2002 L300 Wagon 37000 miles

What year? Does it come with a maintenance log of all work performed?

later,

tom @

Sorry forgot to state that it is a 2002. No maintenance log.

Hmm, isnt your post topic "2002 L300 Wagon 37000 miles"?

If the car drives good and your dealership can provide you with both a Carfax and Service Records, its a definate buy. That is a nice car. If no maintenance record, then ask if the car has been run thru the shop at Saturn (I assume its a Saturn dealership?) If not, and no Carfax or Serv, Record is available, save your money, you might be buying trouble. If they can provide you with satisfactory information, then its worth checking out.

marx404

Hey, some of us only have a public school education! Don't pick on me. :-P

marx404, Good advice.

later,

tom @

My parents have a 2004. I find the steering pretty numb at the straight on position and the low end acceleration weak. There are very few wagons out there but you might want to check for used Subaru Legacy's and compare before buying. Also the PTCruiser is another potential choice. Given a second chance I doubt my parents would buy the L300 wagon again. The placement of the power window controls in the middle and the confusing choice of the back window controls which look like the front lock controls are something they have never gotten used to.

I've had my '01 lw300 now for a year (it's going in tomorrow to Saturn for the NY state inspection). Got mine with 40K miles having come off of a lease. Paid about 10K for a loaded car that originally went for 23K. All told, no complaints and the car is fun to drive. I did have a few hiccups - while under 60 day waranty, noticed that the traction control/ ABS lights did not com on at engine start Dealer wound up replacing the Body control module (one of the computers). Also had to replace the canister vent solenoid at 50K miles. That I did myself with the help of a code reader and the factory service manual

While in the shop tomorrow I'm going to ask whether they can reprogram the liftgate latch to stay unlocked until the doors are locked. Currently liftgate stays unlocked for 2 minutes or until the first time it is opened. The other item that is slitly disconcerting is the cruise control. I was going the other day at about 50mph on a flat road with the cruise control on. Tach showed about 1500 rpm and it was in top gear with the torque converter locked up. (so far so good). The road took a slight rise and the speed started to fall off then BAM, torque converter unlocks, transmission downshifts 2 gears and rpm goes to 5K. It plastered me against the seat back but tapered off when it got back to 50mph. Not exactly the optimal control algorithm but it hasn't shown any fault codes. Will let Saturn figure this one out. In the mean time, I just use cruise control on level ground.

Oppie

IMO, I feel a used LW300 is probably the best wagon for your money right now. I leased my 2002 for 3 years and ended up purchasing it at lease end because I can't find a better wagon for under $30k. I will say that I had it in the shop several times in the first year or two to fix recall & other warranty issues. However, since about 25k miles, I have had NO problems - I now have a little over 50k on it now. I feel the engine is very strong compared to the 4 cyl. but my gas mileage only averages ~24mpg in daily highway (hilly) driving, and with a good tailwind on a flat interstate, I can squeeze out the advertised 29 mpg.

The best kept secret is the handling package that comes with the LW300 - it handles very well, which makes the Firestone Affinities the weak link on the car. If at all possible, have them install anything other than the Firestone Affinities that they usually put on them. They are junk - bad traction and short tread life. If you live in snow country, I would recommend Nokian WR A.W.P. 2 All-season tires.

Make sure TSB# 00-T-72A has been performed, or you are likely to get irregular tire wear/noise in the rear. I would also recommend purchasing or negotiating at least 1 year warranty in case there are some issues still lurking in the car. I have included a list of TSB's & recalls for the vehicle that I got from ALLDATA.

