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Saturn S-Series

1418 messages,  Last post on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:19 PM

You are in the Saturn S-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saturn S-Series, Sedan

Messages Page 112 of 142

#1109 of 1418 PIECE OF JUNK!!! by laurap52

Jul 24, 2003 (12:07 pm)

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.

#1110 of 1418 36000/yr by wwhite2

Jul 26, 2003 (2:51 pm)

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

#1111 of 1418 LauraP by wwhite2

Jul 26, 2003 (2:54 pm)

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

#1112 of 1418 GREAT CAR! by birdman579

Jul 27, 2003 (8:45 pm)

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.

#1113 of 1418 Laura by uga91

Jul 28, 2003 (6:30 am)

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?

#1114 of 1418 UGA91 by laurap52

Jul 28, 2003 (11:32 am)

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.

#1115 of 1418 blown engine by lngtonge18

Jul 31, 2003 (8:18 pm)

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.

#1116 of 1418 Junk it by soggydog

Aug 01, 2003 (8:21 pm)

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.

#1117 of 1418 Get a New Car by birdman579

Aug 03, 2003 (9:15 pm)

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.

#1118 of 1418 Jeep Grand Cherokee?????? by spratt1

Sep 15, 2003 (8:56 am)

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.

Messages Page 112 of 142

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