[02midevil]

I recently bought a Cheapo dink-box(06 Saturn ION2) for gas mileage.

I'm a little unhappy with some things about it and thought I'd ask some experts. Most of which I can live with but the wandering in a lane is too bad to live with. The dealer has taken the stance of the tire pressure was too high. Which I've tried rotating tires, differing air pressures and checking for wheel weights and any loose bolts-nuts.

The problem is that the car wallows in/out of turns (it runs off the edge of the road all by itself) and the car will not stay put in a lane on the highway (most steering I've ever done in a straight line THAT includes some 1/4 mile and 1 mile passes).

My thoughts are some springs and shocks (eibach and HR do make some lowering springs).

Any other thoughts on it (besides I know you get what you pay for)?

Because I'm seriously thinking about a Mini Cooper (non S (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ).

[00 Trans Ram]

Join the club! I bought an '06 Ion3 back in December for gas mileage (100 miles per day). I don't have any problems in a straight line, though. In fact, it's pretty good down the interstate.

However, it is wicked turning while hitting the gas. Not torque steer stuff either. It's like the steering gets so light that any pebble in the road or twitch in my fingers turns the wheel a half turn! I've learned that, when I make a >90* turn with heavy gas, hold the wheel tight and turn it exactly where I want.

I guess what I'm saying is that you need to take it to another dealership. They love to play against each other. Bring it to another dealership and tell them that they'll get your business if they can fix it. I've played two against each other with my wife's car (Hyundai) and they are now calling me on a monthly basis checking to see if there is any warranty work to be done!

[02midevil]

It's like the steering gets so light

You hit the nail on the head on the steering and combined with some soft springs it wonders in LIGHT wind on the highway. This past weekend after taking it to the dealer a strong gust of 10-15mph almost blew it off the highway (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif) . Its too much to bear its sold this week for a Mini Cooper.

The ecotec will out run a Mini but I can't see spending money on springs to fix for a normal ride. The ecotec power is impressive with a 5 speed. But I just can't.

Not to mention the wife now refuses to drive it after being blown off the road.

Anyone want to picture a mini with 2 car seats in the back and diaper bag and portable dvd player strapped to a front seat. I've turned into a mini car man (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/drink.gif) (pun on minivan man).