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How long can one expect Saturns to Last?

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.

Reply to
Argo
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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.

Reply to
Kelly

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

Reply to
Mephistopheles Jones

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

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

Reply to
JJ

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 ]

Reply to
Lane

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.

Reply to
Barnabas

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.

Reply to
sss

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
Reply to
Ron

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.

Reply to
sss

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.

Reply to
<mcben

Holly Crap!!! You drive to the moon and back for work or something?

Reply to
sss

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