How long can one expect Saturns to Last?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Argo, Sep 12, 2003.

  1. Argo

    Argo Guest

    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.
     
    Argo, Sep 12, 2003
    #1
  2. Argo

    Kelly Guest

    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.
     
    Kelly, Sep 15, 2003
    #2
  3. 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
     
    Mephistopheles Jones, Sep 16, 2003
    #3
  4. Argo

    JJ Guest

    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
     
    JJ, Sep 16, 2003
    #4
  5. Argo

    Lane Guest

    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 ]
     
    Lane, Sep 17, 2003
    #5
  6. Argo

    Barnabas Guest

    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.
     
    Barnabas, Sep 18, 2003
    #6
  7. Argo

    kj Guest

    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.
     
    kj, Sep 23, 2003
    #7
  8. Argo

    Ron Guest

    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
     
    Ron, Sep 25, 2003
    #8
  9. Argo

    kj Guest

    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.
     
    kj, Sep 26, 2003
    #9
  10. Argo

    Guest Guest

    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.
     
    Guest, Sep 26, 2003
    #10
  11. Argo

    kj Guest

    Holly Crap!!! You drive to the moon and back for work or something?
     
    kj, Sep 26, 2003
    #11
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