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2006 Saturn L Series replacement
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Over the first 5 years of ownership they estimate the maintenance cost to average $458/year and repairs $132/year.
I ask because their figures for my Oldsmobile Alero are pretty far off my own experience, so I wonder if this inaccuracy is endemic or just model or case specific.
I'd ask in an ACTUAL L-series forum but they're all now read only. Not great if you're interested in seeing reports from current owners of 2-4 year old vehicles (really nice info if you're buying used). I don't understand Edmunds' logic there.
~alpha
As far as the V6 L wagon is concerned, I think GM really had something here (a mid-priced wagon with decent handling and quite good hwy mileage) but GM "couldn't market scissors to a world trapped in a paper bag" and didn't spend the extra to make a really reliable product.
When I look at the altenatives (Subaru, Volvo, Saab, VW, Ford) they all either fail in terms of acceptable power, parts cost or mpg.
That said, the wagon market is a very small slice of the pie. In terms of sedans, name ONE SINGLE competitive advantage of the L-series, over say... Accord, Camry, Altima, 6, Malibu....
~alpha
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Rick D.
>>>
General Motors said it plans to invest $200 million to upgrade one of its Kansas plants, where a new Saturn mid-size car will be built to replace the slow-selling L Series, Reuters reported.
Saturn decided to end L Series production this summer, a year ahead of schedule, because the car has been a sales flop since it was launched in 1999.
The new Saturn car, which will be available as a 2007 model, will be built in GM's Fairfax manufacturing site in the latter half of 2006. The plant, which employs about 3,000 people, currently builds the Chevy Malibu and Malibu Maxx. <<<
I own the Maxx and had a chance to meet the Fairfax plant manager and staff - they appeared to be a hard working bunch that wants their cars to be good
anyway, what do you think Saturn needs to do on their L-series replacement to get sales, and what would you personally want to see?
Better Reliability
Better Quality
Longer Warranty
Better Engines
Keep the No Haggle Retailers
Improve on the ION, L-Series and VUE constantly
Redesign the cars after five or six years on the market
A price advantage at first (until Saturn can get a good reputation)
The Next Gen L-Series:
3.6L V6 Engine on the top of the line model
2.8L V6 Engine on other V6 models
2.2 Ecotec 4 Cylinder tuned for more horsepower on the base model.
Needs an impeccable interior
Good road dynamics
Options people want (such as leather interiors, side curtain airbags, Navigation Systems, etc)
Keep the wagon version
Improve the styling
more comfortable seats, maybe heated and cooled.
Backed by a warranty that's impressive. (4 years 50K miles bumper to bumper or 5 year 60K miles bumper to bumper)
I'm sure there's more I'd like to add, but I can't think of that right now.
~alpha