22nd Dec 2010, 02:07
December 21, 2010
I have loved my Saturn 2000 LS1 since I bought it used with 30,000 miles, and have had minimal issues with this car. I took in to a Saturn dealership for routine maintenance over the years that I've had it. Last year, I took it in for the hundred-thousand mile tune-up, and had everything on the checklist done, but nothing ever was mentioned about the timing chain.
Now, one year later, with no warning, no funny sounds, absolutely no indication, I finished work and went out to start my car, and it wouldn't start. I had it towed to the Saturn dealership (former dealership, but same management), they ran a few tests and told me that it failed a compression test because of missed timing. They said that the chain did not break, but the tensioner may have been worn and caused the chain to skip, resulting in bent valves. This destroyed the engine of the car, and they told me that the only solution was to replace it with a re-built engine for 3000 - 7000 dollars.
This is absolutely ridiculous, when so many people are having this problem. When I found this website yesterday, and learned about the recall, I called the toll free number for Saturn, and was pleasantly surprised to talk to a live person about it, and express my frustration. I gave them the vin number of my car, and found out that, unfortunately, it was not part of the recall for replacing timing chains. I don't understand why the 2000 LS1 was not included! But at least this guy I called on the toll free number was understanding and apologized. The service manager at the former Saturn dealer told me coldly (and I'm paraphrasing) "The car has 120,000 miles. It happens."
6th Oct 2010, 21:35
I bought my 2000 LS1 Saturn about 5 months ago used from the original owner. This car was in great condition and still had the original floor mats and CD player.
Within the first 2 weeks I have had to replace the serpentine belt and buy a battery, that cost 300. Then the A/C went, I'm being told it might be the blower motor. A rear strut or shock broke (the coil spring) and please don't make fun of me for not knowing which is which, my boyfriend deals with that stuff, thankfully.
I started searching online, since now my timing chain is stretched and at the mechanics for repair. I now feel I purchased a "lemon", and I am very disappointed since I had thought Saturn was a good car. I am planning on calling Saturn tomorrow in hopes of finding out about a recall. If I discover anything useful I will post what I find.