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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 63 of 142

#619 of 1418 questions by cai9300

Mar 08, 2001 (8:56 pm)

I have a 2001 SL2 Automatic and my gf has a 1992 Sl1 Manual. Other than the oil eating at about 25-50k, what other problems are typical so maybe i can see them ahead of time or she can look for signs of her car becoming older, my car has about 950 miles on it, and hers has about 110,300 miles on it.
 
Any input would be appreciated. Also I have a hole under my CD player that is extra space (no doubt intended for a cassette). What else can I use it for since on the new saturns it is flat and not slanted so everything falls out if it isn't wedged in there.
 
Thanks,
Chris

#620 of 1418 SL2 Intermittent loss of power - update by zargon2

Mar 09, 2001 (2:05 am)

Earlier I mentioned that my '98 SL2 would lose about 30% of its power for no apparent reason when driven on a long trip. I took it to the dealer and here's what happened:
 
they found no error codes in the computer and nothing wrong with the car, except a temperature sensor that was reading about 15 degrees off. Noting that this might or might not be the problem---no guarantees---they quoted me $106 for the part plus 1/2 hour labor.
 
I decided to go for it. When I went to pick up the car and pay the invoice, I noted that they had charged me only $85 for the part, and no labor at all. Washed the car, too.
 
Well, as it turns out, this wasn't the problem (although the car does runs almost imperceptibly smoother). But they hadn't guaranteed that it would be, and they'd cut me a big break in case it wasn't, so I'm not really upset about it.
 
Next I plan to contact Saturn itself and see if they can pick up the maintenance records from the previous owner---maybe a certain service item, like replacing the spark plug wires, was not done...?---because despite the fact the original owner bought a 60,000 mile service contract, and I bought the car with like 61k on it, my dealer has records only up to 24k miles.
...
Incidentally, anyone see that Car & Driver subcompact sedan shootout? The SL2 placed right in the middle of a crowded field, its ranking hampered by a high as-equipped price. As MSN Carpoint notes: the SL series is an excellent value, but only if you're restrained with the options list...

#621 of 1418 Love my 96 SL2 by junikat

Mar 10, 2001 (5:50 am)

I wanted to post here to put in a good word for Saturn. I have a Pearl 98 SL2 with around 51K miles on it so far. It's taken me across the country multiple times, in hot weather (houston) and cold weather (michigan winter). Have had no problems.
 
Also, the service center I take it to is wonderful, Saturn North in Columbus, Ohio. When I take my car in for scheduled maintenance, they are friendly, courteous, and always do only the necessary work. I highly recommend them if you're in the area.
 
I'm trading my baby in this year, probably for a 2001 SC2 with more options (dang I really wish I had gotten the sunroof and the manual transmission!), and I'm going to be very sad to see her go. She's been good to me, and Saturn has always treated me like an intelligent person instead of someone to gouge for more cash.

#622 of 1418 isn't SW2 really a hatchback? by armagost

Mar 12, 2001 (2:32 pm)

I'm 6' 2" tall. I've test driven a 2001 Toyota Corolla LE. Loved it but headroom is marginal. The SW2's specs and price are similar to the Corolla, plus it's a hatchback. The driver's seat is lower, so maybe I'll fit in. It's an American car... Is it designed for big fathead drivers like me? I'll test drive the SW2 this Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
Re: SL2 Intermittent loss of power
 
Check the fuel pump. The fuel pump in my 1987 Chrysler died on the freeway at 65 MPH. Had to roll to the shoulder through three lanes of fast merging traffic _with no power_. That's when I decided to purchase a new car. I'd been experiencing power loss previous to this incident.

#623 of 1418 sw2 and headroom by dhanley

Mar 12, 2001 (3:08 pm)

The headroom was one of the best features of my saturn. In a lot of cars i brush the headliner more than i would like to. If you are big-headed like me, closeness to the window frame is the only issue.
 
