I was a big fan of Saturn when they started, but each year they become more and more "regular GM".


We've been looking for a car (mostly older Hondas) for our son, and have stumbled across this SL1. What's the difference between an sl1 and sl2?


Car seems clean, straight, CarFax is good on it, one owner, no accidents listed. Nothing out of the ordinary. No apparent water damage to the trunk carpeting, drives great, power accessories all work (for now--just a bottomless pit in the future). Dealer is asking $5100 for it. I don't have enough knowledge of Saturns to know if this is a good buy or not. The mileage seems rather high for the age, but my gut says it is mostly highway mileage. (Original owner in small town about 30 miles from here. Mileage could be greatly due to daily commute).Interior doesn't show the associated wear of people getting in/out of it, seat/shoulder belt doesn't show the wear I would expect if it was city in/out driving.


Also, what should I be aware of as problems on these cars? I've read on these forums about coolant leaks around the intake manifold on certain VINs, but the vin is above the series listed as a problem.


It has the 1.9 4-banger. Idles, pulls, smoothly. Drives great. 5-speed. What's it cost to change the clutch on one of these puppies? I've done it on VWs and rear-wheel drive pickups, but never messed with a fwd.


I never get in a rush to buy a used car, but if this is a good deal, I don't want to miss it.


Thanks for any insight you may be able to offer.

 

Service history is your best tool to sort the crap from the gems. IF the owner kept up with oil changes you have a good shot. If they can't produce the records, you're on your own....

$5100 is pretty steep for a 6 yr old SL1 with 40K over the average mileage (dealer would deduct a pretty penny if you were trying to trade this in!!)
In fact, they probably hosed the owner when it was traded in......then jacked the price up and put it on the lot....

The only way I'd consider this is with a complete and pristine-ish service record.

Just my 2 cents though......
_______

SL1 -- Single overhead cam (SOHC)
SL2 -- Dual Overhead cam (DOHC)

Edited by: derf

 

So what is a good price?


Saturn says service record shows a replacement of steering gears (?) at 21k, and a window module at 33k. That's the last they show on it.

 

Those repairs under 3/36 warranty....never came back to dealer after that.....doesn't mean it wasn't taken care of -- just means you'll never know.

Probably closer to 3,500 (from dealer) -- check edmunds or the kelley blue book site.....

 

too much money. i'd find another car or talk them down to the high $2000 range...


s3aturnr

 

Clutch replacement on my 2000 SL2 was $600 at 125,000 mileage

 

I turned down $3900 for my '95 SL2 a few months ago when a guy saw it had a receiver hitch and knocked at my door. I paid $12000 for it out the door in '95 and wish now I had bought two. 31 mpg average city/highway, 189k miles,third set of tires, second upper motor mount, second set of brakes/rotors, original clutch, head never off, second A/C compressor, EGR valve off several times, third battery, second alternator, second radiator, third set of plugs, 39 oil and filter changes, one cracked windshield, and I'm a happy camper!