How long can one expect Saturns to Last?

Hello All.

I ask this question because my Saturn ('95 SW2) is getting a
little long in the tooth. It has almost 150,000 miles on the car.
I've treated it well, regular services and have had a few problems
over the years but nothing so serious that I thought my car way on
it's last wheeles. By the way, I'll note the most serious problem I
had, the engine cutting out on me as I turned the wheeles or slowed
down was diagnosed by the folks in HERE and not at the Saturn
dealerships, 3 of them (nice work all!).

Now I'm trying to project about when I will likely be needing a new
vechile and budgeting for that possiblity. I'm hoping I can expect
the car to REALISTIC survive beyond 250,000 miles but I have an
engineering friend of mine who told me that this type of car rarely
lasts up to 175,000 without serious repair. Yes, I know that there
are people who have these cars for well over 300,000 miles, but it
would be nice to know what the *likely* life expectancy of this type
of car is. Not of any surprise but the dealership never gave me any
answer. Most of my milage is freeway or putting around a small town so
it's not like this car is leading a rough life. I generally drive 'a
little too fast' but am not the type to really push the car much
beyond 75mph.

Thanks again.

 

I suggest to keep a car as long as possible, until it starts to need a lot
of expensive repairs, then it's time for something new.

 

My '93 SL2 has 135,000 miles. The engine was replaced just before I
bought it two years ago (according to the receipt, labor plus used engine
was about $800). I may need a new clutch if I let others drive it, but I
expect to get another 100,000 miles out of it.

I would be willing to pay $2000 in repairs to get another 100,000 miles
out of my car, versus paying $5,000-$15,000 to get the same mileage from a
newer car. Also, sometimes people have to pay substantial amounts for
repairing relatively new cars. Insurance is cheaper for an older car too.
If your car has gotten this far, and you take care of it, then why not
push it to the max? I don't see myself getting another car this decade,
unless I decide to move to a climate much harsher than southern
California, maybe.

Meph

 

My '95 SL2 (auto) has 142,000mi with no major repairs, yet. ( hope I didn't
speak too soon).

Brakes (twice)
Alternator (once)
Battery (twice)
Valve Cover gasket (once)
Plugs (once, but due again)
Plug wires (once)
EGR Valve (once)
Serpentine Belt (once)
Still runs great burns about 1qt / 2500mi.
Drive it every day aprox 100mi/day

Jerry

My '93 SL2 has 135,000 miles. The engine was replaced just before I
bought it two years ago (according to the receipt, labor plus used engine
was about $800). I may need a new clutch if I let others drive it, but I
expect to get another 100,000 miles out of it.

I would be willing to pay $2000 in repairs to get another 100,000 miles
out of my car, versus paying $5,000-$15,000 to get the same mileage from a
newer car. Also, sometimes people have to pay substantial amounts for
repairing relatively new cars. Insurance is cheaper for an older car too.
If your car has gotten this far, and you take care of it, then why not
push it to the max? I don't see myself getting another car this decade,
unless I decide to move to a climate much harsher than southern
California, maybe.

Meph

 

I would be willing to pay $2000 in repairs to get another 100,000 miles

I could not agree more - as long as you like the car and don't grow tired of
it. I've got 124k on my 94 SC2 that I've had since new, and 140k on my 92
SC which I bought with that mileage on it. I'm looking forward to reaching
at least a quarter of a million on the 94. The '92 lives much faster.

Keep up with your oil changes and scheduled preventative maintenance, and
it'll likely last longer than you'll want it.

Lane [ l a n e @ p a i r . c o m ]

 

My '95 SW2 has 154,000 miles on it and still going strong. I might be a
little easier on it than you are. I have a 40 minute trip to work on
straight 2-lane roads so I rarely get it above 65.

 

I'm about in the same boat.

I have a 92 SC2, with 160,000 miles.

Brakes (twice)
Alternator (three)
Battery (twice)
Plugs (once, but due again)
Plug wires (once)
EGR Valve (once)
Serpentine Belt (once)
Still runs great burns about 1qt / 2500mi.

Engine has never been touched, I STILL have the factory clutch.

 

I had 246,000 on my 1992 Saturn SL-2 before the engine had a major valve
malfunction and it was too costly to replace.

I am up to 104,000 on the 2,000 Saturn that I bought to replace it.


R

 

I'm assuming 246,000 Miles?! and not KM. You mus be doing some MAJOR driving
per-yr.

If thats the case then WOW! That care sure took a beating.

 

Highway miles seem to be about 1/4 to 1/3 the ware-n-tare of city miles.

My 2000 SL2 is now at 212,026 miles as of last night.

 

Holly Crap!!! You drive to the moon and back for work or something?