I need some advice on my 2000 SL1 and figured I could get the best advice from fellow Saturn owners. I bought my SL1 at age 3 with 30K on it. It now has 253K on it. All the regular maintenance/repairs have been done as it needed it and it still gets me 33 mpg. It's been the best car I EVER owned. Cosmetically it is not pretty. My black lab chewed the shifter, the seat belts and took off the window crank *****. It has some scrapes on the outside, but basically looks new if you squint a bit. I use it to haul the dog and bags of sawdust for my horses, so there's a funny smell in there at all times. BUT, it's great for when another vehicle is in the shop, and for running errands. I bought an '07 Saturn Ion, but I use it for work and as my "presentable car."

The problem is that it has all those miles, it's drinking a bit more antifreeze than is right, and the timing chain is loose. My mechanic said when the chain goes "that's is" and it's probably time to tow it to the junkyard. But then I started looking at the prices of used Saturns and about had a stroke.

I have three choices: run it until the chain goes and junk it, put the $600 in the timing chain repair, or put in a whole new engine. Thanks for any input.

 

I recently paid $2900 for a 1999 SL in great shape with 99k miles. I probably paid a bit much, but S-series cars in nice shape are not very common around here. Were it me, I'd start looking around for a nice used S-series for not too much money, keep driving your current SL1, and when you find another used S, keep your SL1 around for parts as needed. I don't think I would spend $600+ to get a car with 253k miles back into tip top shape. If the interior were in great shape it might be different. In that case, an engine swap might make sense.

I don't blame you for not wanting to get out of the S series game. I just bought my SL recently because I really missed the SL2 I bought new in 1999 and traded off in 2002.

 

as it's a spare vehicle, I don't see the rush in deciding.
That having been said -- if it's not broken (completely) don't fix it (completely)

Keep the oil up and clean, trace that antifreeze loss issue, and get some window cranks so you can air that thing out

 

All good advice! My mechanic said the same -- keep the oil up and changed. It sure does rattle when it's idling, but barely noticeable at higher speeds.

Around here used SLs go at a premium. They start at $2,000 and I've seen them as high as $6000. Of course, asking isn't getting.

Anyone have a link to those ***** for the window handles? I wouldn't mind an unchewed gear shift either.

 

Just a suggestion -- call (251) 544-7325 and ask for Dean. I realize he's in Mobile, AL, but he's always been able to come through with parts for me ....

 

I feel for you. I'm on my 3rd S Series. I've had a 92 SL, a 96 SC2 and my current one is a 2000 SW1/SWP. I bought it last summer for $2850, it was running (barely), but I really needed it for work as I'm a Rural Carrier for the USPS. A new RHD vehicle runs in excess of $28k so instead I put buttloads of money into my SWP. I've replaced the engine, suspension, steering, brakes (pretty much anything with rubber on it) It now runs like new and I plan to use it for many years to come. The body had 157k on it but the motor now has 34K on it. I've replaced all the worn out parts and then some. Once it hits 300k, I may have to retire her, but until then I really love having my Saturn on the job.