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In the nearly 6 years that I have had this car, the only things I have had done to it, (aside from regular maintnence) is replaceing the clutch that I wore out. (my fault entirely: couldn't afford to have my brake pad's replaced, & used the clutch to slow my self down for several months(chicago traffic))
I had never owned a new car before this one, and I am still amazed at how little this car has costed me over the years.
I'm not trying to convince anyone to buy one, just thought that I would share a positive experience on this board.
Stephen
Floridian
Yeah, you dare not disagree with anyone's opinion on these posts or you are labeled a "flamer" loud mouth etc. Well, we all know we are RIGHT don't we Satboy LOL.
I have been threatened so many times with "exile" from these boards because I just love to "stir the pot". Especially when I unload about all the sleezy, low life dealers & salesmen. Certain archtypes out on the "leftcoast" just go ballistic when I poke 'em in the eye! That's ok tho my skin is about 1" thick and 65 years old, bulletproof.
Floridian
It is nice to see you back. I noticed that your detractors are now much nicer to you, except that they can't spell your screen name correctly.
It is important that you keep coming up with facts that support Saturn.
I am pleased with the car and I plan on driving it at least 150,000 miles. I would not be afraid to buy another one but it depends on what GM does to the Saturn in the next year or two as it is moving totally under GM management. If it loses its Saturn uniqueness, so long.
Just curious, I'm researching a sedan/wagon for a friend.
I should have metioned that I, myself, do not own a new Saturn. I first joined this list when I was in the market for a new car and considering one. I finally decided against it after reading this list and others like it, and after weighing in Saturn's unusually high-profit, non-negotiable price. I decided against it.
A Saturn wasn't for me, but if it is for you, I hope you buy one and enjoy it and hopeful have a good track record with it. However, I really would think twice about taking the advice of someone who dismisses others problems as uncredible. I can't stress that enough. We are talking about someone that has a Saturn with only about 19,000 miles on (and is already thinking about trading it--for a Ford) so is really not qualified yet to talk about reliablity issues. This same person flamed a poster who mentioned that she needed an engine rebuilt at about 80,000 miles. He dismissed it at "High Mileage."
Like I said before, I'm sure that more people with problems tend to post, but there still seems to be an unnormally high numbers of horror stories on the Saturn forums. The product will speak for itself.
Saturn Retailer" do you mean that Saturn is experimenting with negotiable prices? Wow. Doesn't that go completely against everything Saturn stands for?
I agree completely with the MSRP reduction for the L series and hope Saturn makes a big deal about it in their ads. This is in keeping with "the Saturn way" (whatever that is)--own up to a mistake, reduce the MSRP, and get on with it. However, I'm not sure that going to negotiable prices with help them. The dealer experience is one of the few things distinguishing Saturn from other car manufacturers these days.
Yes, I'll tell my friend to hold off until the 2001s come in stock. Real soon, I assume.
Saturn prices can be bent in more than one way. The fixed price is only nominal. As saturnboy points out, sometime there are rebates and other forms of price reduction.
I experienced another twist of this price game: I did not want a tape player and it was in the car the dealer wanted me to buy. Otherwise the car was to my specs. Eventually, I paid for the player but got an OEM car cover and some other goodies (maybe $300 worth) free.
The bottom line: One can use one's imagination to soften some aspects of the price.
It looks like you kept your resolution not to respond to "certain types of posts" about as long as long as you kept your many resolutions to bail from this list. Not that this is any of my concern.
Nuff said.
If you go to any thread, for any car make, you will be sure to find one thing. What is this one thing you ask? Its simple. People with car issues. There are people everywhere who have problems with their cars, and Saturn is no exception. Honda's have problems? Yup. Toyotas? Yup. Lexus? Yup. Ford? Indeed. I think the main reason people who have problems with their Saturns are so vocal is because of the kind of people who buy Saturns.
These people are the type that don't rush to buy. They are the kind that do their homework. They are not looking for the latest hot import, they are looking for value. Understandably when this kind of person gets a car that have problems, they are going to let people know. Its pretty much that simple. Now onto the REAL issue.
The important question is, do Saturns have more than their fair share of problems than other makes, and more importantly when problems do arise how does Saturn handle them. I think one of the best sources for consumers is Consumer Reports.
If you are to look at the experiences of Saturn owners as a whole, you will find a lot of red circles. What does this mean? FEWER PROBLEMS THAN AVERAGE. Yes its true. The secret is out. Some Saturns will have problems. But according to statistical evidence, Saturns have FEWER problems than average.
Now for the kicker. As you know Consumer Reports also does a Lemon ranking. This measures how good a manufacturer is at resolving consumer complaints. Thank you very much, Saturn is number one.
To summerize, Saturns have fewer problems than other similar cars, and resolves the problems that do arise better than any other manufacturer.
As a bonus, Consumer reports also ranks Saturn as number one for dealer satisfaction, and JD powers ranks Saturn second only to Lexus, for satisfaction with the Sales proces.
