I had a front left shock loose bearing at 144,000 miles on the highway - Fixed for 300 bucks.
Oil change every 2K miles, burns oil like nothing in the summer heat.
My left window fell out of the track around 135,000 miles, but was easy to repair.
The power steering wheel has become a little more tense, but still works.
The key got stuck for the first time around 130,000 miles - However was able to fix the problem. Got it out by lifting upward and slightly turning the key to the off position. Has only happened three or four times.
I have yet (Knock on wood) to put any serious work into the car, most if not all of my visits to the mechanic were due to the following:
- New breaks
- Wheel alignment
- Oil change / Coolant flush
- Starters.
Absolutely in love with it. I've taken that car all over the Eastern coast with no problems, car runs like a champ when doing 60MPH @ 2K RPM getting me almost 40 miles to the gallon.
NEVER put more than 9.5 gallons of gas in when stopping to refuel. Excellent gas mileage.
Car is comfy, but definitely not a speedster. Service Engine Soon light is always on (Oxygen sensor).
I've pushed it to 110MPH with no problem several times. Car idles nicely, I find it performs better during the winter however.
I recommend Saturn's and my next car will most likely be one as well.
My God son's first car was a Saturn SL-2 and it was a great car. We've had experience with both foreign and domestic cars, and the only cars we've ever had trouble with were the two Japanese cars and one German car we owned. We currently own two GM cars and one Ford, and none of them has ever seen the inside of a repair shop. GM did a great job of quality control on the Saturn. In my opinion it is a far better quality car and will last longer than the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.