I bought used at 65000 miles and right away have problem also with coolant leak.
As of now... they want to replace the engine oil cooler and this is going to cost me about $2000...
There was a service bulliten about this, but they will not do anything about it.
Good Luck!
I had a coolant leak, which damaged the timing belt, causing it to fail and destroying the engine.
I've got the 6 cyl. and I'm just now having problems with it at 104,000 miles. I'm leaking all kinds of coolant and it sounds like one of the pulleys is loose cause it's making a lot of clanking. I spoke with a dude at a repair shop and he said its prob the water pump, with a broken fan on the inside and its housing, rattling around. So far, that is the only thing to go on it. They said I should replace the timing belt too, while I'm in there for the water pump. I found some places that will do the pump and belt for 500. But Saturn wanted 1100 for the pump and belt. Supposedly Saturn replaces the timing belt, pulleys, and tensioner too though. I'm thinking I'm just gonna sell it so, I may just do the pump and belt only and forget about the pulleys and the other crap.
If you do keep the car, definitely replace the pump, timing belt, and the pulley/tensioner kit for this engine. As long as you're in there, it's better to replace it now than have a $5 pulley crap out a week later.
I have had my LS for almost 7 years now and still love it.
I recently had the problem with the coolant leaking and it turned out to be a heater hose which was replaced pretty cheaply. I am now starting to have intermittent problems with rough shifting accompanied by the service wrench light. I am taking it in tomorrow and will suggest they look at the MAF sensor as I have read about this issue in several different places.
I do love my dealer's service department. Early on they detected issues with the tires and replaced them not once, but twice within the warranty period at no cost to us.
I got my LS2 with 17K miles. Now at 77K miles, I'm having major expensive repairs. New transmission just put in. I've had the oxygen sensors replaced ($800). The new problem is ignition. Most times it starts, then all of sudden, it won't. Have a new battery. That wasn't it. Then repair shop said the code was for a neutral safety switch. Same problem. Now they repaired a crankshaft sensor.
Repair dude says-"that's a Saturn for ya" I've now spent close to $3K in the past month.
I'd love to get rid of it and buy a Toyota or Honda.
I just purchased a 2000 LS2 the other day. I took it back to the service department this morning because the transmission sounds a little rough when shifting gears; almost like a diesel engine. The service guy said, "that's a Saturn". He said that because the car is pretty much made of plastic, I'll probably hear everything. I'm still going to take it to my regular mechanic for a diagnostic. After reading these comments, I'm so glad I have a warranty.
This is the worst car I've ever owned. I got it at 90k miles and I'm at 120k miles in 4 years. In the last 4 years, I've put more money into the car to fix it, than to pay it off. To top it off, there is currently (as in the last 3 years) a problem with it that they cannot figure out with it. They tell me to have random things replaced on it, but it might not "fix the problem". Screw Saturn! I'm never getting another one again. It's a fun car to drive though-- if it's running : (I'm so scared to drive it now because I'm always worried that it will break down.
NOVEMBER 2007 I bought My 2000 Saturn LS2 in 2006, used with 78K miles. Within 5 days I had to replace the timing belt because the a metal piece broke from the pulley. (I think that is how to describe the metal part). The car has been running great for me until now. It is in the shop because it will crank, but not turn over. It was running yesterday, just fine. I was low on fuel between empty and 1/4 tank gas. This happened one time before, however I got the car started. The mechanic has had the car for a day and a half and can't figure out why it won't start, it just keeps cranking. I did try to see if it has an automatic shut off for when gas gets low, but did not find one in the trunk as was explained on a recent web site I went to for troubleshooting the problem. If anyone has any idea of what the problem might be, please share it.
I bought a 2000 Saturn LS back in 2003. I have had nothing, but problems with it. Tail lights not working and having to take it to a Saturn dealer to get replaced. I've had to replace the ignition module, timing chain, steering rack, struts. Very expensive and a VERY BIG HEADACHE. I called Saturn and they told me they have had no problems with this vehicle. Whatever!
Took my LS2 into the shop last night for a clatter sound in the back passenger in the back passenger wheel well area. Recently the rear struts and springs were replaced, and this is hopefully covered un the warranteed repair. I am the original owner of this car, which has 113K miles. It has been driven hard; the LS2 is an upgrade from the LS1, with a 2.0 liter engine. I suspect that others may have bought used LS2's which were also driven hard. I appreciate the MAF sensor information. With the plastic body in great condition I'll keep it until I encounter cost prohibitive problems or electrical system breakdown.
I just purchased an LS2, used with 69K, from a Ford dealership. Carfax report stated that this was a solid purchase. I felt I got a great deal- $5400- After two days of driving, one in a snowstorm, the 'service' light came on. I stopped when I got home, shut off the engine. When I had to go out next, the light was off. Drove the next day- light came on again. Light has not come on in three days. No hard shifting or 'slamming' into gears. Thank you for the info on the MAF sensor. Auto Zone informed me that this is quite an expensive repair, only for the cost of the part???
Anyway, I've had the car for one week, I love it!! Great ride, handling, pick-up, a lap of luxury compared to my 1994 Plymouth Sundance. So far, I am also measuring 26 mpg on highway driving- I commute 65 minutes each way to work on straight highway!! Love the car!!
Here's a notice from the Auto Consumer Guide site, regarding taillights:
"2000-02 Sedan: Some plastic housings in taillamp assembly can become distorted if brake lamps remain on for an extended time; can cause intermittent lamp operation or short-circuit that leads to inoperative lamps."
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-to-2005-saturn-l-series-2.htm
Have had a 2000 LS2 since new. Almost 60K moles. Love the car. Repair history:
Front end was smashed in parking lot (Lexus SUV + bad, but thankfully rich, driver). Replaced most of front end bumper, panels, and headlight.
Rear end was hit a week later. Replaced similar. Never got my gold-colored inlay, had to settle for silver.
Steering has always pulled to the right. Saturn's fix was to rotate my steering wheel. Since then, I have either gotten used to the problem or it has not recurred.
Accelerator pedal squeaks, always has. Went away for a few days after replacement under warranty.
Brake lights had to be replaced - only one, in 2003. Now, almost all brake lights are out.
Water pump was replaced in 2007 after we noticed coolant was low and mechanic saw it was leaking. The radiator was also leaking. Unprepared for the $700 bill, even so I feel I got lucky.
Brakes are currently squealing, even without pressure. I probably should have replaced them oh, around September 2007.
Something else (timing belt?) squeals when the car turns.
Check Engine and Maintenance Required lights are on when it drives.
Two days ago the car died. Wouldn't start, fun clicking noise in the dash. AAA tow truck jumped me with a kit and I drove around and made it home. Car died on stop. Going to Sears for a battery, hoped to find a recco here for a battery size. I have a mechanic coming on the weekend - sort of a nomad who visits broken cars.
Have owned the 2000 LS2 for 3 years now. Had to replace the tires because the fronts wear on the inside. Replaced Battery and positive battery cable $500. Center interior console lid completely snapped off. Turn signals broke, so now have to manually shut them off. Replaced broken ignition switch. Now replacing transmission pressure sensor in transmission for the second time at a thousand bucks each time.
Mechanic now informs me Power Steering pump and rack leaking fluid, needs replacement. Also Engine oil cooler leaking coolant. All of this with only 85,000 miles on it. Made a major mistake buying this car.