1996 Saturn SC -2 review from North America

What a headache! This car has caused me a host of problems since I bought it two and a half years ago. The mileage was low when I purchased it, and the engine appeared to be well-maintained. However, over the course of two years I have had the following problems:

- replace alternator

- replace battery

- replace stereo (because it worked on its own schedule)

- flickering interior lights that turn on and off as they please, regardless of whether the car is turned on

- new muffler mount because of terrible rattling

- deteriorated rubber around all doors, windows, and the trunk that lets rain in in torrents and disintegrated well before its time

- freon leak that resists repair

- seatbelts that tend to lock in place, especially when merging onto the freeway- making it impossible to turn one's head and see other cars

- and the best and most persistent problem of all... a mysterious coolant leak- mechanics initially told me it was due to a cracked coolant case- had that repaired... leak persisted...the second culprit was the radiator- bought a new radiator, but is the leak gone? No. It loses about a gallon of coolant a week, making the concrete under my car a lovely brownish-green shade.

- and now, a new problem: the "service engine now" light has come on and refuses to go away... and since I can't afford any MORE repairs, I'm choosing to ignore it.

All in all, I would not have paid $11,000 for this car if I had known better. Yes, it is fun to drive, but what good does that do if a) I'm constantly afraid of it blowing up and b) no one besides myself can fit into the tiny interior? Granted, it has never broken down on me while driving, but I've simply had too many problems considering that I've taken good care of the car, and it had relatively low mileage when I bought it. I'm selling this one and buying a Volvo.