW 5 series, Mercedes E class, Audi A4, and the Volvo and Saab sedans

[@zach9569]

Your car collection is literally goals!!

[@brandonmorris2513]

Awesome!! I just came across our channel the other day. Great collection of cars. Good times good times.

[@adiellis5526]

Kewl interior, we were so behind with our 90s car, loving watching what you had if offer we we just about central locking or power steering! Loving the cabin layout very luxurious Adi

[@TheCarterHour]

I like your choices of cars, I definitely would choose a lot of your choice cars as well. I have a 1998, made in 1997 Original Oldsmobile Intrigue with a 3.8 Series II (no shortstar thank god) second owner in family. It has 108,000 Original Rust Free Miles. Take Care Al. The Aurora, and Intrigue was ahead of its time that's for sure.

[@ecymbura31]

That thing is super nice I've always wanted an Aurora. 550 dollars for that is an absolute steal! People don't understand the beauty in a cheap older car that was well taken care of

[@nonelost1]

$550 out the door at auction? Dude, you gotta steal on that Oldsmobubble! But how did it wind up at an auction? Often when I hear "auction", it's a red flag (salvage/rental/police/taxi/ultra high mileage). But if it was a dealer trade-in, or sold at an estate sale auction, then no red flag.

[@mileshoffmann8642]

Thank you for another GREAT VIDEO BIG AL!

[@Willdog65]

My friends always laugh at me for having one of these. At the time I had no choice, but after having it almost 7 years I don't regret buying it!

[@willyhwang1059]

great video, very thorough and professional

[@josephesposito70]

I like ur channel u r my brother from another mother!!! You save these cars not hoard. U r a hero.

[@thepessolanoinquirer6856]

Wow i didn't even know this car existed. Apparently Oldsmobile made cars up till 2004 Nice to see it look as it did when it was new.

[@OLDS98]

Aurora by Oldsmobile. Now the imports are the ones with some catching up to do. It's your money. I am glad to see another Oldsmobile in your fleet! The Aurora should have been called Toronado. Intrigue should have been called Cutlass. You have a nice one there. I often wondered about Shortstar and the 4.0 V8 used in Aurora. I thank you for the info on the engine. My Ninety Eight shares parts with the car. The steering wheel, the seat controls, the radio and a few other things. Eighty Eight and LSS did too. You are not lying about GM cutting costs.. I enjoyed the video.

[@tayman8703]

I had a 99 Oldsmobile aurora and I loved it but the frame end up rusting out. So had to get rid of it. The engine still was in great shape.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Tay Man they all rot out in the front behind the front cradle mounts. A little flat stock and some welding and they’re good as new

[@tayman8703]

@@bigalsbikeandauto man I wish I would of known that. I would of kept that car everything in the car still worked

[@briizcustoms9543]

@@bigalsbikeandauto What would this job be called? I have an alero and the passenger side has rust I'd like to get that fixed

[@jacksoncihacek7209]

My brothers first car was a 99 aurora, it was incredible took everything he gave I wish he kept it. Super comfortable too

[@southmemphisbro27]

olds is will always be a true classic that knew how to design cars. The Northstar is engine that doesn't get enough credit for what it can do with the right service and care.

[@briizcustoms9543]

I have an 99 Alero is mine that brand?

[@lavernengelke8778]

@@briizcustoms9543 yes it is an Olds

[@B0xlife1]

Man another awesome steal! I had a 2001 from 49k to 140k miles, not many issues, but towards the end it started to have lots of smaller issues. Did end up selling. Was a nice cruiser that's for sure. Definitely a garage kept winner!

[@patricksmotors9070]

Great find sir! I had a 99 and it was an amazing ride. Love to see her all fixed up.

[@jamesm9766]

I owned a 95 I believe it was great car I had no problems with it good buy all

[@southernfarmtech]

I agree wholeheartedly. Ahead of their time for sure with engineering. I had an 88 Olds 98 Regency Brougham and a 90 Touring Sedan in years past....some would argue, just made over Buick Park Avenues, which is true, but man, there was that "special feel, in an Oldsmobile" about them. Loved those cars and wish I still had them.

[@commandertaco1762]

used to have an 01 olds aurora, was our family car for 7 years when my pops bought it for 800 and worked on it a ton, the thing ran strong but eventually the damage from it being totaled at one point caught up with it, sad to see it go since it was a favorite of mine especially after he passed

[@Somd301]

New subscriber here. Your videos are awesome and most definitely informative. Keep doing what you do. Cheers.

[@brm98]

Congrats! But how the eff do you get these cars in such good condition, at an auction no less????

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Brad Miller I don’t look for them...they seem to find me!

