11th Feb 2008, 17:44
I'm so sorry I bought this Saturn L200. At 35,000 miles had to replace the front rotors. They told me that you cannot just replace the pads on this model because the rotors are to soft.
The climate control is horrible. They told me they would have to replace it (at $600 to $800). I purchased a new one through Saturn and my mechanic installed it for a total of $130. Still has the same problem. It registers wrong. Sometimes I get heat and sometimes I don't.
Some mechanics won't even work on this particular model. I wanted to replace to hoses and Saturn told me it would be $100 in labor and the smaller hose was $36, don't know yet about the other one. They make you scared to use someone else or do anything yourself and they charge you crazy for any repairs.
I really wish I had purchased two used vehicles (Honda or Toyota) instead of this Saturn. I get a lot of compliments on the looks, unfortunately the quality of its manufacture is not complimentary.
19th Feb 2008, 12:29
My husband and I have had 3 Saturn vehicles. They do exactly what you expect them to do. He was in a head-on 4 car collision in LA and the front dropped off (like it is designed to do), keeping him safe inside. His next '96 sl2 was babied and we just traded it in for our 3rd L200 2003. It had only 22,000 miles on it and was fully loaded. The car runs great and he is driving the OC Crush daily in rush hour traffic. He totally loves his new car. The only drawback that we both see is the need for a carseat in the back and the front seats being close enough for kids to kick. Other than that it's great!
3rd Mar 2008, 21:18
I have an '03 L200 and the fuel pump just went out at 57k.
The mechanic said it's $700 parts and labor. I've owned Hondas in the past, and I don't think the fuel pump would go out on a honda until at least 100-150k. I probably won't buy another Saturn, I'm gonna get rid of this thing and get a Honda or maybe a Toyota.
16th Mar 2008, 07:22
To the post that stated that the lights are coming on and off inside of the car you will have to watch what you touching on the left side. The light switch on the left is a turn knob and it does that. Did anyone solve the problem on the check engine light way does it come on?
16th Mar 2008, 18:12
Hi, I have a 2003 Saturn lw200 and my A/C went off. The dealer said the Body Control Module (500$) has to do with this issue but it should be replaced with a new one only. Does anyone could help with an advice why I can't install a used BCM for half the price if it is the same Part No?
Sorin
29th Mar 2008, 14:00
This car has been an absolute awful experience for me.
I purchased a 2003 Saturn L200 with 49,000 miles in August of 2007. As with any used car, I had it thoroughly inspected to make sure every looked go with it. It ran great for the first few months. Then, when I took the car into a shop for an oil change and transmission flush, they found a defective water pump. That was $460. Then, I found out about this timing chain issue. While it didn't break on me, I had an updated one installed. That's was $1100. Now, the transmission isn't shifting down properly, and I took it to a transmission specialist and the whole thing needs rebuilt! The estimate for that is $2200! I am a college student working full time and I have no idea how I am going to pay for this.
I honestly thought Saturn was reliable and dependable. I have a five year loan on this car. With all of these problems in the first six months who knows what else is in store.
I had a bad experience with Ford, and tried GM. Now GM is out of the picture too. Only Hondas and Toyotas for now on. And the American Companies wonder why they're losing business.
27th Jul 2010, 18:35
2003 Saturn L200.
For the money this car is great.
The only issue I noticed was slight roar noise.
This was the front wheel bearings (changed for $30 each).
Brakes done.
Everything works.
Also.. Make sure you leave the A/C on "AUTO", so you don't keep pressing buttons and messing with it.
The car is good.
If you want something better, buy a Lexus.
Original owner has 169k and drives like a champ.
** One other thing. For those of you who see a wrench in top left corner.. here is the solution...
The problem is the sensor detecting light. If you drive with your lights off and you "DO NOT" see the running light signal on the dashboard, it will trigger the wrench. All you do is keep it on "AUTO"
I take this to a private certified mechanic. Only quarterly to the Saturn dealership for the oil change special.
Oh, I only needed the hood arm bushing ($1.65). Otherwise I don't spend a dime on it (just regular service recommended in service manual).
Replaced 4 tires recently and aligned (computerized). No problems.
Gas mileage. Average is 22-24 on the street. Freeway on cruise control, I get 32+
Just don't jack rabbit take off.
(The only other thing I did was upgrade it to all leather seating.)
Nice.
Have a nice time.
6th Jan 2008, 14:50
I have currently a 2003 Saturn L200 with 77k miles, my lights flicker on the dash and the only way I got it to stop was mess with the dimmer roller switch and I got it to stop. at 68k the chime started beeping all the time at night when the auto lights kicked on, I took the chime out of the BCM, now just today 1-6-08 still at 77k miles I'm having fuel problems, taking the fuel filter off and put a new one on, it fired right up and ran great, then I shut it off and tried starting it back up and it was acting like it wasn't getting enough fuel. looks like a fuel pump is in order or at least ill have to drop the tank and check the connections to the pump. I also have a cooling fan problem, they kick on at full blow and stay on, temp is reading fine and doesn't seem to overheat. I'm lost on that one.
As far as the car goes, I've had the same set of tires that were on it when I bought it back in October of 2005 with 53k miles and same breaks. its been pretty good as far as basic maintenance on it. but I've got to me a lemon, like others do as well.
For the ones that have the BLINKING DASH LIGHTS, watch it because mine started doing that, then it started messing with the mileage, as it would blink, it would reset to whatever the mileage was when you turned it off before the auto lights kick on. it also makes your temp and fuel gauge turn off and on. mine currently reads 77k, but its missing probably at least 1k or 2k on the total miles, from it blinking the dash lights.