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Comments
I did receive a letter from Saturn a few years ago about the cracked cylinder head issue, but as of yet I have not noticed any of the symptoms.
But the problem is not with my dealer, it's with
the corporate attitude. What happened to: "We have a problem part...lets fix it! As it is now,
my headlights vibrate, the dash buzzes, i can feel buzzing through the entire car! But I'm working on it, and will solve the problem some-
how, hopefully. So, next year when I trade in I
probably will go to the Saturn dealer, I just wont
be buying a saturn! Just like the six other people
I've recently talked to, with the same problem, have indicated.
The dealer did not even suggest cost. It was all taken care of under manufactures defect(Towing and all).
Now at 102k miles the clutch bearing and clutch need to go, with the 0% finance, I will be driving away with a new one (2002 SL with automatic) this afternoon and leaving the '96 behind...
Overall it's been OK..
It even has SL2 type seats, I could have gotten one with air too!
Although I am disapointed with it, I may see about the 30 money back deal!
It's the same as the 96 except for a bit of appearance...not worth the cash imo...
This may be more then you wish to spend, but if would be willing to look outside the Saturn family, look into the 2003 Honda Accord. I test drove one yesterday (2003 Accord LX) that was about $ 19,160.00. It was awesome to say the least, the interior was very well assembled with high quality fabric/plastics/ it has a new 160hp 4 cylinder that was very smooth, and it comes standard with abs, pwr windows/locks/ 6 speaker cd player/ keyless entry, and so on. If price is an issue, you could look into an Accord DX for around 16-17k. Good luck
As I mentioned, I drove the 2003 Accord last Saturday, and I was very impressed. For the price/features ratio, it runs rings around the 2003 L Series. I posted a bit more info regarding my test drive of the Accord in the "2003 Accord Redesign" room if your're interested. Im sure you'll like it.
Thanks,
-David
And more things. I got rid of it this past summer at 120,000 miles. I couldn'take the low seat and powerseatbelts any more.
The new ION looks good for it's size and powertrain.
Check out the Ion forum, there are links to some reviews.
OR
If you think the OEM is garbage you can always go to a muffler shop and for 100 bucks get a different muffler put on.
As to your particular SL2, I cannot say if it is a great Saturn compared to an average one. I have some questions. Did you purchase this SL2 from a dealer/ big dealership or small? or did you buy it from an individual? Did you have a carfax check done on the vehicle to check for accident/flood damage? Do you have any or all of the SL2's original maintenance records ?
Is it automatic or stick ? Did you check the cars value on kellybluebook.com ? I checked a 97 SL2 with 101,000 miles/ 5 speed/ air/cd which came out to be worth $ 3850.00 in a private party sale.
My Saturn experience has been decent. I had a 1998 SL which I put 30,000 miles on before I traded in for a 2001 SL1, which currently has near 12,000 miles. My 98 SL's only problems were a failed computer control module at 18,000 miles, and my 01 SL1 has had the rotors resurfaced recently. Otherwise, they have been great cars. Good luck ..
The ION, is completely polymer except the hood/roof/trunk lid. Starting at $ 11,995 for a base ION with one of the most powerful engines in its class, industry firsts like electronic steering, make the ION a great buy imo. I think you'll walk away impressed.
The car has 85K on it and is due for it's 90K service soon.
Thanks
Steve
While you're there, check out the new 2003 ION, maybe you won't have to worry bout the SL2 cause the ION may surprise you.
I don't see this solution to compromise the vehicles safety in any way. "Always buckle up"
fuel filter on a '95 SL1. I have 83k on the orig.
thanks
My thoughts as to this individual car are good overall, the gas mileage is good, it received the highest crash test rating for driver an passenger, it is quiet at cruising speeds and does what I need it to do and hasn't given me any major trouble (knock on wood)
What I would change? The seats are thin, and can become uncomfortable on longer drives, and I wish it had more power..
IF you have the need for speed, check out the SL2, or an L Series.. Otherwise, the SL and SL1 are good, dependable vehicles that don't ding or rust. A big bonus imo
My Corolla has just over 85k on it and have had to have the brakes replaced after 8k (guaranteed for 12k; am no lead foot), have had to have locks repaired twice in seven years and am having a cold starting problem; recently spent almost $800 on various repairs connected with inspection and winterization. Would like to be able to scrape together a few thousand dollars to eventually replace vehicle. Am apprehensive, since this would be my first trade (when the time comes). Checked the Toyota boards and got mixed postings, just like the Saturn board. Think the Saturn would be a better value, especially now that Toyotas are also made in America. What years should be avoided?
Would appreciate sincere advice.
Thanks!
The most important thing is to make sure the vehicle has been well maintained, with maintenance records. Also, it is always a good idea to have a carfax history report done so you can check for possible accidents and problems..
Consumer Reports states that nearly all years of the S Series are reliable and I believe this to be true. (excluding hardware issues). I checked a local retailer www.saturnofalbany.com and found these late model S Series sedans for sale..
1999 Saturn SL2 Gold 40,981 $8,495
1999 Saturn SL2 Green 65,761 $6,995
1996 Saturn SL2 Green 69,996 $5,495
Maybe you could check out www.autotrader.com as well, but I would stick to buying a Saturn from a Saturn retailer. If you do buy from a Saturn retailer , you will get at least a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty in most cases as well as roadside assistance. I personally am on my second Saturn, and haven't had any major problems with either one. Plus, you can't beat the polymer door panels/ and low cost of ownership . Happy Hunting
Thanks also for going to the trouble of checking the saturnofalbany.com site. The 96 in green would have best fit my budget; unfortunately, I live in Northeast Phila. so Albany would be quite a hike. Now I just need to pinch some pennies and check a couple dealers down here, especially the one where my friend got his champagne (or gold) colored 98 (would need to be an automatic). (He had traded in a Honda Accord!) When you said if I stuck to a Saturn retailer, you said I probably would get at least a 12 month, 12K warranty - I assume you're talking about previously owned vehicles? I would also hope that a Saturn retailer would use the touted no-haggle policy on used vehicles as well as on new ones? I am not much for haggling on things and since this would be my first purchase (and being a single woman) I get apprehensive about being ripped off! I'm also impressed that this is your second vehicle by this make so it's obvious you know your stuff.
Thanks again!
You would of course be able to save money by purchasing from a private party, but make sure to get maintenance records, have a carfax report done, www.carfax.com (need the vin #) and of course check the value on kellybluebook. Also, if you buy from an individual it couldn't hurt to have the car checked out by a local mechanic (usually costs around $ 50-100.00 at a Saturn retailer. If you have any other questions , don't hesitate to ask
Let me know how everything worked out...
ALSO NOTE THAT 1995 AND 1996 SATURNS seem to have more problems, their quality seems to have dipped at that point, which I think is when G.M. started sticking their nose into Saturn's affairs, plus there were union problems at the assembly plant at that time, cars were purposely being delivered to dealers with miss matched parts and such at times.
As far as the CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS that someone was asking about,this was on sohc engines only. The journal for the last camshaft was cracking(part of the head) and coolant was getting into the oil. This required replacement of the head and all rubber hoses, pumps seal in the cooling system, which can swell when in contact with oil.
This would not affect oil consumption, unless the oil was getting into coolant and that would be obvious, 'cause the coolant looks like mud when it occurs! Any more questions?