I finally went and did a test drive on the ION I had been thinking about. Car drives really well and the body is in terrific shape. The only major problem that I had is that the dashboard has a big crack running along the passenger side. Anyone know if this kind of thing can be repaired? Or an estimate of how much it would cost to replace the dash?
Likely not able to be repaired well or for long term. Best off contacting your local Saturn parts department for a cost of a new one. Cost of replacement would depend on which panel it is. There is a definite order for their removal. The further in of course the more it would cost.
Now if the car is still in the 3 year/36k mile warranty it woud be repleced under that.
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The dealership is offering a 1 year warranty but it doesn't cover the interior unless something mechanical stops working (like the door handles, etc.). They took it as a trade-in and say that's why it's under $10K. I like the car but don't want to pay to fix the dash so I was thinking of offering less to use the difference to fix it.
The crack is right along the top on the passenger side. Rather looks like someone punched it in that it's dented in a bit in one spot and then the crack runs from there about 6 inches over. Everything else in the interior looks good and the car runs like a dream.
I am not sure a dealer would be willing to knock anything off the price for the dash. Its possible but my gut tells me that its highly likely as they have already taken a hit in being stuck with it. I wonder what actually caused it. Are you in a state that the heat is a factor (west coast) and it was unprotected maybe? I know its not a really hard task to replace, but the price for it might not be worth the hassle at all.
I'll have to check around for the costs of fixing the dash but it sounds like it will be expensive and complicated. I don't want to do something that is hard to install and will end up rattling or something. That would drive me crazy! I'll just keep looking around for a second car. It's not urgent so I can be picky.
Well to be as blunt as I can, its not super hard, but it is time consuming. I know only a couple people that have attempted to redo a dash before and it was more of a day with some friends over to keep you company, start at noon and finish by dusk. Depending on how much I really liked the car, I might do it, but the price would have to be right too. How old is the car, whats the asking price and what type of miles are on it?
Cracked dashboard 
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