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Saturn ION

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  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    So, you can get either $4750 total cash allowance or $2250 cash allowance AND 0% APR financing? Wow, when I bought mine in March I got 0% for 60 months and $1000 GM loyalty cash. I'm, jealous! If you plan on keeping the car at least until it's paid off, then take 0% IMO. You'll finance more, but it won't matter as you will accrue no interest for the next 5 years. If you think you may want something else in 2-3 years, then take the cash and finance a smaller amount of money. It should help you from being too far upside down at trade in. If you are about to graduate, then I assume you're young. You probably will want to trade in a couple of years, so financing a lower amount may be the best way to go for you. Good luck and let us know what you do!
  • legalseclegalsec Member Posts: 31
    uga91 - I am curious to know if I am missing something here. This ION purchase will be my first car, so the terminology is new to me. First, are rebate, cash allowance, incentive and down payment assistance used synonymously?

    Also, where did you come up with the $4750 rebate figure? The best deal I could find for paying cash was either $2000 or $2500 cash back, depending on your region.

    Your second figure ($2250 + 0%) I understand: The College Grad program provides $750 on the purchase/lease of a 2002/03 Saturn if applied for through GMAC Financing. The $1500 is cash back (DPA) with GMAC financing. The current nationwide GMAC financing offer is 0% APR for 36-60 months.
  • soggydogsoggydog Member Posts: 67
    I don't think they are still offering the GM loyalty discount, at least not in Pensacola FL. Why not just call the closest Saturn dealer? They can tell you what discounts apply to your area.

    My mother lives in south central Pa. and just bought a new Chevy. I think she got 4K rebate. I tried to get her to look at the Ion, but back in the woods they think Saturn is a foreign car. And It's plastic. Also the closest dealer is about 35 miles, which is a pain when it comes to service.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    From your post #2310:

    "a local dealer offered me a $1500 rebate (DPA)"

    --Okay, start with $1500 Down Payment Assistance regardless of financing APR...

    "To that I am adding the $750 College Grad rebate since I am almost finished with my degree."

    --Plus $750 College Grad cash makes $2250 cash...

    "The $2000 cash allowance is listed on the GM corporate site"

    --First you said $2000 which would total $4250 total cash, but then you said...

    "I have been trying to figure out if (a) the $2500 cash allowance was in effect in my area and if so, (b) whether I should take the $2500 cash allowance"

    --It was this $2500 figure which made me come up with the total of $4750 that I mentioned.

    Of course, if you take the 0% APR, then you only get the $2250 you are aware of.

    Also, there is a difference between "Rebate" and "Down Payment Assistance." A rebate is yours. You can get GM to cut and mail you a check if you want. It does not belong to the dealer until you assign it over to them in the finance office at delivery. Down payment assistance is not yours. That is money GM will automatically give your dealer when financed through GMAC. So, if you buy a car with a $4000 rebate, that money is yours to keep. Go to Disney World if you want. New plasma TV anyone? But, when you get to the finance guy, he will give you a paper to sign that will assign (give) your rebate to the dealer. You will never see it. It will, however, come off your bottom line and you will not have to finance it. If you buy a car with $1500 down payment assistance, you will not see this money--it was not yours. That money is from GMAC to basically act as though the dealer marked the car down that much. It shows up as cash on your bill of sale even though you will not write the check. By the way, FWIW, a rebate will also show up as cash on the bill of sale. It does not come off the price of the car, so your sales tax obligation will not be reduced by the amount of your rebate.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I made an appointment to get the Ion's oil changed tomorrow a few weeks ago. It is hard for me to get it in for maintenance because my wife is gone with the car every day from about 7 AM until about 7 PM and I work Saturdays. She is staying home tomorrow, so I made an appointment. Well, I underestimated how many miles the car would have and it has only been about 2000 miles since the last change. Should I go ahead and get the oil changed since the car is here and that is hard to do during the week (plus my $14.95 coupon expires next week), or should I wait until the change is due and try to find a time then when we can get the car in at that time? Thanks.
  • afk_xafk_x Member Posts: 393
    Right now every Saturn "rebate" is techincally down payment assistance. None of them can be recieved as cash.

    Currently there are programs like I have never seen nor imagined would ever exist for the ION.

    They are

    1000 + 0.0% APR OR 2000 rebate

    500 Ion "bonus cash"

    1000 Saturn loyalty or 750 GM loyalty

    500 conquest cash *techincally this is dealer cash*
    750 College grad

    750 Military

    GM card is allowed

    Nearly all of these programs can be combined so for example the college grad could get a total of 3750 + 0.0% APR or 4750 on any ION if someone in his household owned a Saturn and a non GM vehicle.

