On 4/18/2006 6:15 pm, wrote:
> I am thinking about looking for a good used Saturn wagon. I really
> like the LW2 but that may not be in my budget and the SW should get
> better gas milage.
>
> I have a fair amount of car buying experience but what special problems
> should I be aware of in searching for a SW wagon?
>
> I recall that early Saturns had some serious problems with oil
> consumption. What years was this a problem? I am hoping to find a
> 1997 or later car. Was the problem fixed and if so by what model year?


My 1998 SW2 generally burns about a quart per 3K miles -- nothing out of
the ordinary for older cars.


> I definitely want a 5 speed but I have heard of manual transmissions
> problems. Is this true and if so what years are best/worst?
>
> I love the plastic body panels but do Saturns have any corrosion issues
> with their space frames? If so, how do I check?
>
> How long do the timing chains last? Are they difficult/expensive to
> repair?
>
> How about clutches?


122K miles on my original clutch and it's in fine shape.

>
> Did Saturn offer any type of a sport suspenion on the SW?
>
> What type of fuel economy are people getting on their SW1s or SW2s?


Roughly 26 mpg city, 34 highway.


>
> I notice a fair variation in published fuel economy for SWs, what years
> are best? I'd like to get an SW2 if the economy doesn't suffer too
> muuch.
>
> Can I expect a good 200,000 miles out of a well maintained SW with out
> major problems?
>
> What size wheels and tires do the SWs use?


Can't say for sure the SW1. The SW2 came stock with P185/65R15
tires, S speed rated, and 15" diameter, 6" wide, 40mm offset steel
wheels. I can tell you (just having done it myself) that P215/50R16
tires on 16" diameter, 7" wide, 42mm offset wheels will fit the car
without affecting speedo/odometer accuracy at all (the 0.04% difference
is negligible), although if you do that, you might want to avoid going
all the way to the steering lock in a tight parking lot type situation.



>
> What can I expect to pay for a well maintained SW2 with about 75Kmi?

Can't say for 75K miles, but I got mine with 117K on it for less than
$3,000.

--
Larry Harvilla
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