Buying a 2004 Ion 1

Discussion in 'Saturn ION' started by Hammerdown3000, Oct 13, 2003.

  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
     
    Hammerdown3000, Oct 13, 2003
    #1
  2. Hammerdown3000

    Chris Seal Guest

    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.
     
    Chris Seal, Oct 14, 2003
    #2
  3. 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
     
    Charles Paluda, Oct 14, 2003
    #3
  4. 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.
     
    Robert Hancock, Oct 14, 2003
    #4
  5. Hammerdown3000

    Chris Seal Guest

    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
     
    Chris Seal, Oct 14, 2003
    #5
  6. 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..
     
    Robert Hancock, Oct 14, 2003
    #6
  7. 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.
     
    Steven M. Scharf, Oct 25, 2003
    #7
  8. Hammerdown3000

    Chris Seal Guest

    Re: 30 days.
    This avenue was explored and denied by GM. Only exchanging a 2003 for a 2003
    was allowed.
     
    Chris Seal, Oct 26, 2003
    #8
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