I have a 1999 SL with a five speed manual transmission. It's got 130,000 miles on it without ever having the clutch worked on or the timing belt changed. I'm attempting to get a feel for when others have had to get these done?

 

I have 2 Saturns (95 and 97 SC2) -- the 95 is at 178K and going, though
there isn't much clutch left. The 97 got a new clutch at 170K
when I dropped a rebuilt engine in it. Both cars have seen quite
a few highway miles, though.



As for timing chains (not belts in S car engines), I had the chain
replaced in the 95 at 117K when the rings were done. The 97 made
it to 170k on the original (before the engine swap).



I have read numerous posts on other Saturn forums where people say that
the timing chain let loose right around 200K ish, but then again you
don't know if these folks kept the oil clean and topped off.



Chances are you will be able to hold off on the timing chain
replacement until there are other internal engine issues to address.



Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the information. I'm very consistent with preventive maintenance so I anticipate that the timing chain will probably hold up for 200K. I am detecting a noise from the throw-out bearing, so the clutch is a concern.