Hey Guys, need some Car help...

[Trystenn]

So i was wondering, i have to buy a new car since my old one crapped out on me, and the one that i have in mind is a 1993 Saturn SC1, anyone knows if this is a decent car or not? I dont need it to last a decade just long enough for me to afford a better one, and BTW it has 128,000 miles on it.

Is it worth the $1000 they are asking?

[Trystenn]

And BTW the outside is decent and so is the interior, nothing remarkable either way on those subjects.

[Valmore]

You could try the Kelley Blue Book online. I was going to, but I don't know your zip code.

BUT... putting in my zip code and the limited info you gave me (I went bare bones and just a "good" rating along with your milage) the price comes at about $1,300 from a private seller.

So, depending on fluctuations for zip code and other info you know about the car, it seems it might be worth it.

Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com)

[Trystenn]

You could try the Kelley Blue Book online. I was going to, but I don't know your zip code.

BUT... putting in my zip code and the limited info you gave me (I went bare bones and just a "good" rating along with your milage) the price comes at about $1,300 from a private seller.

So, depending on fluctuations for zip code and other info you know about the car, it seems it might be worth it.

Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com)
Well want i wanted to know was that, is the Saturn a crap car?

[Valmore]

Well want i wanted to know was that, is the Saturn a crap car?

Not to my knowledge. I've met many satisfied Saturn drivers. They've got over 10 years in the industry now, so they have a decent reputation. So, as for the maker itself - no, Saturn puts out a decent product.

As for that individual car - well, really, we'd have to see it. Hence, why I suggested the KBB - you can plug in what you know about the car and see what the listing is. The KBB is pretty darn reliable.

[Trystenn]

Well my dad has been on my case about it not being a more "reliable" company like Acura or Toyota.

[Mike Smith]

If there is a shop or mechanic in town, it might be good if the owner/lot lets you test drive it, and you make a pit stop to see what repairs if any would need to be done after you buy it.

[Trystenn]

If there is a shop or mechanic in town, it might be good if the owner/lot lets you test drive it, and you make a pit stop to see what repairs if any would need to be done after you buy it.
Of course thats the first thing i am going to do, im just praying this investment will pay off.

[Callie]

It might be too old to make the issue, but go to the library and pick up a Consumer Reports Auto guide. I think they release them typically in April. Consumer Reports goes over used cars and tells you which ones to avoid. It will give you an idea of whether or not you're purchasing a junker.

[YoursTruly]

I was under the impression that all auto makers these days use parts from all the other companies. Wouldn't that make all vehicles just as dependable with the exception of the previous driver's care of the vehicle?

[Nate C.]

Well my dad has been on my case about it not being a more "reliable" company like Acura or Toyota.

Listen to dad.

I have a 1997 Toyota Camry with 231,904 miles on it. Runs like a top. Or a dredel.

You might go right with a Saturn, but you can't go wrong with a Honda or Toyota (all other things being equal.)

[Callie]

I was under the impression that all auto makers these days use parts from all the other companies. Wouldn't that make all vehicles just as dependable with the exception of the previous driver's care of the vehicle?

Not at all. It's the manufacturing and design of the car and the quality of the parts that makes a car reliable.

I'm going on ten years with my Mazda Protege and have repaired it only twice. Both after five perfect years. One was a cracked manifold (expensive!) this Fall and the other was a hole in a pipe on the exhaust system--damage I inflicted on the car.

My parents have a Ford Expedition that they've repaired at least a dozen times and it's exactly the same age as my Mazda. Mazda is owned by Ford now, but the design of my Protege was not Ford's. Big difference.

Don't let price fool you either. German cars are not more reliable. In fact, they have numerous problems and consistently have a black bubble next to reliability in Consumer Reports. Not cheap to fix either.

You're pretty safe if you go with a Japanese import. They win on price, design, and reliability. A few American cars have been traditionally reliable too, including the low-priced Chrysler PT Cruiser

[YoursTruly]

Don't let price fool you either. German cars are not more reliable. In fact, they have numerous problems and consistently have a black bubble next to reliability in Consumer Reports. Not cheap to fix either.



I think it's saying alot when the automaker gives you a 25 year warranty on their vehicle. Only Mercedes offers that.

I had a 89 mustang for 7 years. It had a previous owner who wrecked it majorly. Not only did it never have to be repared by me but it's current owner has also never had to make any repairs other than general maintenance.

[Callie]

Yeah, it says "Expect breakdowns." ;)

[Winslow]

Well want i wanted to know was that, is the Saturn a crap car?

I've driven Saturns for almost 13 years and love 'em.

You'll pay more for a Toyota or Honda used car.

You're rolling the dice either way when you're talking the $1,000 range.

You could very easily be faced with replacing a radiator, water pump, clutch, or transmission when a car gets that old - regardless of manufacturer - all of which will cost you close to $1,000 +.

good luck.

My advice - take public transportation (I would if I could)

[YoursTruly]

Yeah, it says "Expect breakdowns." ;)

Dunno... never could afford a Mercedes and probably never will. lol I was amazed by an automaker offering a 25 year warranty though. That's a long friggin time compared to the 5 years most manufacturer's offer.

Harley Davidson used to come with it's own toolkit they broke down so often but people still love em for some reason. I'm not a bike fan. I think they're too dangerous. (based on 3 accidents I've seen... 1 was fatal... brain damage with the 2nd and the loss of limbs plus brain damage with the 3rd)

[Callie]

The thing you should keep in mind with warranties is the stipulations that surround them. If you miss a scheduled maintenance, you may void your warranty entirely.

Of course, a really old Saturn is not going to be under one. Definitely have it looked at first before you buy. I have no idea what the reliability rating is on one (and some cars have higher depreciation values than others, which is why it's so cheap), but your mechanic can give you an idea. Most don't charge much for an eval.

My first car was an '82 Cadillac. It was at least 11 years old, barely driven, when I got my hands on it. Had constant problems for the two years I drove it. It died two years later when the radiator cracked, which in turn overheated the engine block and put two cracks in it.

My second car was my dad's old '78 Ford Fiesta. Older than me and was on it's last legs, but it lasted nearly 20 years without too many repairs.

We got rid of it for an '82 Datsun 280Z. Brilliant car. A few repairs here and there, due to its age, but it's still going strong. It's really my dad's, so he's done all sorts of work to keep it in tip-top shape. Just repainted and reupholstered.

EDIT:

Check out this link on your Saturn model:

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2100/

[Typo Lad]

We own a Saturn. Runs like a dream. Many of my friends own Saturns as well. One of my friends, a used car dealer, finds Saturns to be some of the best made cars out there. Good millage, good sturdy bodies, good safety ratings on most models too.

Plus, you're supporting American Car Manufacturers, which is a plus.