Saturn S-Series

podunk503 · May 2003

just bought 2000 sl2, auto and keyless entry. 49k on it. i like it. i bought used off a saturn dealer. not certified. when i brake i feel vibrations through the steering wheel and column and underneath me. anyone know what that might be? any advice for me on keeping my car running well, my main concern is the transmission. i'm really paranoid about that for some reason. thanks.

uga91 · May 2003

That vibration is probably a warped rotor. We had a 1999 SL2 and it was a little shaky as well. Our 2003 Ion had a slight shimmy in certain braking situations, so I had it looked at. I had a rotor slightly out of round, so they machined it and it stops very solidly and smoothly now. Have your rotors checked. If your car still has the original brakes, that may be your problem.

ochssk · May 2003

Back in 1999 Saturn had a safety recall for the recliner in the front seats. My wife never fixed it and I finally got our '95 SL2 in for it's 90K service and asked Saturn to take care of the recall. They called and said the recliner is fine and doesn't need to be replaced yet. I thought NHTSA recalls were supposed to get fixed. Anyone have input on this?

Steve

uga91 · May 2003

Not all recalls affect every car of that model year. Usually they only affect cars made in a certain time period. Yours may have been made in a time that did not use the defective recliner? Did you actually get a post card informing you of the recall; or, did you read about the recall somewhere?

ochssk · May 2003

Yup got the recall card a long time ago. The service rep said that our VIN# was one the list of affected cars.

lngtonge18 · May 2003

It's possible the recall called for the dealer to inspect the reclining mechanism for wear and if found, replace it. Maybe they didn't find anything wrong with it. But I still would question them as to why they aren't replacing it. If your car was affected by the recall, you have a right to demand it gets fixed if it fits the criteria.

soggydog · May 2003

Podunk503: When I was thinking of trading in my 96 SL2 with 49K, The dealer wanted proof that the following Items were serviced/ replaced with Saturn OEM parts.
1. Top motor mount replaced.
2. Auto transmission serviced.
3. Spark plug wires replaced.
4. Fuel filter replaced.

I had proof of all but the motor mount, so I replaced the motor mount and decided to keep the car. It now has 59K and runs great.

The transmission filter is a spin on filter located under the air box in left front section of the engine compartment. I suggest useing Saturn filter and Saturn auto trans fluid.

I also think it is a good idea to replace the fuel filter because if it is restricted it can confuse the computer controlled transmission and shift at the wrong time.

uga91 · May 2003

Are you serious? Was this a Saturn dealer? I would have to laugh and walk away if they said that to me. When I traded my 99 SL2 with close to 60k mi, they did not ask me a thing about how it had been serviced. I've never heard of that.

soggydog · May 2003

Yes a Saturn dealer, I was looking at the L value addition I think. They were going to give me 5K for my car if those items were replaced, otherwise they would deduct. I can't remember the exact amount, but I think the motor mount was around $200. The other Items were less. He actually wrote it on the work sheet.

He said since I do my own maintenance they could not check it out with the service department.

I thought 5K was a good price, so I didn't mind the silly stuff. We just didn't like the L enough to trade.

Even though they did not ask about service, it is possible the appraiser check'd out your service record by entering the VIN in the service computer.

soggydog · May 2003

I think I missed my point. Podunk503 said he bought his car from a Saturn dealer but it was not certified. I think they wanted all this proof from me because they wanted to sell it as a certified used car. I was just saying if he was worried about the transmission, change the fluid and filter.

uga91 · May 2003

With the low mileage you had, that may have been the case.

podunk503 · May 2003

so i turned the defrost/floor control on to clear the windshield and to warm the car. after a while i'd turn the fan down to the first click but not all the way off. and i'll be driving and i hear like a whine. the whine sometimes seems like it goes with the engine speed. the noise is only there if it's on either defrost alone or defrost/floor. doesn't matter if recirculation is on or off. any ideas? could something be stuck in the vents? thanks. also i'll have my fuel filter checked at my oil change. and i drive A LOT in the city so do you think trans. fluid & filter changes would keep my trans lasting? i've never had an automatic nor any family members(worth keeping anyways)thank you.

