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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 93 of 143

#917 of 1418 Recalls and TSB's by 300silverbulit

Apr 11, 2002 (5:53 pm)

Recalls are more important. They have to be fixed by Saturn, at no charge to the owner of that vehicle that is affected. TSB's are a big gray area. Some dealers may inform and have the work done for you, others not.
 
I was surprised at all the work my SL2 needed also. I have taken it back to my dealer every 3,000 miles for service letting them do pretty much whatever they thought was needed. i bought it as a used certified saturn from my dealer. it came with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty from Saturn. The altenator went out during warranty but everything else went within the last year.
 
Luck of the draw I guess. It still has a fun to drive aspect to it though. Proably more than other compacts from 1994. With all the work it's had it is running smoother then ever before but having it since 98' I am ready for a change.
 
As for recalls check with the NHSTA. They have a website but I don't know the address.

#918 of 1418 FOR RECALLS TRY by alternator

Apr 11, 2002 (8:30 pm)

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

#919 of 1418 My $202 month mistake by jeff186

Apr 12, 2002 (4:56 am)

Yes, I got suckered in by the cheap monthly lease deal, $0 down. Thought this car would be a good around town grocery-getter and occasional highway ride. I was wrong. Slow off the line around town and rattle-y interior. As for the highway, the buzzing of the engine is constant and annoying. A huge dissapointment. I should have had the guts to negotiate for a Sentra or Corolla.

#920 of 1418 Re: My $202/month mistake by seattlenative

Apr 12, 2002 (6:02 am)

Jeff186: which Saturn model did you buy? Is it a 5-speed manual or an automatic?

#921 of 1418 Quality and reliability, S-series by seattlenative

Apr 12, 2002 (6:04 am)

In previous years, the Saturn S-series earned very high marks for product quality and new-car freedom from defcts (i.e. JD Powers Index) but doesn't show up as high now. Any comments on Saturn's quality control on current or recent S-series cars?

#922 of 1418 TSBs by hpulley4

Apr 12, 2002 (7:26 am)

Are just technical service bulletins which tell techs how to fix common problems. If they occur while under warranty and are a warranty covered item, then they will be covered. Not all cars are affected by problems in TSBs so there is no recall and there is no reason for your car to be checked for them unless there are symptoms of a problem.
 
Problems which are deemed dangerous or very common will end up as a recall in which case all affected vehicle owners must be notified.
 
There is no grey area. TSBs are just helpful fixit hints.

#923 of 1418 Jeff by claywaterfill

Apr 12, 2002 (10:14 am)

I'm assuming you have a SL1 with automatic to feel this way. The SL1 does seem pretty weak with the automatic, IMO. I'm sure you would have better feelings had you bought a manual transmission or SL2. My manual tranny SL2 is plenty peppy for "grocery getting." Sorry you are unhapy.

#924 of 1418 Automatic by jeff186

Apr 12, 2002 (11:15 am)

the engine is anemic, though I knew it was 100HP going in and more modern cars in this category have 130-140 HP. Just drove a Sentra GXE and the difference is amazing. Sigh...only 37 more months to go.

#925 of 1418 recent 1.9L DOHC engines -- still oil consuming? by hpulley4

Apr 12, 2002 (12:13 pm)

The S series has a history of oil consumption in the 1.9L engine. Can any owners of recent S-series comment on whether the issue is still there? I was hoping the ION would be a good car this fall but it is almost as big as an L-series and has funny centre instrument panel, non-independent rear suspension, etc. so now I'm thinking an SL2 might be a better choice, as well as a better buy with rates being good right now. My main concern is that the car might still have the oil consumption problem -- I guess I could lease it. Any comments appreciated!

#926 of 1418 by 300silverbulit

Apr 12, 2002 (1:32 pm)

Saturn is starting to toss out equipment packages on the S series in it's swan song.
The 2002 I drove for a day while my L300 was getting the oil cooler coolant leak fixed. Was a much smoother engine than my 94 SL2. It diddn't have the performance/normal switch on the automatic like mine does which does do alot for quicker throttle response. Actually I notice a big diffrence. I do use oil in the SL2 but I just add a 1/3 of a quart usually on fridays just to make it a habit so I don't let it go to long. But I drive alot each week.
 
As for the single cam engine with auto. We took a bath when we traded in our SW1 for a L300 but the power of the V6 L is fantastic. I am never at a loss for power in any driving situation.
 
With the SW1 you got going ok but once we had to slow down , then get back on it it just made noise. it was downright dangerous, we just couldn't live with that car anymore although it was very reliable.

Messages Page 93 of 143

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