Questions on 1997 SL2(General???)

hi
well the time has come to replace our trusty 1992 sl-1 with a newer model.
my wife has picked a 1997 sl-2 at a near by dealership(not saturn) that was
originally bought and traded at our local saturn dealership.
our old one was as plain as they come with the sohc engine and very little
else.
the new(to us) saturn has a near full load(less sunroof).
the few questions that i have are as follows:
1: are these motors still subject to head cracking/oil burning(like the
older sohc models)this is dohc motor.
2): is there anything specific that i should look for that could/would be a
trouble point.
3)are the alternators still prone to early failure due to heat/position.
4)are the front seats more durable/comfortable.
5)how are the automatic transmissions in these models(ours was 5 speed std.)
are the prone to failures(like my ford taurus)
6)any recalls or tsb that i should know about.

our old 92 was very trustworthy and reliable throughout its life with one
alternator replaced,one oul pan and a belt tensioner.
any input would be greatly appreciated.
tia ,jeff

 

From what I hear, it is only the sohc head that has the head cracking
problem.

Do the 97s burn oil? Both of mine do to an extent (I have to add about a
quart between my 3,000 mile oil changes).

Make sure that you check your oil and keep on top of that.

Yes, the alternators still fail due to the heat of their position. The best
thing that I've found to do is to buy the alternators at the dealer. In my
experience, they're much more reliable than the Pep-Boys-Kragen-Autozone
specials. But, I've had to replace alternators about every 35,000 miles (we
live in Southern California).

The coolant temperature sensor is prone to failure. When you replace it,
make sure that you get the replacement from the Saturn dealers. The OEM
parts and the third-party replacement sensors are plastic. The Saturn
replacement ones are brass - I suspect they're considerably more reliable.

Torque axis mounts go out on those cars. That's the motor mount on the upper
right hand side of the engine. Easy DIY job. If you can stick your finger
between the top of the mount and the part that attaches to the engine, it's
time to replace it. (When you do, make sure that you have the updated studs
for the updated mounts. Again, ask the dealer).

Yup. See Above.

They're OK. I like the back support.

Transmissions are VERY good. Replace the filter and fluid every 30,000 miles
and you'll be fine.

Ask the dealer about the horn recall.

 

You're welcome!

Enjoy your "new" car! They're good cars - don't get scared by my comments.

 

We have a '96 SL2 with a '97 engine in it. I second everything that
Kirk said. Ours has a manual trans, so I can't comment on the auto,
but I also second your comments about Kirk and the value of his
insight and comments.

Ken

 

Ooooh! I have a reputation!

 

....I think it was that month in a Mexican jail after Labor Day that started
it, eh? You party animal, you! (wink)

 

hi
we actually decided against buying the 1997 sl2 and went with a private sale
1995 sw2(ac and automatic) with less than 100000kms.
the car was bought new at our local saturn dealer and was maintained by them
even after the warranty period.the history was very good so this seems like
a better(but slightly older)car.
hopefully everything kirk said about the 1997 sl2 applies to the 1995 sw2
also.
the saturn forums seem to think that the 95 wagons were the best saturn
made.
anyway thanks for all the info.
jeff

 

Got to put my $.02 in:
After working at a Saturn retailer for over 4yrs. a couple thing I can
say:
1) Not sure I would call the '95 the best year. The '95's are actually
a breed all their own (old body style, but newer style interior; many
parts on the '95 are '95 only including the engine).

2) On the '97 the only major problem was the fuel pump (most of which
were replaced under warr. for an extended crank condition.

All and all you should be pleased with the improvement that a '97 has
over a '92

Saturn Parts Guy

Just remember two words: My opinion