10th Sep 2014, 05:49
Yes, I hear you :(
My Saturn L200 (4 cylinder) has over 270,000 miles on it. I took a big risk and overpaid at a total of $9,000. When I first got it, it had a total of 220,000. So far it's been a great car & I've got a lot of compliments on its looks. It's awesome on gas (about 32 MPG)!!!
I wanted to hit that 300,000 miles, but lately I've had problems like a blown head gasket; it's gonna cost me a good $1,000, more or less. I would rather fix it than to get another used car & spend a few thousand, because I love the way it ran great for these last 2 & 1/2 years.
One last thing, don't ever use a stop leak to fix a radiator. I used a 60$ bottle and it sealed the large leak, but eventually clogged up the thermostat and I didn't realize it till it was too late. I always knew that the heads are aluminum and any little overheating could cause catastrophic head damage and require an expensive repair. I wanted to make it well past over that 300,000 mile mark!!! And yes, Toyota & Honda is the smartest way to go!
10th Sep 2014, 05:57
Yes. I've got a green Saturn L200 4 cylinder. I get the same gas mileage, and you're right, no jack rabbit take offs! Accelerating at a normal pace will save you gas in the short term, and save you a headache in the long run, and your wallet will stay nice and full!
I've gotten about 270,000 miles on mine, and have seen a guy get 300,000 miles on his (YouTube video). An actual video, I've seen it with my own eyes. Now I see he's over 340,000!!! Lots of regular oil changes + tires!!! LOL!
18th Sep 2010, 21:41
My wife bought a new Saturn in 2003. She was told that it had a Honda engine in it. She has the car serviced correctly and changes the oil and oil filter every 3000 miles.
We have noticed recently that when we start the motor the engine/oil light does not go off at once, but stays on for about 15 seconds. If the engine is starving for oil pressure for this 15 seconds, it will soon wear out the main bearings and other bearings as well. My experience with Chevy V-8 motors tells me that when this happens to a Chevy motor, it's the beginning of the end for the oil pump. I am wondering if the same applies to this Honda motor?
Also I am wondering if there is some way of testing the oil pump by attaching a regular pressure gauge to the motor and watch it as one starts the engine. Anyone have experience with this problem?