Getting back into s-series
 

Howdy. I am considering getting back into an s-series. Owned a '96 SC2 with autotragic that I picked up with low miles 7-8 years ago and put 50,000 miles on it. It never left me stranded, but had various little issues that needed attention. One being able to pass emissions due to EGR valve fouling. Found myself not driving it much during Covid and let it go. Anyhow, currently commuting in an old family hand me down Sienna minivan! It works, but drinks gas like crazy.

I miss the old Saturn SC2, its fuel economy, nimbleness, simplicity and ease of repair. Would like to get back into something like the old Saturn.

Newer cars seem fairly complicated, and I am not fan of the direct injection and CVT's that dominate the market. Plus, I am a cheap SOB. So, why not find a good used Saturn s-series and get it back up serviceability? (Willing to put some work and $$$ in, if it makes sense!).

In my searching around I found some candidates:

--'00 SL2 140K miles, $1000 just sold, was in running condition

--'99 SL2 84K miles, $2700 for sale at a dealer, in running condition

--'01 SL? 130k miles, $600 at a private home salvage type dealer, runs but has check engine codes galore. It is a title jumping scenario too. Sounds messy.

--'07 ION Coupe 110k miles, $4000 still for sale private party (Do I dare look at an ION?)

There was a '02 coupe that just sold at a dealer listed for $3700 that had 74k miles.

Anyhow, do sedans drive as nice as my old SC2? Which of the above would you look at, or is this a lost cause as these cars are just too old to be reliable and keep on the road?

PS Unfortunately, I need an autotragic thanks to hills and heavy traffic in my area of operation. I understand the implications of the MP7/TAAT but am willing to fix as needed.

Thanks!

An Ion sedan might be what you need, they are fairly trouble free. They are a chain engine and if they have been maintained the run a long time. Lack of oil changes leads to failure on all cars. I have four grandchildren in cars with the same L61 engine that is in the Ion. They also have a reliable 4t40 GM transmission which is better than the Tait automatic in my opinion.

The SL2s w the DOHC we're still very tight and stuck to the road just like the SC2s do. The coupe was a little bit lighter, making it just a hair quicker. Same exact suspension design, etc...

I had a 97 SC2 with 274k that I gifted and still have my 95 SC2 with 239 k. Rebuilt engine. Both five speeds.

The TAAT is unfortunately; sufficiently problematic that you will eventually get to the point where it needs a rebuild a replacement. And the cost to do so greatly dwarfs the value of the vehicle at that point.

Add in the DOHC oil burning, which eventually requires a rebuild after obsessive oil consumption minimization efforts. Plus it keeps clogging the EGR valve and passages.

First gen S Series parts are becoming very difficult to find and expensive if you do find them. I'm talking about gen 1 specific parts whose design changed for gen 2 and beyond.

One of the other problems is that 25 years later, these cars are on their 5th and 6th owners and you therefore have no clue to the hell it was maintained before it got to you. No one selling the vehicle will tell you how much oil it really Burns so it's a crap shoot. Just because it has lo miles on it does not guarantee it is not an oil burner.

As much as I love them, I would pass on the S Series today unless you know the full mechanical history behind it and have a bunch of parts laying around for it.
The interiors will also likely be pretty damn rough.

My 95 and 97Sl SC2s were driven new off the lot so I know their histories and their quirks. Most sellers are. ditching them because they weren't maintained and now have problems that they are not disclosing. .
I have never driven an ion, so I can't speak to that.

This is great advice. I think I will look for the newest MPI/Non CVT 4 cylinder car of any brand available. Later model ION's seem to have a good reputation, but they are getting old too.

I have a 2017 Kia Forte LX that just rolled 183,000 miles. It has a 2.0 four cylinder with a 6 speed automatic transmission. I do all of my own maintenance and am still averaging 35.7 mpg combined city/interstate driving. Best new car I've ever owned. I WILL purchase another KIA once this one is worn out and I can't find parts for it.

Are they driving Cobalts?

Two are in L200s, one in an Alero and one in a Cobalt. I also have an L300 wagon.