The battery fails (and needs replacing) about once every 2 years.
At 115,000 miles, the alternator went out. Cost about $250 to replace.
The brakes needed replacing at 150,000.
The alternator locked up around 200,000 miles which caused the belt to be replaced as well.
At 205,000 miles, the starter went out.
At 212,000 miles, the radiator and water pump both developed significant leaks.
At 215,000 miles, 2 valve seals needed to be replaced, and the catalytic converter broke down.
Within 3 weeks of replacing the valve seals, one of the valve rocker arm shafts broke in two places.
This car was bought over 8 years ago and, after more than 215,000 miles, I have had only a few problems.
It is amazing that only recently has it become unreliable when I am such a poor caretaker of general maintenance such as oil changes and other servicing.
The car originally got about 38 mpg and, after recent work, it still gets up to 35 mpg.
I agree. My Saturn has been unbelievably cost effective and reliable well into the 100,000 mile range. Obviously, a car with over 200,000 miles is going to require maintenance.
It is a nice car. The gas mileage is great: 30 to 35 mpg. It burns up oil at a fast rate. The interior parts and the console will usually start to rattle. Nice interoir. Great color selection and variety.
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