    Amazing but true

    A non college grad non military with a GM vehicle and non GM vehicle would still get 2750 + 0.0% APR or 3750.

    This on a vehicle that can be had for under 13,000 with AC

    The ION is a good vehicle, with the current incentives it becomes a rather amazing value...
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    The robust, active conversation on this thread gave me much to consider about my question 2 days ago, thanks! Oh well, enough sarcasm. I decided not to get it done now--I think I will have a day in late August I can get it done, and that will only be a couple of weeks after the "or 3 months" part of the service due date.
  • soggydogsoggydog Member Posts: 67
    That is the question uga91. Hey, I'm such a stickler about it I have actually carried oil and a filter along on vacation if it was going to exceed the 3K before we got back. No, I don't go as far as to stop along the road and change it... but it could happen. I never worry about the or three months part, If It takes 4 or 5 months to go 3K I don't think it's a big deal.
  • afk_xafk_x Member Posts: 393
    Found out today that college grad and saturn loyalty (or gm loyalty) are not compatible.

    Sorry for any confusion this may have caused someone.
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    This is a good link about electric steering. It is old but has good info. I was impressed with the reference to tire diameter and the increased load on the electric steering system.

     http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-010730steering.story
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    Some people swear by them, some people swear at them !
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Thanks for stopping by!
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    I have noticed a lot of complaints about GM paint not being durable(see Impala, Vibe forum and genvibe.com) Does the Ion or other Saturns suffer from this?
    Is the variable transmission(Vti) on the various Saturns holding up?
  • legalseclegalsec Member Posts: 31
    afk_x, thank you for your wealth of "rebate"/incentives information.

    I have negotiated a deal for an ION 2 automatic silver and applied as many of the "rebates" as permissible. You are right; they would not allow both the Loyalty and the College Grad programs even though I qualified for both.

    I am financing at the 0% APR thru GMAC. I was able to get a good price after offering a down payment, taking off $2500 in current incentives, maximizing my trade-in value, and asking for approx. $500 in market adjustment/ savings/ dealer cash.
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    How did you learn of/negotiate this?
    Also, do you know if you can apply the current incentives with $1,000 in GM card earnings as well as GMS discount?
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    Anyone dealt with this?
    see: http://www.epinions.com/content_96995020420
  • legalseclegalsec Member Posts: 31
    What has (I guess) been alternatively termed market adjustment, dealer cash or savings (on my buyer's order) was first brought to my attention by postings at the SaturnFans site.

    Also, uga91 (thanks for the in-depth explanation in #2314!) and then afk_x were right to point out that Saturn isn't offering rebates in the true sense of the dealer's lingo. In my dealing thus far (it's an ongoing process), there has been no implication that they are going to cut me a check for those programs.

    Although not applicable to me (so I did not research it), it might be possible that the GM Card points and the GMS program are stackable on top of current offers. If you are a GM employee, you'd know better than I. See, for example, http://www.jerrysweatherford.com/en_US/f_MiscPage_1.chtml.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Congratulations on your purchase. We have a silver-blue Ion 2 with automatic and are generally pleased. We've only had it for about 4 months, but so far so good!
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    I totaled my 2002 SL1 this past Tuesday, slid under a suburban with no airbag deployment while doing 50-60mph and nothing but bumps and bruises.

    Anyway, I need to replace my car and drove the ION1 with auto. Nice. This is the current deal they are offering me:

    $14703 + tax, title, reg. = $16123.01
    then subtract
    $1500 down payment assistance
    $1000 Saturn loyalty

    which leaves me at $13623.01 financed at 0.0% for 60 months or $227.05 a month.

    What do you guys think? They won't do the College Grad, which I would qualify for.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Sounds good. Why no Grad discount?
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    It's either the Grad or the Loyalty but not both according to my dealer. I've also seen this earlier in the thread.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Not a bad payment. The only other car I can think of for that price would be a Protege. But, then if you did that, then your car will be the "older" car next year. Like your 2002 SL1 was in 2003. Good luck!
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Sounds like a good deal. We could have got the loyalty as we have a Vue also. We did get the 0% for 60 months though. I guess Ion sales have slowed as the deals are good. Of course its year end so they are also likely clearing out for the new and improved 2004 Ions.

    Still happy with ours, no issues to report, just gas and go. I'm sure you will like the Ion as it's much bigger than the S.
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    We went to the dealership with the intention of purchasing an ION1 with auto and cd. We drove it again, this time with the wife, and she gave it the thumbs up. Well I we then went ahead and looked at a 2 with auto, power locks and cd. It was only $600 more so we got it instead.