zanfardino · May 2003

Does anyone happen to know how to program a new remote without going to the dealer and paying a bunch of money
thanks

cards_200 · June 2003

New to this board - just picked up a '96 SL2 w/82K. Appears to have been pretty well taken care of. I will probably get all service on items in the manual just to be on safe side (i.e. fluids & filters). What other maintenance might you folks recommend?

Brake fluid flush, plug wires, PCV valve, timing belt? I don't see any reference to these in the owners manual. Would it be wise to service any of these items?

A bit of high noise level when driving (not at idle). What is 'motor mount' issue? What are symptoms - and ballpark cost to repair? Any issue if you just continue driving on a (degraded) motor mount?

Saw reference to 'red' vs. 'green' coolant. I have red. Is it really true I can't have coolant flushed and replaced with (green) or any other quality coolant? Thought I seen a reference along this line in earlier post. But I had never before heard of not being able to mix - especially if you flushed system prior. Insight?

Thanks for you help folks.

uga91 · June 2003

If you have the owner's manual, just do what it says in it. If not, go to saturn.com and find recommended maintenance items in there.

wwhite2 · June 2003

Has a timing Chain not a rubber belt it will usually last the life of the engine . It will get real noisy if it wears excessively . the most important thing you can do with a DOHC is check the oil at every fill up . YES every fill up

36000milesyear · July 2003

94 SL1 5spd, 107k, $900.

Always serviced by Saturn. Alternator replaced 10k/10 months ago; brakes 15k ago; original everything else.

My mechanic checked and said:

Exhaust system rust, will need replacement but not yet...$300?

<50% tire tread, recommends new rubber all around for winter...$250?

Oil pan leak (actually just "collecting" on pan, not really leaking)...gasket $200?...gasket+pan $350?

PS pump weak...showed "moisture", heard a little noise...when it goes $350?

Original struts...weak...noise on bumps...$700-800?

Original clutch, grabs at end, when it goes $600-800?

Engine good, compartment clean, no leaks.

This seems a low enough price that I could pop for rubber and do the exhaust when it goes and still be just under private party value.

Little worried about the oil pan "leak"

Figure the struts are non-issue since ride was not objectionable in the least. Ditto the clutch since pedal movement was OK, and she shifted fine.

Anyone and everyone, opinions most appreciated!This will be a 3rd car, maybe doing 8-12k a year, and I wouldn't mind having it around for 2-1/2 years for when my son starts driving.

Thanks!

john355 · July 2003

I had purchased a brand new 2000 SW2. The following items had to be fixed in about 3.5 years.
1. transmission quill bearing.
2. intake manifold coolant leak.
3. clutch failed at 42 k.
4. battery went dead (AC Delco battery) at 3 years and leaked acid ruining cables.
5. electrical short that kept the lights on.

The first two years of ownership went well and then the car needed all of the above repairs. After each repair, I was hoping to ride out a year or two without trouble, however, things just kept breaking. Prior to the Saturn, I had owned a 1993 Chevy S-10 pickup for 6 years without having to repair anything. I wanted to stay with GM vehicles (a type of economic patriotism), however, after the fifth repair I finally traded the vehicle in towards a Toyota truck. Has anyone else had similar experiences with this vehicle?

uga91 · July 2003

A Saturn? Yes. Have 3 times. This Saturn? No. When you replace all the worn parts your mechanic found, it won't be worth what you have in it.

