Let me start by saying I SEARCHED! I searched the threads and found nothing.

From what I hear the 4 valve 1.9 engine is prone to warping the heads after it's been alive for around 120,000 miles. Is this true? And if it is, how hard will it be to come by a new head to replace it? I've also heard that the rocker arms will warp a bit around this time as well.

My girlfriend is looking at getting a '97 SW2 with 127,000 on it. Is it a good idea or has most of its life been lived already? I can replace and work on parts just fine, I just don't want to have her end up with a lemon.


~Zar4

 

I can tell you that I bought my 97 SC2 (DOHC) with a new valve cover on it (which means something went wrong under it before I owned it) and my passenger side motor mount needs to be replaced. My tranny is hitting hard after speed change on the freeway without using the clutch to assist... Besides that, it's all good.

 

well we have had my 95' Sl2 (DOHC) since 97' and it has about 130,000+ miles and I have not had any warpage problems... so im gonna say i doubt there are many problems under that category.

 

That part does sound a little odd... I've heard that the valve cover can tend to crack, though I believe that's highly unlikely. Whereas problems under the valve cover can occur in any engine; Saturn is no exception to this fact.

 

Anytime you have a car with a cast iron block and aluminum head, there is going to be a higher likelihood of cylinder head problems. However, I think you'll find that a majority of the people on here (who haven't **** pounded their Saturn) have not had any issue with the head.Mine (SOHC) is approaching 142K and it is still running fine.


-S-Turn-

 

I have 135k and I do have issues with mine... However, I bought it off a cheap used car lot at 120k for my girlfriend cuz she thought "it's pretty" and now here am I.