Thank you for your imput. I certainly think you are entitled to your own opinion. I just don't think you should spread false information.
Have a nice day.
Every new car has problems....absolutely. I have never bought a new car that didn't need to have some bugs worked out of it. But it seems there are an unusally high number of negative posts---on this and other websites--regarding problems that are very similar, such as the oil burning problem. I thought it was bad enough that the problem was there, but why doesn't the company at least acknowledge it? I dont think I am spreading false information by bringing this up. The information is out there.
As for Consumer Reports, that is good information to consider too but, like I mentioned to Saturnboy, I take more stock in actual owner experiences.
I hope that those that own Saturn's go on to enjoy them and have years of trouble free operation. I just didnt feel the car was for me. Not only did I feel nervous about relaibility issues, but I am not a big fan of thier pricing, size or styling. It all boils down to your own personal tastes.
Thanks.
Example :
"Face it, your an old man that loves coming
here to post and stir the pot, I come here to talk
about Saturn cars, As a Saturn OWNER, which you
will never be able to say. "
I'm sure Fred could go and buy a Saturn today if he wanted. Fred seems to be very fair in his postings even if he didn't present all the information. There simply is no need for the kind of statement you made.
I'd imagine that the fuse for the radio controls other things too that would be bad if that were the problem. However, you can buy a whole pack of fuses for a couple of bucks and they are very simple to replace---so it couldn't hurt to try.
As far as his accusations that I am an old man who comes here to stir the pot, let me respond.
First of all I am a 28 year old journalist. Perhaps 28 may seem "old" to Saturnboy though--I don't know.
Secondly, I do not come here to stir anything. Although my post certanly seemed anti-Saturn in nature, the point that I really was trying to make is that the complaints of Saturn owners are just as valid as the praises. Saturnboy should not have told Chrissy that the negative posts were uncredible. His knowledge of Saturn contributes greatly to this forum, but why must he constantly deride others in order to make his point?? In short, I am under the impression that he can dish it out but he can't take it.
And, while I am not a Saturn owner, I did SERIOUSLY consider one and I have also owned two other makes that were purchased and serviced through Saturn dealerships. So I feel that I am qualified to speak about my own "Saturn experience."
Thanks.
I wouldn't be too concerned about engine noise, its not indicitive of any particular problem. Where are you buying this Saturn?
Have you considered buying yourself an L series and giving your son yours? The L series is quite an amazing car and currently you can get a 2000 model for a great price. I think you should go drive one.
Just curious.
I bought a 93 SCI (plum!!!) and put 36K miles on it in a year and a half, then decided I wanted a four door. I bought the 95 SLI and am just passing the 118,000 mile mark now. My husband bought a 91 SL2 with 28,000 miles on it in 94 and proceeded to put 90K more on it (with my help)over the last 5 years. My brother now drives that one as a family car for his 2 year old. All of these miles are hard driving, back roads, errands, stops and starts, hours and hours of highway driving on end, etc.
Anyhow, no real problems at all and I really beat the living crap out of any transmission I come in contact with. I think most of the "work" I have had to do with all of the cars is to change the EGR valves---definitely has to do with driving A LOT. And the brakes squeak periodically when it is cold or rainy---but that happens to all cars with the asbestos-type linings.
My one bad experience was with a particular saturn service place, not the car itself. I moved 80 miles away from my usual saturn dealer so I tried the service stop closest to me...they found $800 worth of things that needed to be fixed- power steering pump, transmission pan, gaskets everywhere. I had enough $$ for the power steering pump so I fixed it even though I had had no problems. Driving home that day, I could not turn into my driveway. Royal runaround when I took it back...eventually took it to my regular Saturn dealer (Worcester, MA--- YAY!!!) the "new" pump was faulty, the tran pan gasket was leaking a LITTLE and the EGR valve needed a dusting---as usual for me!! ALL DONE FOR LABOR COST ONLY OF THE MINOR THINGS!
Saturn's are great little cars, a little noisy (but you can crank the radio), and the SLI's need a bit of oomph to get up hills when they get older (so do we all).
And I still get 32-40mpg, my brother gets 26 on the 91.
I am thinking about the 2001-2002 LS2 for next year...to be truthful, I am also checking out the Subaru Legacy Sedan, too...Must decide between 4wd or 6 cylinder.
Good Luck
I'll probably go to an L series when my two year lease is up on my 2000 SC2.
This is Whoop btw
JD Powers & Associates
Since Saturn's launch just one decade ago, GM's
newest division has focused on maintaining a close
relationship with its customers.
GM worked hard to reduce noise and vibration in the 1999 Saturn engines. Pistons were made smaller and lighter, connecting rods were made longer, more counterweighting was added to the crankshaft, the block was redesigned and reinforced, the timing chain was made smaller. The cylinder head was redesigned on the twin-cam engine. The list goes on and on.
If you read their reviews, they often make snide comments about Saturn which they don't do with other manufacturers.
