Buying a 2004 Ion 1

I'm thinking about buying an 2004 Ion 1. I've never owned a Saturn
before. I would like to get some feedback from some seasoned Saturn
veterans on weather it would be a good thing or not.

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,

Check http://www.saturnfans.com/

I own a 2003 ION3, and wish I had waited for the 2004 to get the better
sound system (and the standard CD player in the 2004s plays MP3s). Some
people have complained about steering and auto gearbox issues, noisy fuel
pump, and also about water leakage in heavy rain.

The 2004s do not have (AFAIK) the same steering, gearbox, and fuel pump
issues as the factory has improved these items. Rain leakage seems to affect
only a few people (not me).

My ION3 does not seem to have any steering or gearbox problems, and the
noisy fuel pump is being replaced under warranty. BTW my car is only 3wks
old. The car is enjoyable to drive, and is very peppy, having a 140 HP
engine.

Some people do not like the small steering wheel or the instrument cluster
being in the centre. Its fine with me.

I would buy another ION.

 

Just to hijack this thread for a minute, what am I looking for in with this
noisy fuel pump issue? I usually have the stereo cranked so probably
haven't noticed anything.

Charles

 

There is a service bulletin regarding problems some have had on 2003 Ions
built up to VINs ending in 3Z149949, with excessive buzzing/vibration noise
from the fuel pump. The noise is caused by the fuel pressure regulator in
the fuel pump module, the fix being for them to replace the fuel pump
module.

 

Hi Charles,

After shutting off the engine (and not having the stereo on), there is a few
seconds of loud(ish) humming from the rear of the car. Some people hear this
when driving (I do not).

There is a Saturn Technical Information Bulletin (03-05-04-024 I think the
number is. I have a FAX of it which is not too clear). The subject is:
"Excessive buzzing, growling noise, vibration from rear of vehicle". It
affects "2003 Saturn ION vehicles -- built up to and including VIN
breakpoint 3Z149949"

My dealer is replacing mine.

Chris

 

That is probably normal - for some reason the Ion keeps the fuel pump on a
few seconds after the engine is shut off, whereas on most cars it turns off
immediately. Only if the noise is loud enough to be heard over the running
engine is it likely a problem..

 

You have 30 days to return it and buy a 2004, though I'm willing to wager
that
you got a very good deal on the 2003; enough to buy a better sound system.

 

Re: 30 days.
This avenue was explored and denied by GM. Only exchanging a 2003 for a 2003
was allowed.