? about Saturns

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

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.

In reply to belteshazzar: Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated!!

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.

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.

I really want a Mk I SC1....40something miles per gallon sounds great.

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.

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.

wow, the slushbox really robs alot then doesn't it. My girlfriends SL2 gets about 35 hwy...

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. :)

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...