Gordon McGrew <gRmEcMgOrVeEw@mindspring.com> wrote:
> On Tue, 7 Aug 2007 19:54:18 -0400, "tww1491" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote:
> ><poppymommy@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >news:1186529918.358768.147150@j4g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
> >> My daughter wants to purchase a 1999 Saturn SC2 from Carmax. Can I get
> >> input on this car? Good gas mileage? Maintenance? Any major problems
> >> seen with this model (not just one person's car, but in general for
> >> this car)?
> >>
> >> Also, what is the last year they made this car?
> >>
> >> Thanks for your help!
> >>
> >> cynthia
> >
> >Recommend you find a Saturn newsgroup or post on a GM site. Doubt many
> >Honda owners have experience with the Saturn.
>
> Only what I read in the Saturn newsgroup. The biggest issue with
> these cars is oil consumption due to ring problems. If the oil level
> is not maintained, reduced oil pressure to the timing chain tensioner
> may promote chain wear (assuming you don't fry the engine first.)
> Cracked heads and bad head gaskets affect certain models. Alternators
> often fail as do engine mounts. The ATs sometimes fail. Rust around
> the windshield and other places is a problem.

I actually drove a 94 SC1 MT until about 4 months ago when I got a 2007
Civic coupe, so I have direct experience (my wife drove an SW2 for a
while, too, but she's had a Civic sedan for 4 years now). Oil problems
are true, but if the oil is changed absolutely regularly without fail, it
*usually* doesn't crop up. A/C evaporator went on mine, and it's behind
the dash, so it would've cost a lot to replace. SW2 had the oil problem,
and also some kind of valve-body AT problem that would've gotten worse,
but she took it to a Carmax to sell it. Caveat Emptor... :-) I had my
alternator fail, as well as an engine mount, but generally they're fairly
maintenance-free, and it is fairly cheap to get done... Hope this helps.

brian
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