The engine completely seized up at 102,000 miles. Oil levels were good, maintenance up to date. No warning signals prior to seizing up. No prior indications of any problems.
We purchased this car as a 3rd car for our children as Saturns are suppose to be safe, reliable cars. When purchased from the Saturn dealer, we were told (and believed) that 94,000 miles on a Saturn was low. When the car seized at 102000 miles we were asked by the sales manager, what did we expect from a car with those kind of miles? It is now going to cost us 2500.00 to put a used engine with 83,000 miles on it, in to the car.
I own a 96 Saturn SL1. At 74,000 miles it is still an amazing car. I've seen a 99 SL1 with 40,000 miles sold on ebay for $5k. If you can't afford that, then a bike may be a better choice. After upgrading my sound system, the only thing I wish it had is power steering. Otherwise, I have never had a problem and with a manual transmission I abuse the engine regularly.
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