    The ION looks "richer" than the S-series, especially sitting in my drive way. I'll try to keep an eye on this message board and report anything I discover or don't discover...
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    ION is a better car in every respect and very competitive in the over all market. It will be even better with the 04 improvements I hope.

    Enjoy.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    You got a lot more for the $600--Congrats! Bigger wheels with better tires, power locks, height adjustable seating, upgraded seat materials, seat back storage pockets, body color door handles and an upgraded stereo are worth $600, IMO. Enjoy!
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Speaking of davethewave's new car, I have not seen many white Ions on the road. Today I saw a white 3 with leather, sunroof, and trunk lid spoiler. It looked very nice.
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    Just thought I'd chime in with a few initial impressions, I've only driven 2 full days...

    The sun visors are terrible, way to short both vertically and horizontally. I think they are mounted to far back also. I worry about the retention bracket breaking, seems awfully weak.

    I really miss my arm rest. Will purchase one as soon as there offered. Any suggestion in the mean time?

    Very good pick up and the steering is great. I did notice a little bit of pull when accelerating but that seems to have faded. I'll keep an eye on it.

    Great road vision with the center instrument panel, no problems getting used to that. Do wish I had cruise though. Any suggestions?

    My wife told me yesterday, "I'll drive the Saturn if you want the Jeep." That's saying alot, she hated the SL1.

    Now all I need to do is find a good deal on window tint. Any suggestions?
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    wants to drive the ION becuase it's the "new car." Plus, there is no comparison between the old S and the Ion--and I had a 1995 SL2 and a 1999 SL2 before our Ion 2.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I also like arm rests, but I guess I'm used to not having it. It's useful to not have one with a manual transmission, IMO, but it's nice to have with an auto.
  • echristiechristi Member Posts: 5
    http://www.rostra.com/cruise-control.htm

    I have never installed one of these, so I have no idea how hard it is, but it looks like an option for you. They also make after market seat heaters that I am thinking about for my leather seats before winter comes!
  • soggydogsoggydog Member Posts: 67
    Ask your dealer what shop they send vehicles to when a customer won't buy a car unless it has cruse control. The problem with after market cruse and alarms is that if it not wired up correctly it can cause all kinds of problems with the electric system. Some shops splice into the wiring harness with those crimp type connectors used for trailer lights and after awhile with road vibration, they can come loose. Also your dealer will blame every little electrical problem on the after market instillation.

    On a new vehicle, it is probably a good idea to have it professionally installed and make sure they will stand by there work.

    If you really want to do it yourself, there is a board here on Edmunds for after market accessories. Go over there and ask questions.
  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    Armrests are available from your dealer. They are extremely easy to install.
  • legalseclegalsec Member Posts: 31
    uga91 & davethewave1 - we are part of the ION revolution! I took delivery of my 2003 silver ION2 w/ automatic transmission, convenience pkg, travel pkg, alloy wheels, spoiler and cd/cass radio w/ coaxial spkrs on July 31. MSRP = $16,845. It had 11 miles on it - 5 of which came from me test-driving it twice prior to taking delivery. My husband says they did the "GO SATURN!" cheer when he took delivery on his back in 1992, but they didn't do that this time. I'm so disappointed. ;)

    Purchase Cost - It cost me $14,100 with 0% APR financing for 60 months. We took advantage of the $1500 DPA (as part of the financing deal offered) and the $1000 loyalty discount (my husband drives a '92 SL1 sedan). We got $500 for trading in our 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. They also gave us a $700 market adjustment/savings. My monthly payment is $183.38.

    Free Car Mats - I had heard that some people think they are getting car mats (MSRP $80) for free, but I think you have to be careful when you say that. The manufacturer's MSRP sticker says that the destination charge is $485, but when you sit down with the dealer to talk options, he will show you an orange/white ION spec sheet which lists the destination charge at $565. That's an $80 difference. If I hadn't been so happy with the deal I got, I would have challenged it.

    Initial impressions - Thin upholstery and odd seating position makes my body ache. The seat is not supportive enough for my lower back. The steering wheel is not as ergonomically contoured as the SL1 steering wheel. The dash and instrumt panel looks lovely both in styling and coloration. Love the car's power, ride and nimble handling. The 145-hp 2.2L engine has more go than the 85-hp SL1. Gotta love all those options above - it makes driving this American econobox so much more enjoyable. I drove 751 miles in the first 3 days of owning it (you may have seen me driving up and down I-95 between DC and Phila). I am getting 35 mpg.
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    They did the SATURN cheer for our SL1 last year but no cheer of the ION. My wife was dreading that whole thing. I really think some thing is going on at our local dealer.

