Hello all,
I bought a new 98 Saturn SL1 and absolutely ADORED that car. Now I want to buy another saturn (used this time). Are there any specific years/models I should avoid? I never had problems with mine beyond normal wear and tear.
Thanks much,
L
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July 9, 2009 12:13 p.m. CancunLapis None
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July 9, 2009 12:46 p.m. belteshazzar Dork
Another S series would be fine.
I'd avoid an ecotec L-series unless it's BOTH a screaming good deal AND has extensive maintenance history.
Don't take a V6 L-series for free.
Ion's are okay. awkward little bastards. massive trunk. disappointing fuel efficiency.
No first hand knowledge of the Astras.
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July 9, 2009 12:49 p.m. CancunLapis New Reader
In reply to belteshazzar: Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated!!
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July 9, 2009 3:50 p.m. kevinSC1 New Reader
belteshazzar wrote:
Another S series would be fine. ... No first hand knowledge of the Astras.
I'd 2nd the S-series. I love mine. easy and cheap to work on when you need to, and have a fun/price ratio that is hard to beat.
If you are looking at new cars, the Astra is a winner - I have one, and have put 17k on it in just over a year - drove it 16 hours each way to the Rolex 24. Great car, very fun to drive.
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July 9, 2009 4:05 p.m. White_and_Nerdy New Reader
Also also +1 on an S series. I'd recommend a DOHC model (ending in 2) for the extra power and performance. With apologies to Kevin - though not really, since he eventually dropped a DOHC motor into his SC1. :)
The S series was basically the same throughout its 1991-2002 production run, with minor running changes on the way (body styles, OBD1/2, etc.) The mid-90s models are the most well known for excessive oil consumption, but any of them are vulnerable. All are rather good, though. I've had a 95 SC2, 96 SL2 (basically stock), and another 96 SL2 (not at all stock, previous owner did a major engine rebuild that made it one of the most powerful NA Saturns I know of). I only gave up that final SL2 because I couldn't get out of my driveway during a Maine winter without AWD.
Then go to www.sixthsphere.com and learn about all the ways you can tune it up.
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July 9, 2009 7:39 p.m. maroon92 SuperDork
I really want a Mk I SC1....40something miles per gallon sounds great.
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July 9, 2009 10:59 p.m. psteav Reader
You CAN get ~40 mpg out of an SC2. It just requires careful driving, not quite hypermiling. But when you get 35 flogging it like a a rented mule, the extra 5 mpg doesn't seem that important.
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July 9, 2009 11:51 p.m. griffin729 New Reader
My girlfriend's last car was a '92 SL1 got around 45mpg highway. Her current car is an '02 SL2 40mpg highway. Both 5spd good cars to drive. I've never really had a chance to push them, but I've got no problem borrowing one for errands.
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July 10, 2009 12:34 a.m. maroon92 SuperDork
wow, the slushbox really robs alot then doesn't it. My girlfriends SL2 gets about 35 hwy...
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July 10, 2009 7:26 a.m. White_and_Nerdy New Reader
The 1st gen SC1 was the lightest S series ever made. Either motor has rather good torque for an engine and car of that size/weight. Much of the improved mileage is from the higher gearing of the transmission the SOHC models come with. It's possible to construct a hybrid, the lower and sportier DOHC gearing but the rather tall SOHC 5th gear for highway cruising. I know a guy who was getting around 40mph out of his SC2 in that config.
Or just add the usual bolt-ons, strip the hell out of the interior, and have fun like we did. :)
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July 10, 2009 7:57 a.m. Mowry New Reader
Griffin's right--the later SL2's really get the mileage too.
My "maybe take it to the Challenge" car is a rebuilt-salvage '98 SL2. If I can ignore the squeaks and rattles, the 35MPG on the highway is awesome, and it doesn't handle too badly with a decent swaybar and the KYB/SPS combo that it came with. They're plentiful at the Pick 'N Pull too--I just got a '92 DOHC header and O2 for $30, and for another $75 had an exhaust shop take out the crappy flex pipe and replace it with a proper ball coupling.
Even paying for exhaust work, I'm not $1200 into it...
