Question on the Ion 3

Discussion in 'Saturn ION' started by J. Meier, Mar 7, 2006.

  1. J. Meier

    J. Meier Guest

    Hello - I hope someone here can help me.

    My husband is considering trading in his SC2 for an Ion 3 Quad Coupe,
    automatic trans.

    He told the dealer he would want the performance package, with the 2.4L
    engine, etc., but the dealer seems to be trying to talk him out of it,
    and is giving him a dozen reasons why he shouldn't take the performance
    package (more money, only 2.4L as opposed to the standard 2.2L, etc.).


    The dealer also told him that the engine with the performance package
    takes only premium gas.

    1) Is this true about the premium gas, and 2) why would the dealer be
    trying to talk him out of this package?

    Thank you,

    Jill
     
    J. Meier, Mar 7, 2006
    #1
  2. J. Meier

    markwalt Guest

    (1) It's not true. The 2.4L engine, like every other engine in every
    Saturn car sold, wants 87 octane. You've never had to put premium in
    any Saturn, and you never will.

    (2) Because his boss told him to, probably. Maybe they have a lot of
    ION 2.2's in stock and want to get rid of them.

    My personal feeling is the 2.4 feels better to drive, especially at
    speed. I don't notice a whole heck of a lot of difference off the
    line, but passing on the highway in the 2.4 is much better than the
    2.2, and it feels better going up and down hills, too.

    I have noticed that the 2.4L is a little noisier though, but heck,
    that's what the radio is for :).
     
    markwalt, Mar 7, 2006
    #2
  3. J. Meier

    rhpearsonII Guest

    Since this vehicle will have the performance package it will probably
    require premium fuel. You should look in the glovebox of this vehicle and
    see what the fuel delivery requirements are. Why a car salesman would try
    to talk someone out of buying a car is very unusual. I would say talk to a
    different car salesman. As far as fuel mileage and cost I would say that
    you would not use much more fuel because both are four cylinders. This is
    true as long as you or your husband do not have lead feet. This 2.4 litre
    will use a little more fuel, but I am sure that you really won't notice
    it. It will probably only a few miles to the gallon. Again I would say to
    look in the owner's manual that is in the glovebox and see what it get for
    m/p/g. There is also paper's on the windows of new cars that will usually
    tell you this information on fuel used for m/p/g. I hope this answered
    your question and if not e-mail me back to ask me whatever questions you
    might having, or your concerns.
    Sincerely, Robert Pearson
     
    rhpearsonII, Mar 7, 2006
    #3
  4. J. Meier

    blah blah Guest

    Uhhh the 2.0L Ecotec is SuperCharged and does take higher octane gas so
    the 87 only doesnt apply to Saturn across the board. Are we sure that
    this isnt the engine that was being discussed?
     
    blah blah, Mar 7, 2006
    #4
  5. J. Meier

    marx404 Guest

    wrong, wrong, wrong. Personally, I would dis that salesman and if possible,
    find another Saturn dealership.

    First of all the 2.4L is only a larger displacement engine and has only a
    handful of performance enhancements of which do NOT include anything that
    require premium gas, only 87 octane (reg).

    What markwalt said in #2, is most likely true, as the 2.4 is difficult to
    get for many dealerships, Saturn dindt make as many as the regular 2.2L.

    (oh and by the way, you can also get a 2.4L sedan ION.3 too if you want)

    Saturn does charge more for the 2.4, so the dealer was telling you right.
    There is a slight noticeable improvement over the 2.2L, larger exhaust
    diameter, external oil cooler, ION.3 has a better suspension too. A few test
    drivers have also reported increased performance after the engine breaks in,
    but dont expect performance like the Redline, its no redline. Just FYI,
    there are many high performanc eadd-ons available for the 2.2L out there and
    they are affordable!

    The premium gas comment bends my ear, I would find yourself a salesman that
    actually knows his products.

    marx404
    (you know where I work, and what I eat, sleep and breathe)
     
    marx404, Mar 7, 2006
    #5
  6. J. Meier

    marx404 Guest

    oops almost forgot... the 2.4 is a VVT (variable valve timing) vs the 2.4 is
    a regular inline 4. both are good.

    marx404
     
    marx404, Mar 7, 2006
    #6
  7. J. Meier

    bo peep Guest

    I test drove a 2.2 Ion sedan about 2 weeks ago, but ended up buying the
    2.4 sedan. The 2.4 package is well worth the extra money - not just for
    the extra power, but also the steering and handling is much improved
    over the 2.2.

    The 2.4 is rated at 1mpg less than the 2.2, and they both use regular
    unleaded.

    <<why would the dealer be trying to talk him out of this package?>>

    GM/Saturn appears to be "pushing" the Ion-2 - note that GMAC offers
    0.0% financing on the Ion-2 for up to 4 years, while the Ion-3 runs
    1.90% for 3 years, and more for longer periods.

    Your dealer is a liar and/or idiot

    John Cowart
     
    bo peep, Mar 7, 2006
    #7
  8. J. Meier

    markwalt Guest

    Ah, I forgot about the ION redline, you're probably right, I'll bet it
    does want higher than 87 octane. We don't sell too many of those :)
     
    markwalt, Mar 8, 2006
    #8
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