2000 Saturn L200 review from North America

Timing chain snapped and destroyed the engine.

I bought this car second-hand from a trusted family friend who was 100% on maintenance and two recalls. I added 30K to the 64K he had on it and the timing chain broke. It totally destroyed the engine.

TWO certified mechanics have seen this car, dead in my driveway. To make a long story short, I am selling it for $500 tomorrow. Needs a new engine. I paid $4500 for it 20 months ago... the Blue Book at that time was $5400. I thought it was the best car ever... I really loved it.

Saturn accepts no responsibility... something abut 'some of these were recalled, but not yours." They FREELY admit the fatal design flaw. A used car dealer told me they no longer buy 2000-2003 Saturns because of this.

Saturn has called me twice in response to my accusatory emails. Today the "girl" actually ended the "we are not going to do anything for you" (sic) conversation with "Thank you for purchasing a Saturn. Have a great day!" I kid you not.

This is terrible. I am an AmeriCorps Volunteer, happily serving the country teaching little kids. I have no money for a used car, and certainly no money to have this one fixed. Never in a million years would I have thought it was legal to knowingly let owners drive a vehicle which was guaranteed to self-destruct... and get away with it!!