Same thing here: blown Head Gasket. Repair cost including labor: $2,300. Who's got this kind of money these days with the Gas prices and all other price increases nearly killing us? I don't know what I'm going to do. I am very upset. When I chose to purchase a Saturn I really believed that this was a good, reliable car. I called my dealership confronting them with what I learned from so many other Saturn owners and was promptly told, that this problem affects only the 1997 Models. Well, if that's the case, then why have so many other Saturn drivers this very same problem?? I am cured: SATURN? Never again. And I will tell everybody that I know.
I will never purchase another Saturn again.
Yeah! You tell 'em!
Who wouldn't expect a 10 year old car with 130k miles to be absolutely perfect?
Well, me, for one.
You did not mention how you had maintained this vehicle. The service you get from an automobile depends on the service you give it in return. Did you change the oil and maintain the auto properly?
Girlfriend has a '94 Saturn SL1, bought it at a local "discount auto store".
Car had approx: 89000 miles on it, paid just under $3000.00. Being from Rockford Ill, and living in northern WI, she puts on her fair share of miles traveling back and forth to visit with her family. The simple point is that with routine maintenance, this particular car, being it a "plain jane" is very reliable.
(a) oil changed every, if not less 3000 miles (usually 5w30/Walmart oil & filter. *note uses minimal oil!
(b) spark plugs changed yearly (needed or not)
(c) fuel filter changed every 24 months or 2 years
(d) air filter changed every 12 months or 1 year
(e) pcv & egr changed every 24 months or 2 years
Saturn currently has 141000+ miles.
Just after purchase of this vehicle, the owner did a "bumper to bumper" check on it; the vehicle to (my) concern needed a new oil pan $63.88, front right wheel bearing $ 83.54, serpentine belt $12.37.
We did put new tires on it, checked brake pads/bearings, all "OK". I did change trans fluid with a synthetic ATF, that being Amsoil. The car has a 5 speed manual trans, WOW what a difference in shifting and temp. (all the better).
Flushed and filled radiator coolant, checked hoses all "OK". Vacume lines all"OK".
Girlfriend has gotten her money and then some out of this little car.
ALL in ALL, I would say a good value economical car!
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