laurap52 · July 2003

I owned a 1996 SL2. I had nothing but problems with it from the start. It would save time to tell what I didn't have to have fixed. It used oil like crazy-never left home without oil in the trunk. Sunroof broke twice - $1000 repair - 1st time fixed under warranty, then I never had it fixed-I didn't have $1000 to fix that when I had to pay to fix everything else); had it at dealer 3 times to fix leaking Cam Cover, and I could go on. I think I must have gotten everyone's problem in my car. I know others that have Saturns and love them-even buy another one. I can say that since I got rid of mine I will NEVER buy another one. It sure was "A Different Kind of Car" if that is what you want to call it.

wwhite2 · July 2003

Sounds like you are looking for a NEW car there are a lot of good deals out there with low interest rates . All used cars have issues if issues bother you then buy NEW it helps the economy. what do you expect for $900

wwhite2 · July 2003

some people swear by SATURN and some people swear at them !!

birdman579 · July 2003

I'm one of those people that loves my Saturn. Mine is a 93 with 148K miles. I had a leaky sunroof and cam cover gasket. The sunroof was covered by my dealer (even though the car was well beyond the warranty period) and I just fixed the cam cover gasket myself. It hasn't leaked a drop in the 1000 miles since I changed it. It sounds like laurap52's dealer did not know what they were doing. My dealership has been excellent. Everything is fixed the first time, no exceptions. The parts department is also very helpful at giving advice for do-it-yourself fixes.

uga91 · July 2003

Sorry to hear about all your problems. Do you really, though, think this was indicative of Saturn or of just yours. Yeah, you know every manufacturer makes a bad one now and again--even the luxury brands. At least you now own the most problem free car in America, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Uh-oh. Never mind. How are those brakes holding up?

laurap52 · July 2003

I never said my Jeep was problem free but it has been to the shop twice which is a whole lot less than my Saturn. I know every car is going to have problems. And yes, I probably did get the lemon of the bunch. But for that being my first Saturn and to have had such a bad experience - that was enough for me.

lngtonge18 · July 2003

My coworkers 96 Saturn SL2 blew its engine after 160k of constant oil burning. She said the thing always burned way too much oil but they could never find any leaks and the car didn't smoke. Either the car started burning more oil than normal or she got a little lazy in checking the level. Either way, the engine blew a hole through the block. She's now debating on what to do. Saturn wants $2500 for a used engine and 3500-4500 for a new one. Her brother thinks he can find a Saturn at the auction for about 1000-1500 and stick the engine in her car. But she will end up spending a lot of money on such a worn out car. I'm trying to convince her to buy a new Hyundai or Kia since she has no car credit and has been turned down for a car loan already. She was quite surprised to learn that the twin cam engine was known for oil burning. She knew it wasn't normal but just didn't know any better. Live and learn I guess.

soggydog · August 2003

If the transmission, AC, and the rest of the car is in really good shape, It may be worth it. Otherwise it's like throwing money in the well. Does the $2500 used engine from Saturn include installation and a 90 warranty? I would check Edmunds used car section, but I think you can pick up a good used 96 SL2 for around 3K.

I made that mistake before. I replaced the transmission on a 87 Taurus for $1800, then within two months I noticed a antifreeze leak from the cylinder head gasket and the Air conditioner quit again. That's when I traded for the 96 Saturn I have now. They gave me $1700 for the Taurus.

In my opinion, for someone who can't afford to take a chance on a used car, It's hard to beat the Korean cars with the security of the 5Yr-60K bumper to bumper and 10Yr-100K drive train warranty for less than $200 a month.

birdman579 · August 2003

I'd highly recommend getting a Hyundai Elantra. My girl friend has had one for 2 years now and its a great car. The only problem was the digital clock would occasionally not work. It was fixed under warranty and its fine now. The quality is just as good, if not better than a Civic or Corolla. The handling could be slightly better, but its much better than a Corolla. Just not up to Protege levels. Good luck with your decision.

spratt1 · September 2003

You may have had a bad Saturn, that is unfortunate.

But PLEASE ... one can not even use the word reliable in the same sentence at "Jeep Grand Cherokee." That vehicle is one of the most unreliable vehicles possible to buy. Check Consumer Reports or ANY other organization that does reliability surveys/estimates.