I have long ago stopped fussing over it, recently its new owner, my brother found that it had low oil, Oh, well top it up and get on with it. While it has had the usual engine mount, alternator problems, it never stranded anybody, ever.
Reason for getting rid of it, engine noise and boredom with the same car, I am sure it could go on till 200k, but my new car urge was greater than my curiosity.
My new car is an Intrigue GL, and it's go only 2.5k miles, so too soon to comment. If you value 1)value, 2)looks and 3)power then look in this direction.
Thanks.
FYI..., if your engine behaves like this, take it as a warning. If it conks out and you're stuck, check for spark and fuel (unscrew the cap of the shraeder valve near the fuel rail and depress the stem.) If no fuel and you've jiggled all the wires and checked the fuses/ relays, then whack the gas tank with a rubber mallet while someone cranks the engine, this can sometimes jar the pump into operating again so you can get the car to a mechanic you can trust.
Of course, you kind of have to know what you're doing. Then again, Saturn could make a better pump.
Oh yeah, check your rear exhaust hanger too. They rot out unexpectedly.
Gee, my dodge K-car (sold at 163k)and Plymouth minivan (sold at 113k) never left me stranded like my Saturn...oh well.
I am impressed with Saturn,and I found the V6 as quick if not quicker than the Intrigue.The styling is nothing to shout about, but I'd rather drive a good overall car, then a stylish repair sponge.
Good Luck.
1.When we started looking, My wife wanted the Saturn LS, so we test drove the LS2 with the V6, I was suitably impressed with the acceleration/handling, but was disappointed with the front end styling.
2.Then we test drove the Intrigue Gl in midnight blue, and it was like who could ask for anything more (sorry Camry, I would like a cheaper sticker and better dealerships), quiet and powerful (quiet coming from a 4cyl world, not compared to other V6's) and great understated styling.
3.My brother's influence in asking me try different cars instead of same, My desire to drift away from a coldly rational, price, reliablity kind of decision making (which would have led to accord camry 4cyl Saturn) - ie take risk but not too much of one. Two to three years ago I would have been prime candidate for the said bland mobiles but now I feel a little looser, so what if my choice is not the best,so what if it depreciates, it is my choice.
4. Then came rumblings of renaming etc,of the Ls1 to L100,which decided it for me. Finally in June Saturn decided to take GM card rebates for the LS but by then I had already made up my mind and did not want to return to the tediousness of deciding which was better etc. all over again, after all it is only a car.
5. The Intrigue is a good value, if it holds up quality wise, Consider that you get the same drivetrain as an Olds aurora 3.5 starting at 19-20 instead of 28-30K, It has a long list of goodies, is not all that common on the road, and did I mention all the rebates/low financing and dealers eager to deal. Also the LS 2 too is a terrific hidden value as it has a Catera Engine which you could pay thousands more for,so it would be 2nd choice in the GM fold once the naming issues are put to bed.
6. Buy the dip - .9 financing for 60 mo seemed like a dip, so I did, more fun than fixed price no haggle.
shanian.
I'm disappointed it's come to this, because I like the car. Some cosmetic wear and tear, but I was hoping for another few years out of it. Thought this was a great excuse to get a new car - 4WD/something I can sleep in, but looking at new SUV/truck prices is quite discouragine, not to mention the gas mileage.
All in all, here's my likes/dislikes regarding the Saturn and the "Saturn experience"
Dislikes: wind noise at highway speeds - makes getting a decent sound system useless, rain leaks in through door seal. Both these are "known probs". Dealerships could have better hours for service. Hard to vacuum up dog hair out of cloth seats. Wish it could store more (bought a Yakima storage box), and wish I could stretch out and sleep in it after those long drives to the trailhead before an early-morning climbing outing.
Likes: great gas mileage, unique styling, dependable. A very practical car. I've only gotten stuck once due to conditions (snow/ice - I now have tire chains), wish it I could haul more (bought a Yakima storage box), and . I've taken it on a few back road in the woods up here, and no real problems.
The Sat SUV talk is interesting, maybe my car can hold out until then. Hearing that its taking on more GM parts is kind of discouraging.
Thanks!
Good luck
New fuel pump, $250. New radiator $500, new engine mounts, master cylinder, windshild wiper motor, rebuilt transmission, new rear calipers and rotors, battery, accelerator cable and on and on. But I keep thinking finally it will run well if I fix just one more thing.
I keep looking at the Saturn SL2 and wishing I had bought one $5,000 ago. There is something about that car that I just like a lot. I know a number of people who own one and they have nothing but good things to say about them. I will most likely buy the 2001 model with the side head curtain as soon as they come out. I hope my Taurus lasts until then.
As an open Saturn loyalist, I think the LS base model is much better in terms of handling, interior comfort, power, quietness. My aunt bought a 2000 LS1 , now 7 months old she has had only one minor problem with it and loves the car.
What options do you think are a must have? and what ones can you live with out? Definitly drive both, they are two very different cars, both having positive and negative points. The choice is ultimately up to you. Good luck.