Our saab '900 beat the saturn for headroom, but it's one of the few, and it's quite a bit more expensive, of course, unless you go used.
 
dave

#624 of 1418 Ordered a 2001 SL2 5 speed.... by saturnboi21

Mar 13, 2001 (10:15 am)

Time has come to finally get rid of my 98 SL which has served me very well. To keep a story short after test driving the
Ford Focus ZTS
Toyota Corolla CE
Hyundai Elantra
Nissan Sentra GXE
and the Saturn SL2
 
   I ordered a 2001 Saturn SL2 5 speed with abs/traction control, and cd player. I was very impressed with the power increase over my SL, seemed strong through out the entire RPM band, steering and handling seemed very good also.
 
    The ABS brakes seemed to work very well even thou some might consider it's operation unrefined. The seats seemed much more comfortable with the newly revised lumbar adjustment and higher grade cloth covering. Should arrive in 4 - 6 weeks.

#625 of 1418 Your HONEST opinion please--------- by floridian

Mar 13, 2001 (11:51 am)

satboy: After driving all those cars what was your UNBIASED, LOL, opinion of the Elantra ? As you know I have a 1998 SC2 that is soon to go to the "bone yard" oops, I mean back to the lessor.I have not driven the Elantra but have been very impressed with the fit, finish and appearant overall high quality especially when you consider the price and that killer warranty. I know wild horses could not drag you out of your sacred Saturns but what did you think of that Elantra.
 
Floridian

#626 of 1418 Another Saturn. by boaz47

Mar 13, 2001 (1:30 pm)

I tried to post this before but for some reason it was marked read only so if you have seen it sorry. This weekend I became a two Saturn owner. I had a Honda Prelude that decided to die under a big pile of snow over. Pulled it out and tried to start it and it ran like a three piston tractor. Just had it smogged and parked it before the last big snow storm. I know I live in California but even here it snows in the mountains. Long story short, it was time to trade in the old horse. It was more than wet wires or distributer, it was a cracked exhaust manifold, or head gasket, or block. I have replaced front struts, power steering pump and a cv boot or two. Not that bad for the years I have had it, knowing that driving it up and down a twisty mountain road will take it's toll on a car. Thought about a Honda, and even a Toyota, but I called the Saturn dealer to see what he could do for me. I now have a SC1 and a SL2. What caused me to go with a Saturn again? Service, service, service. I called the dealer, he did all the leg work and called me back. Same day, within an hour. This is something some of the other car dealers will have to face sooner or later. People are beginning to want to be treated with respect and they are expecting service. Younger buyers might be more willing to put up with dealer games but people that have been at this game a few years don't want to hear it. Saturn gives the customer what they advertise and that is one of the reasons they are doing as well as they are. I read that Saturn was rated at the top in customer sales satisfaction and customer service, the same source said VW was rated dead last. And VW has the youngest age group of customers in the industry. Times are changing, again.

#627 of 1418 Floridian by saturnboi21

Mar 13, 2001 (7:38 pm)

As I mentioned I wished to keep a story short but I will break it down for you regarding my thoughts of those cars.
 
  Ford Focus, con number one, it's a FORD, good steering, lots of room
 
   Hyundai Elantra, seemed to drive old school, unrefined, good price, warranty is only as good as the company providing it
 
    Toyota Corolla, my second choice, great build quality, nice interior, numb steering and handling thou, no flare, lousy dealers
 
     Nissan Sentra, did nothing particually well nor stood out in any way, decent price thou
 
     And of course, none of these other models have polymer panels, low cost of ownership, and they do not offer competitive lease rates in my area, www.intellichoice.com rates Saturn as a "best lease deal" consistently.
 
       I found the Saturn SL2 5 speed to be the most fun to drive, at a reasonable price, with a retailer I know, trust, who has treated me fair over the years.
 
        I ruled out another SL/SL1 for their lack of handling, power, and believe an SL2 will keep me in the Saturn family till they get newer models to blow the doors off the likes of recent new designs from other manufacturs.

Messages Page 63 of 142

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