2002 L300 Wagon 37000 miles

My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a used L300 wagon with 37000
miles. The car looks to be in perfect condition. It also appears to
have been flat towed behind an RV because of the hookups on the front of
the car. The dealer is asking 11888 for the car. Does this seem to be
a good price? It is equipped with the 3.0 V6 and if pretty loaded. Any
opinions on this vehicle would also be appreciated.

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:51:20 GMT, Ed > wrote:

>My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a used L300 wagon with 37000
>miles. The car looks to be in perfect condition. It also appears to
>have been flat towed behind an RV because of the hookups on the front of
>the car. The dealer is asking 11888 for the car. Does this seem to be
>a good price? It is equipped with the 3.0 V6 and if pretty loaded. Any
>opinions on this vehicle would also be appreciated.


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

later,


tom @ www.CarFleaMarket.com

wrote:
> On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:51:20 GMT, Ed > wrote:
>
>
>>My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a used L300 wagon with 37000
>>miles. The car looks to be in perfect condition. It also appears to
>>have been flat towed behind an RV because of the hookups on the front of
>>the car. The dealer is asking 11888 for the car. Does this seem to be
>>a good price? It is equipped with the 3.0 V6 and if pretty loaded. Any
>>opinions on this vehicle would also be appreciated.
>
>
>
> What year? Does it come with a maintenance log of all work performed?
>
> later,
>
>
> tom @ www.CarFleaMarket.com
>
>
>
>
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

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:59:31 -0500, "marx404" > wrote:

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

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

>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
>

marx404, Good advice.

later,

tom @ www.ChopURL.com

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.


"Ed" > wrote in message
.. .
> My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a used L300 wagon with 37000
> miles. The car looks to be in perfect condition. It also appears to have
> been flat towed behind an RV because of the hookups on the front of the
> car. The dealer is asking 11888 for the car. Does this seem to be a good
> price? It is equipped with the 3.0 V6 and if pretty loaded. Any opinions
> on this vehicle would also be appreciated.

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 (www.helminc.com)
Manual was $140 and the soleniod was $20.

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


"Ed" > wrote in message
.. .
> My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a used L300 wagon with 37000
> miles. The car looks to be in perfect condition. It also appears to
> have been flat towed behind an RV because of the hookups on the front of
> the car. The dealer is asking 11888 for the car. Does this seem to be
> a good price? It is equipped with the 3.0 V6 and if pretty loaded. Any
> opinions on this vehicle would also be appreciated.

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
:

> 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 (www.helminc.com) Manual was $140 and the
> soleniod was $20.
>
> 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

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. <g>

"Steph" > wrote in message
. ..
> "Oppie" > wrote in
> :
>
>> 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
>
> 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. <g>

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.