    Our dealer doesn't have the arm rests available yet.

    I probably would have the cruise done professionally.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Yours sounds similar to mine--except mine is silver-blue and does not have the travel package or spoiler. You got a little better deal than I did, as well. When we bought ours in March, there was no DPA in conjunction with the 0% APR--so the only thing I got along with the 0% was a $1000 GM owner loyalty rebate. Well, I did get a $250 pre paid Visa gift card for going through the Internet Department, but that was not a GM thing. I think I did get free floor mats, though. They did not come with my car. I noticed some cars that had them and they were listed for $80 on the sticker. I told the salesman I would buy some from the parts counter. Before delivery, he went there for me and found out if you want to buy some yourself after the fact, they cost $120. Well, he did not buy some; but, he did come across a set someone else did not want, so he took them from the other guy and they were in place in my car at delivery. Don't ask me how that worked--I did not go into details on my "free" floor mats.

    Lastly, the cheer and cook outs went away years ago, I'm afraid. When we bought a new SL2 in 1995, we got the cheer, the applause, a calendar with our picture (and our new car as well) on it, a balloon bouquet delivered to our house with Saturn coffee mugs attached and an invitation to a cook out at the dealer where they went over the maintenance schedules, warranty and other good stuff. Did not get that on our 1999 SL2, but it was considered Used when we bought it, so I thought that may have been why. Well, the ION was new, and there was nothing then, either. Have fun!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I saw some pictures of the 04 interior upgrades. The seats look better and the dash looks are improved also. unfortunately the steering wheel is still the same.
  • cdavidhesscdavidhess Member Posts: 26
    Have you tried lowering the seat cushion?

    The seat in my Ion 2 was also initially uncomfortable. After adjusting the seat downward, it felt great---much better lower back support.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    The interior was suppossed to be improved in the areas you mentioned. As far as the wheel goes, it is small by design. Saturn made the wheel small on purpose since the IP is in the middle of the dash. Saturn says it makes getting into and out of the car easier. I tend to agree with Saturn's claims as it is much easier to get in and out of my Ion than it was with either of our earlier SL2 models--and we had one of each generation.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have no problem with the size, I actually liked that. I just don't care for the general design of it with the marshmallow in the middle. I otherwise like the changes from what I can see in the pix.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    "Stay Puft marshmallow steering wheel"

    That jazzes the spec list up considerably!
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I do wish the wheel was a little thicker.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    It always seems to take myself a little time to find a comfortable position when I get a new car. It was like that in the last 4 new cars I had, and it took me an average of 3 weeks or so with fiddling with the seat and stuff.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    or 'chicken pot pie' steering wheel

    or 'jiffy pop' wheel.....

    take your pick, all apply.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Davethewave ::: Congratulations on the new Ion!!

    I was reading in the paper that Ion sales continue to rise. I guess this new improved interior should help also though I don't see a lot of change. I guess the seat materials look richer and the dash is a little more matted. I will have to sit in one next oil change.

    Still no issues to report on the Ion. Runs great. Saturn should do some advertising though, I never see any ads on TV any more. The car is still fairly new and many people have not heard of it.
  • davethewave1davethewave1 Member Posts: 26
    I've noticed the same thing down here in Southern Louisiana. I saw my first ION, since buying mine, yesterday. Not very many on the road. Although the dealer says there are plenty... I don't know...
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    dash plastic does indeed look improved, did they improve the door plastic and cloth too? If SO, good deal. Good job. The center stack looks changed a hair too. All worthy improvements. But for Crying out louds GET A NEW FREAKING STEERING WHEEL That's ALL WE ARE ASKING!!!!! LUTZ WHAT IS THE DEAL, GET ON IT MAN!!!!! CANCEL THOSE SUPPLIER CONTRACTS IF YOU NEED TO.........

    Anyone need some popcorn? Or is it SMORES TIME? need some marshmallows........

    POT PIES ARE READY!
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Who has these? Where can I see them?
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    They are on the Saturn fans sight but no links to competing discussion sites are allowed so you will have to find it on your own.

    The interior is improved, no doubt. Plastics and cloth all look better. Change the steering wheel and I'd say it's very good. Still want to see one live and feel it though.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Doesn't really look all that different. They say they used different materials. Will have to see in person, I guess. I did like the look of the new seats, though. Everyone likes to complain about the steering wheel. I have no problem with the wheel--I wish Saturn would do something with the Dodge Neon-like gear shifter they use!
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