2000 Saturn SL 1 review from North America
"Happy little economic car!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Barely anything at all over the 8 years.
New brakes at 120,000 kilometers, did them all. that is expected wear though.
The top engine mount collapsed at 163,000 kilometer (common problem) cost me $44 for the mount from e-bay and free labour while they did the serpentine belt at the same time!
New tailpipe just recently at 165,000, once again normal wear and tear.
I am discovering that the car is starting to burn oil enough that in 4 months, the oil will go from full to empty... is there any fix to this other than a new engine?
Also, the gear shifter sometimes seems difficult to get into first if the car is running and in neutral, what could that be?
Otherwise I am VERY happy with the car!
General comments?
I only paid $11,000 for it brand new, it was a 2000 on the lot in 2001 so I got a great deal!
Manual is easy to drive, smooth and well geared.
Engine seems pretty happy. Not too slow but just fast enough to keep up!
It is the bare-bones package, no A/C, no power windows, doors, mirrors etc.
Paint looks great, LOVE the polymer!
It is amazing on gas, quite the difference from my 1990 Cherokee I had before!
Seats are a little hard but are holding up well.
Fold down rear seats are great, I managed to put a 42 inch LCD TV in the truck with the seats down and it was no problem!
I just need information on how to fix the oil leaking. It doesn't seem to be burning off (nobody ever sees blue smoke), so I am quite puzzled!
Recommended reviews
| Don't buy! |
|
| Very good sport-compact, great value, not a muscle-car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 SOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 166000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jeep Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 30th May, 2008 |