New owner: Fast becoming a fan
 

Hey, how's it going?

I had no (specific) intention of buying a Saturn when the wife and I went out car shopping yesterday at the local used car lot. We needed a 5-speed for our kids to drive (family rule: You learn to drive and take the test in a 5-speed or you're not really driving, you're just steering :)).

Anyway, we spotted a high mile 2001 SL on the front of the lot. It's grey-bronze and in great shape, especially for the 204k+ miles showing on the odo.

Anyway, I drove it and loved the way it ran and felt so we got it.

I'm a shade tree mechanic type and I always do my own work on my cars and I'm really impressed with the way it's set up and with the conveniences.

I'm also a member of a couple of other car forums (is that fora? forae?) and I'm looking forward to learning the ins and outs of this model and enjoying the car for as long as I can keep my kids from cracking it up :rolleyes:.

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

First thing you need to do is change the oil, second thing you need to do is change the oil.

MikeFrye --

Welcome to our "not so little, little group", and enjoy the ride......

welcome

please change your oil religiously to keep your new acq running

Um, OK, thanks for the welcome. Is there something unique about these cars that I should know about?:)

Yes two ....... and they will run forever

1-Change the oil every 3K, 6K using MOBIL 1 or the like
2-Do not let the engine over heat

Check the water pump for leaks
Check the radiator for leaks, cracked drivers side top on the plastic tank
Replace the ETCS and connector buy it from the dealer.
Check and replace pressure cap.
Get the cooling system up and running 100%
Do not let the engine over heat

yeah,..ummm

what he said....

(well stated, Rj)

Sometimes, the best advice, clearly stated, is the hardest to accept ..........

Great stuff. This is the kind of thing I was looking for.

Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

The oil thing should go without saying for any car, at least in my book. Especially on a car with high mileage.

I saw that it has a sensor that lights up an indicator saying when the car is due for a change but I've never had that in any car, so I don't know if I'd use/trust it anyway.

Great advice on the w/p and cooling system, will do.

Usually the first things I do with any car I get is replace the cap/rotor/plugs/wires, all filters (and oil) and coolant and then go from there with anything I can find.

With this car most of that has recently been done so I'm on to the serpentine belt and tensioner assembly now. Although the oil looks good I'll change it anyway and do a full inspection on the cooling system.

Power flush ........... then do it again. Add the proper coolent.