SportsCombi 6 Cyl

rdovation said:

I have the opportunity to buy a real nice 2008 SportsCombi Aero that has been extremely well maintained. My question is that it's a 6 Cyl and I've heard they're more problematic than the base model's 4 cyl, some even saying to stay away from them. I'd appreciate hearing from someone that owns an Aero to give me their take on it. Thx/Daniel

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The B284 just takes a little longer to work on since so much has to come off for little jobs. Other than that it’s a blast. I’d take it over a B207/Ecotec.

I have 2006 2.8 CV and it is superb.
I also have 2 wagons with 2.0.

If there are some known problems with this engine they are mostly related to the ignition coils, injector valves and the timing chain. With age, common problems concerning the wiring and electronics may add. A well maintained car with reliable history should minimize risks.

The few negatives that come with the v6 engine would not stop me from buying a clean sport combi.

I prefer the 4 cylinder with a manual gearbox, but at this point if there was a 100% rust free, well maintained 6 cylinder automatic, I'd probably go for it.

But, that is quite unlikely, as the 6 cylinder seems to attract the cheap modifications boy racer type.

155k on my original owner 2007 V6 with virtually zero problems. In 15 years the only problems were an arcing coil pack, failed oil pressure sensor, leaking coolant reservoir, and the usual cracked vacuum lines at the rear of the engine (replaced with esaabparts silicone hoses). All relatively easy and cheap to diagnose and fix.

Regular oil changes (every 5k miles), air filter every 25k miles, along with belt, plugs, and coolant at about 75k miles Still on the original starter and alternator.

YMMV, but I've been very impressed with the reliability of this engine.

I'd take a rod through the block if it has no rust. 👍

I have a 2006 Aero Sport Combi, was pretty well maintained by previous owners, I had a few misfire issues at 100K miles that were narrowed down to coil#5, had all three coils in the back replaced and it runs perfect now. The Aero also has incredible handling, slightly better than my 2.0 convertible. The 2.0 has plenty of pep for me and more room to work around the engine. Had some balance shaft issues, but it runs great too once those were fixed at 140k miles. In both cases I view these as just maintenance in older cars. The important thing is do you like the car and is it rust free; either engine seems great!

My V6 has just over 150k now and I would consider it to be generally problem-free. Normal maintenance and not much else. The only "bad" thing that happened was the driver for the bypass valve failed, requiring me to replace the ECM last year. I cloned it with txsuite and added it with Tech 2. The hardest part was finding an ECM, which is hardly unique to the V6. Personally, if I had two identical cars staring at me, and one was a 4 and the other a 6, I'd choose the six every day of the week. I have had virtually no problems compared to the four or five people in my direct life with four cylinders. Seems like something on the four cylinder is always leaking.

I sold my 4 cylinder with 191K miles and it only ever needed a new turbo bypass valve and a CPS. Never even replaced a coil pack. 🤷‍♂️

The biggest issue is the valve body. Change the fluid once you buy it.