===================================== Automotive Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for 2002 Saturn LW300 V6-181 3.0L DOHC VIN R SFI. Provided by ALLDATA

Bulletins for 2002 Saturn LW300 V6-181 3.0L DOHC VIN R SFI Service Bulletins TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title 04-01-37-005 MAY 04 A/C - Compressor Noise at Start-Up 04-02-35-008 APR 04 Steering - Clunk From Front of Vehicle When Turning 04-06-01-011 APR 04 Engine - Torque/Clearance Specifications Revisions 04-08-44-008 APR 04 Entertainment System - Diagnostics/Service 04-07-30-020 APR 04 A/T - SES Lamp ON/DTC P1811 Set 04-06-01-010 APR 04 Engine - Blue Smoke at Start-Up 04-03-10-003 APR 04 Wheels - Normal Chrome Clad Wheel Clicking Noise 04-06-04-008 MAR 04 Engine Controls - SES Lamp ON/DTC P0135/P0155 Set 04-06-01-004 MAR 04 Engine Mount - Engine Support When Servicing Mount 03-08-44-019A FEB 04 Audio System - Ticking Noise/CD Won't Eject 04-01-39-001 FEB 04 A/C - Automatic Temperature Control Overcompensation 04-08-42-001 JAN 04 Lighting - Apparent Head/Instrument Panel Lamp Flickers 02-06-05-004A JAN 04 Emissions - Catalytic Converter Damage/Misfire Codes Set 03-01-39-015 DEC 03 A/C - Defrost Operation Manual Revision 03-08-44-016A DEC 03 Audio System - CDs Skip in Single CD Player 03-05-24-001 DEC 03 Brakes - Wheel Cylinder Inspection 03-08-49-022 DEC 03 Instruments - Erratic Fuel Gauge Readings/No Start 01-T-51 NOV 03 Locks - Lock Cylinder and Key Service Information 03-01-39-014 NOV 03 A/C - Control Head Replacement 03-08-43-005 OCT 03 Wipers/Washers - Low Washer Solvent Flow From Nozzles 03-08-56-002 SEP 03 Antitheft System - Security Telltale Lamp ON/DTC B2960 03-08-44-017 SEP 03 Audio System - Diagnostic Modes/CD Load Operation 03-06-04-044 SEP 03 Engine Controls - DTC P1516 Diagnostic Chart Revision 03-06-04-043 SEP 03 Fuel System - SES/Reduced Power Lamps ON/DTC's Set 03-01-39-012 JUL 03 A/C - Unpleasant Odors on Vehicle Start Up 01-06-01-011A JUL 03 Engine - Oil Consumption Information 03-08-44-010 JUL 03 Audio System - Cd Player Won't Load/Play/Eject 03-08-49-011 JUL 03 Interior - Console Arm Rest Rubs Lumbar Adjuster Knob 03-08-66-007 JUN 03 Body - Tailgate Release Button Operation 02-T-23 JUN 03 Electrical - Low/Muffled Tone From Horn 03-07-31-004 JUN 03 M/T - Hydraulic Clutch Bleeding Procedure 99-00-91-002D JUN 03 Tires/Wheels - Steering Wheel Shake/Vibration 03-01-39-002A MAY 03 A/C - Automatic Climate Control Malfunctions 03-06-01-014 MAY 03 Engine - Crank Hub Bolt Tool Usage Update 03-06-01-015 MAY 03 Engine - Oil Pump Gasket Sealer Removal Update 03-08-50-010 APR 03 Interior - Power Driver Seat Inoperative 03-08-44-007 MAR 03 Audio System - Electrical Noise Heard Through Speakers 03-06-04-016 MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Connector Locations Update 03-08-53-001 MAR 03 Interior - Defroster Grille Popping Noise 03-06-03-006 MAR 03 Starting System - Intermittent No Crank/No Start 03-03-10-003 MAR 03 Tires/Body - R/H Front Tire Contacts Wheel House Liner 03-01-39-002 FEB 03 A/C - Poor Automatic Temperature Control Performance 03-06-01-004 FEB 03 Engine - Revised Oil Pump Bolt Torque Specifications 97-T-04A JAN 03 Cooling System - Coolant Discoloration Explanation 03-T-03 JAN 03 Interior - Seat Covers Loose or Torn 02-T-87 DEC 02 Entertainment System - DVD Player Won't Accept Disc 02-T-86 DEC 02 Heating/Cooling System - Auxiliary Water Pump Deletion 02-T-75 OCT 02 A/C - R-134A Refrigerant Dye Usage 02-I-01A AUG 02 Entertainment System (Rear Seat) - Service/Diagnostics 02-T-62 AUG 02 Wiper System - Redesigned