[@AJ67901]

I drove a new '99 Aurora and recall that the sticker was $42k, which was astronomical for the time. It was a nice car and ahead of anything in production then. The thing that made this car a pariah was that so many parts were "aurora only", and that made them expensive. I recall a mechanic I know who agreed to work on a used one for a friend. He needed to change the gas tank and it required him to drop the entire rear suspension assembly. He refused to work on an Aurora after that. That said, I still liked the cars and felt it was sad that they didn't do better than they did.

[@DrVink86]

Love the Aurora. I'm on my 2nd 1st gen. Been driving them ten years. I would be VERY surprised if you really have no oil leaks. That would be some luck if the engine has been pulled and the block re-sealed. The half case will leak on these almost 100% of the time. Although like you said if it indeed had the headgasket taken care of, maybe they took care of that at the same time. Either way great looking car! You only have 30k miles on my '98/ 250hp 260tq. All the power button on the trans does is change the shift points.

[@whipaholictv]

My cousin had one for his first car we did the head gasket on it got it for 500 then sold it for 1600 was asking 2000 but it had 198k on it miss that car dearly even tho it wasn’t mine we was looking for it it had sunroof all the options just like this one same color exact car this one is a lot better shape on the inside

[@mikedupes7717]

I got one that I'm trying to keep from going to a junkyard but I can't figure out why it won't start sometimes and it overheats quickly

[@weegeemike]

What a beautiful car man. I had a 1990 Olds Ninety Eight Regency Brougham with the 3.8 and I miss that car so bad. I'd love to get my hands on another 80s/90s Olds someday

[@mikeschiavoni5973]

I have a 2005 cadillac cts eating oil, eats it more oil when it's full. I have heard the new gm 3.6 v6 has a catch can from the factory. Will a catch can help my oil consumption issue on my everything works, frequently cared for, all good fluid caddy??? Getting struts for mine too. Not sure what kind I should get. I would like to upgrade but want perfect fitment.

[@123456789marquise]

Man great Buy. My pops had one when I was 5 now I’m 19 and I’m looking for one after I sell my Cadillac. Can’t leave these northstarts alone.

[@bag4455]

Gosh this makes me feel like i am back in my old car, Had the same exact Aurora that i got after my 95 taurus bit the dust, I miss that car so much

[@kajeevandev]

What a great car and review! Love the styling... Only recently there was one for sale here in the Netherlands, but never seen any on the road myself... Too bad.

[@rakeshmahadevan269]

Looks like a batmobile actually with all those buttons... Another great score for your collection 👍

[@jamesbaxterinsideoutsideim1765]

That’s a great vlog thank you for sharing this. That’s a steal for that price.

[@jflow08]

I literally said wow watching the fan adjustment. 😮

[@327h7]

As back in days the commercial used to say This is not your Father’s Oldsmobile. Great 👍 find .needs a detail and polish and it is a still.

[@NewBeRVer]

I've always like these cars, but never had purchased one. I will though! Ya stole that one! Good score!

[@ericellsworth15]

Had one a 99 love.how it felt going around curves

[@zoidzoid87]

I miss my 97 identical to this one Fun Fact: if the tires are v-rated you've snagged a autobahn package with a higher gear ratio and speed. and the problem with northstarts are usually headstuds that lead into other issues like head gasket..

[@cedricrwilliams]

You hit a homerun with that find. Can't beat getting that much car for under $600.

[@jacobboyko888]

Nice car ! Great content. Keep up the great work !

[@earthsperfectphotos9765]

Hey ! I love this channel and would love see more of what you do with the vehicles you buy / collect. You have a ton of cars i love and videos I think would be cool are like you fixing them / or to sell. Just doing driving videos. Because channels like hoovies garage buy a vehicle make 1 review about them and never post about them again. I just would love to see more about the cars you have if that is anyway possible and i think many others will too!.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

EarthsPerfectPhotos I buy them and they pretty much sit in my garage afterwards lol

[@viyau]

That is a sweet car. If I had a car like that I wouldn’t be in debt with car payments.

[@ChristopheZ]

I love it!!! i wish I could find one like that!!!

[@vaquero141]

A friend of mine had one these back in the day. What a beaut

[@DudeWithThePoop]

Whenever I'd see this car on the road, for some reason I always thought it was some sort of Lincoln Continental. Now after closer inspection, this thing reminds me a lot of the 8th-gen Buick Riviera, only with four doors instead of two.

[@lovellmills7959]

What a great car and deal! thanks for sharing it with us what an interesting car would love to see more auction car buy videos!

[@Nic-xq1bt]

I have the 97 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 L v8 I bought for $500. I need to replace the water pump, Right Cv joint, and the front Shock/Strut assembly, just the right side but I’m going to replace both sides. I don’t have the owner’s manual and I can’t seem to find many repairs videos.