11th Nov 2007, 07:19
Is it possible you purchased a car that had been rebuilt after a wreck? The problems you describe (overheating, difficult shifting, leaking seams) COULD be caused by repairs to a badly damaged car. Have a body shop check the frame alignment, and look for signs of previous repair.
21st Jul 2008, 18:46
When changing the belt on any car, the tensioner needs to be replaced too. It's a part of the fix.
-J.
11th Sep 2008, 20:45
Well, you probably junked this car by now but as an owner of a similar car I have some thoughts:
Leaks are usually caused by the sunroof. There are drains and you have to clean them out.
I can't speak for anyone else but I take good care of my Saturn. I replaced the timing chain, tensioner, water pump, front main seal and all the gaskets that go with it. I had a clutch job done so replaced the rear main seal and clutch master / slave cylinder too.
Oil changes have to be done on this engine at 3000 miles, unlike other modern cars which can go longer as the timing chain tensioner can get gummed up by dirty oil.
As this is an "interference engine" if the chain jumps timing it will trash the engine.
Saturns are great cars for people who take care of cars. Mine drives like new despite 220,000. miles. 30+ mpg. They tend to burn a little oil.
If you are someone who thinks of maintenance as putting gas in it and that's all it's not for you. You'll destroy it. Barring accident I'll get another 220,000 miles out of it. I paid $500 for it 3 years ago.
24th May 2007, 21:14
As far as the car overheating Mine also had the same problem it's fairly easily fixed by replacing the sensor with a toggle switch.