1996 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America

Ignition coils went around 80,000.

Water pump went around 120,000.

Head gasket leak, gasket replaced.

Rust on one door sill.

Cigarette lighter/power door locks fuse blew - easy fix once I figured out that was the problem. Who puts those on a fuse together?

Slight transmission leak - never needed to add any fluid though.

Oil burned, started at a quart/1500 miles and eventually got to a quart/1000 miles.

Oil pump let go - the car killer.

A couple other minor repairs, but they aren't coming to mind.

I loved this car. I cried the day I had it towed. It was an automatic that was VERY peppy and fun to drive and looked really cute. It also had a good amount of room in the backseat and the back seat was quite comfortable. Roomy for a smaller sedan. Good gas mileage.

I bought this for $2500 with 56K miles on it and proceeded to drive it 80K more miles in 4 years. I was a poor college student, so while I changed the oil every 3K miles and checked/filled it meticulously, I didn't do much else in the way of maintenance. Given the lack of maintenance and the high use of the car the problems were relatively minor. I imagine that keeping up with the repair schedule would make it last longer. It DID eat oil, as do a lot of SLs, so make sure to check the oil frequently.

It was also safe. I had my doubts, seeing as it was made of plastic, but I rear ended someone in pouring rain going about 15 mph and the metal bumper held. The only major damage was the front end got pushed in a little and the hood tented. I was VERY impressed. That car is a tank.

I got rid of it when the engine seized after the oil pump went. The transmission leak, however slight, made me wary of replacing the engine and so I had it scrapped. It was a great car, though. Moral of the story is: if your oil light comes on and you have oil in the car, get it towed.