Linkage/Service Procedure 02-T-58 JUL 02 Entertainment Devices - DVD Screen Won't Latch Closed 00-T-72A JUL 02 Steering/Suspension - Alignment Spacer Update 02-T-44 JUN 02 A/T - Line Pressure Control Solenoid Service Information 02-T-43 JUN 02 Differential - Ring Gear Service Procedure Update 02-T-48 JUN 02 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC's P0171/P0174 Set 02-T-42 JUN 02 Interior - Defroster Grille, Squeak/Rattle/Poor Fit 02-T-46 JUN 02 Power Steering - Noise/Leak Diagnosis 02-I-07A JUN 02 Timing Belt - Coolant Contamination Update 02-T-26 MAY 02 Battery Cables - Service Manual Update 02-T-27 MAY 02 Door Glass (Rear) - Inoperative/Erratic Operation 02-T-37 MAY 02 Engine Oil Cooler - New Sealant 02-T-23 APR 02 Horn - Intermittently Low/Muffled or No Tone 02-T-18 APR 02 ONStar(R) System - Cannot Send/Receive Cellular Calls 02-T-19 APR 02 OnStar(R) - Communication/Interface Module Programming 02-T-17 MAR 02 ECM - SES Lamp ON/DTC P0130/P0150 Set 02-T-16 MAR 02 Thermostat Housing/Seal/Bolts - Design Change 01-T-01A FEB 02 Exhaust System - Vibration/Boom at Idle With A/C ON 02-T-10 FEB 02 M/T - Clutch Pressure Plate Bolt Update 02-T-12 FEB 02 Timing Belt - Identification/Correct Service Procedures 02-I-02 JAN 02 Dash Panel Insulator (Lower) - Production Elimination 02-T-05 JAN 02 Seat Cushion Cover/Pad - Removal/Installation Update 02-T-06 JAN 02 Suspension - Upper Strut Spring Seat Alignment Revision 01-T-57 NOV 01 Air Bag System - Wrong Part Number Stamped on SIR Coil 01-T-55 NOV 01 Cruise Control - Diagnostics Update 01-T-56 NOV 01 Engine Controls - DTC P0031, P0621, P1637 Update 01-T-49 OCT 01 A/C - Outside Air Temperature Sensor Update 01-T-52 OCT 01 Brakes - Rattle Noise From Rear of Vehicle While Driving 00-T-66A OCT 01 Engine - Oil/Coolant Leaks 99-T-36A AUG 01 Body - Rear License Plate Rattles on Rough Roads 00-T-41A AUG 01 Body - Water Leaks into The Interior & Cargo Area 97-T-40A AUG 01 Engine Cooling System - Sealer Usage 01-T-34 AUG 01 Front Brake Rotor - Thickness Specifications 99-T-69B AUG 01 Interior - Rattling From Headliner Area 01-T-38 AUG 01 Radio/Stereo/CD Player - Service Manual Update 01-T-06A AUG 01 Rear Bumper Fascia - Misaligned

Dana C. Rohleder Port Kent, NY

"It's a time of sorrow and sadness when we lose a loss of life." G. W. Bush-Washington, D.C., Dec. 21, 2004

"Oppie" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

Hey we have a 2001 LW200 and have enjoyed it much. We opted for manual transmission and heated leather interior.

If you find out anything regarding the trunk latch please post back, that is so annoying to remember to toggle the locks in the car before moving the to rear hatch to open it. If the car is unlocked, I want the WHOLE car unlocked.

They reprogrammed the BCM to fix the cruise control problem and that seems to have made a big improvement. The accelerator pedal also seems to be not as touchy coming off an idle as it was before. A friend with a '03 Vue reported the same problem with the cruuise control and is now looking into the 'fix'.

I asked the service writer about the liftgate latch issue (especially since it is controlled by the BCM that they were already messing with). He didn't have an answer off the top of his head and said that he'd have to look into it. This was on the Thursday before New Years and the shop was very busy. Bottom line, I'll have to take it in later for them to look at it (and shell out) again. I'll try to get an answer one way or the other if they can reprogram the latch first since there has been contradicting information posted about the liftgate latch.