If you have some sort of reverse reliability power, then just as you had problems with your Saturn (generally a 4 or 5 star reliability rating) then your Jeep should be one of the most reliable cars ever.

Sorry.

zingaro_man · September 2003

I have a 95 SL2 with 102k miles. The Service Engine Soon light comes on when going down steep hills but goes off when on flatter ground.

I changed the spark plugs, wires and both iginition coils. I have also recently put on a new converter and oxygen sensor. The light still comes on when going downhill.

Thanks for any clues.

birdman579 · September 2003

I don't have a good answer, but I'm sure someone over at saturnfans.com would be able to answer your question...

cheetah222 · October 2003

I am looking to replaced my 250,000 mile 96 Corolla DX Sedan with an SL1 Sedan, 97-00. I chose 97-00 based on reliability ratings for those model years.

I started looking at Saturns because they have a lot in them for the money and they do not cost as much as used Hondas/Toyotas/Nissans/Mazdas.

I have seen SL1s and SL2s with 4-Whl ABS/Air/Cruise/Pwr Windows&Locks/AM/FM/Cassette/4-spd Auto for around $6,000-$8,000. Comparable Japanese models aforementioned are in the $12,000-$16,000 range, so the savings is obvious.

My only concern is, after reading many of the posts in the Saturn forums, is that I will not see the same "bullet-proof" quality and reliability in a Saturn that i have gotten from my Corolla (see my post cheetah222 "Toyota Corolla" Oct 9, 2003 10:57am)

My question to all of you, in all honesty, can I reasonably expect a good quality car that I can get 250,000 or more miles out of if I go with a Saturn?

Do any of you have, or know someone who does have, a Saturn with over 200k miles on it?

uga91 · October 2003

I would say to buy one from a Saturn dealer. On the whole--from what I understand--Saturn dealers will not put a used Saturn on their lot unless it passes a series of tests and is in good condition. I would say that looking for the "bulletproof" reliability you seek is a crap shoot no matter what brand you seek. I know you had great "bulletproof" reliability out of your Corolla, but I'm sure you could also find Corollas with a ton of problems. The same can be said for all cars--Kias, Hondas, and yes, Saturns. Find one at a Saturn dealer. They will probably run a Carfax report for you. The dealer I use places the Carfax report on the car's dash so you can see when you are test driving it. Get it looked over. Try to find one with good miles. Good luck!

kmag · October 2003

I bought my 02 Saturn SL this past May. I really like the car, my wife has a Cavalier and it feels acient in comparison.

I am just warning anyone who is buyin a used Saturn 5 speed-replaceing the clutch is EXPENSIVE. Mine had problems and was replaced under warranty along with the master cylinder. It woould have cost over $1200 to if I had to have paid for it. My sisters 97 SC1 needs a new clutch after 110K and she is facing the same price.

Just be careful with those high mileage 5 speeds. If it is shifting very stiffly clutch replacement is not far down the road...

uga91 · October 2003

You may be right about the clutch; BUT, an automatic transmission is even more expensive to replace. I may be wrong, but I believe manuals are noted as being less expensive to maintain and drive over the long haul due to the higher cost of replacing an automatic transmission vs. replacing a clutch.

kmag · October 2003

I think for 1200 or maybe 1500 a person could have a used/rebuilt auto transmission installed. And GM's auto trannies seemt to have a long life. I suppose anyone comtemplating purchase of a used car had better be prepared for the possiblities. I was just shocked at the cost to replace the clutch, I hope mine lasts a long time now....

uga91 · October 2003

of a clutch costing that much to replace...but I suppose anything is possible. Good luck!

pbroekers · October 2003

Mine is a 97 SC2 with 108,000. We love the car...quick pick up....great mileage. We occassionally have trouble getting the shifter into gear especially from reverse or sometimes from neutral....just doesn't want to go into first. We have to pump the clutch a couple of times before it will go. We have replaced the cables due to breakage. Had the clutch master cylinder replaced by dealer which did no good (good news is that Saturn reimbursed all money and left the new part on). What should we look at next as I see it getting worse, not better. Maybe it would be better to wait for it to go altogether and then a cure would be easier to detect. Thanks

kmag · October 2003

My sister got a quote of 1026 to replace her clutch. I advised her to go to an independent mechanic, but I dont know if she did that or went to the dealer.

