1997 Saturn SL 1 review from North America
"The most cost effective car I have ever owned out of a total of 15 or more"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Power steering pump pulley seized up causing serpentine belt to break. This happened at 135,000 miles and the cost to repair the steering and belt was about $350.
It burns and leaks oil, however runs fine as long as I keep oil in it.
General comments?
It is a very reliable car with excellent gas mileage.
I drive 30,000 miles per year so I bought this car with 109,000 miles for $2500. I have driven it 114,000 miles since then and other than the power steering issue have had no other repairs except normal maintenance like brakes, exhaust, tie rod replacement and tires.
It is still worth about $1500, so it has cost me only $1000 to drive over 100,000 miles.
I can buy new radial tires for $28 each, which has been a godsend. It is very easy and inexpensive to replace headlights, taillights, etc.
My 5 speed stick is still fun to drive.
Recommended reviews
| This is a perfect commuter car at a great price |
|
| One of the better 500 dollar beaters I've ever bought! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 SOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 109000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 223000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac Catera |
| Date of Entry | 10th January, 2008 |