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Experienced Member ![]() ![]() ![]() Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,197 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Hudson, Colorado Member No.: 197 ![]() |
It's been a while since I've considered buying a little car just to go from point A to point B but I find myself needing one. I have a few requirements.
1. It must be capable of at least 80 on the highway without being right at redline. 2. It must get at least 30 MPG on the highway. 3. It must have enough room for 4 people or 2 people and 2 big dogs. 4. It must be competent in bad weather and snow. 5. It must be cheap because I plan to pile miles on it and replace it in a couple years. 6. I'd preffer sometheing newer to keep maintenance costs down. Any suggestions? |
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#2
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Advanced Member ![]() ![]() Group: Advanced Members Posts: 501 Joined: 15-February 04 Member No.: 210 ![]() |
Be VERY careful in buying a used Saturn as a "beater". It has been my personal experience (and the experience of several of my equally maintenance focused friends) that, Saturns regardless of meticulous maintenance are prone to a variety of oil loss/consumption and costly mechanical failures. My Saturn began using 1 qt. of oil per 1000 miles at 100k despite strict 3000 mile oil/filter changes from purchase. This condition worsened progressively until I got rid of the car at 121k. Additionally, the HVAC selector mechanisms are plastic and prone to seizing and failures. Dealer costs of repair/replacement was above $1200 in 1998. My dealer asked me NOT to have them do the job due to its complex and time consuming nature. He privately suggested that I sell the car while the system was semi-operable. He said that dealerships would put the car out at auction rather than repair it if it was traded in. Needless to say, I neither traded the car nor bought another Saturn. Your results may vary- but I wouldn't bet on it.
This post has been edited by jensend: Sep 3 2005, 08:15 PM |
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