Somewhere I read that it is an 8 hour job, 90/hr x 8 = $720 just for labor. I remember my dad had the clutch replaced in a Volvo around 1978 and that was $220 at the dealer, and he had a cow about paying that much. With inflation of about 3.5X since then it, maybe thats about right.

ksmustang35 · October 2003

I have a 96 SL2 and I've been having problems with the belt squeeling something awful. Has anyone ever tried to install one yourself or would it best for a mechanic to do it? My husband seems to think it's going to be such a tight space to work in that it would be difficult for a non experienced person to change it out.

regfootball · October 2003

well, i had a Taurus SHO that was notorious for going through clutches.....minimum 1000 bucks. But I have heard of ther front drive cars that it only costs about 400 bucks to replace a clutch.

Depends on the design.

abpelch1 · October 2003

We have a 98 SL1 & it only took me about 10 minutes to replace the belt. Just get a wrench or socket to push down the tensioner. Take the belt off & install the new one. The hardest part is getting the new belt on the pulleys.
FYI...this was the first belt I had ever changed.

dutch4505 · November 2003

Own a 2002 SL1 that I bought used. Still under warranty. Good thing since I have had a number of minor issues with the car.

Looking for info on a roof rack for the car. ie is the factory rack a good one? Are there cheaper roof racks that can be used??

Will appreciate any help/suggestions.

uga91 · November 2003

For bicycles? The factory rack will be made to fit your car; but, I'm sure any aftermarket rack built for the purpose you desire should do just fine. Just try to remember that cheaper is not always better. Good luck.

pjcity · November 2003

I've read through a lot of messages, and don't see this listed specifically. My friend has a '95 S class and up until a month ago, had no problems whatsoever... suddenly the car stared shaking, vibrating and quit. She took it to a Saturn dealer who kept it for a day, said it was fixed and sent her on her way. They changed the spark plugs, gave it a tune-up and that's about it. Two days later, on her way to work, it did it again. Shuddered, and quit -- when it starts to shudder, all the dashboard lights come on and the whole car shakes violently. She then took it to Midas and they told her the vibrating was caused from worn engine mounts, which she had replaced. All was well for a month, now this morning on a hill, shudder, shake and quit. If she waits for five minutes or so, the car will restart, but now she's afraid that it's going to do it again and she has no idea when! Any help here???

uga91 · November 2003

It sounds like 2 professionals guessed wrong on this one--I don't know what kind of help you'll get here. How many miles on the '95? I had a 1995 SL2 and it ran fine--as did my 1999 SL2. It may be time for the almost 9 year old Saturn to retire. You can get an ION 1 with air and CD for about $179 a month. Good luck in getting it figured out!

birdman579 · November 2003

I'd raise the question over at saturnfans.com. There are several Saturn experts that can probably figure it out. Certainly sounds strange. I don't really have a clue. Maybe a bad fuel pump or clogged fuel line? That's all I can think of. Good luck.

uga91 · November 2003

Was it a 2003 model or a a 2004? Many interior changes were made to 2004 models. The center IP does not take long to get used to. I had a 1995 SL2 and a 1999 SL2 and my 2003 ION 2 is a much nicer and more comfortable car than either of them. But, to each his own!

kmag · November 2003

It was a 2004 quad coupe that stickered near $18,000. No doubt, it is a more comfortable and nicer car. Just not one that appeals to me.

uga91 · November 2003

Saturn S-Series

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