Greetings everyone! I am Kat and I just became a new Saturn owner this past weekend. My last car, a 1997 Dodge Neon, blew it's second motor (lost compression/severe blow by) 2 weeks ago. I was already in the market for another car, but got forced into the market even more. I looked at several cars. My first choice was a 95-97 Volvo 850, very nice cars. Unfortunately the ones available in my area had too high of milage, weren't maintained well, or were out of my price range or too far away. There was one we almost got but paid a mechanic to test the compression, and sadly it wasn't even putting out half of what it should have been. Other cars on my list were in the same boat: too many miles, too expensive, maintenance shady or lacking.
Anyway, my husband and some friends suggested a Saturn. I wasn't thrilled to death about it at first....I admit I didn't like the idea of plastic body panels etc. I test drove an '01 L series and wasn't too thrilled but I decided to check out the 96-02 SL2's. I did some research anyway figuring it couldn't hurt to check it out. ConsumerGuide.com gave it pretty good reviews. I was pretty adament that I didn't want another American 4-banger, but beggars can't be choosers especially when you need a car as of yesterday.
Fast forward to Friday afternoon this past week. I went online to check inventory at a dealer in town, and they didn't have anything I was looking for but for the heck of it I filled out an online request form, listed the options I wanted and price range. Within 2 hours an internet sales rep called me. They had just barely received a 99 SL2 with everything I wanted, except leather, but it had a sunroof (something I've been dying to have) and everything else. It was in the shop for inspection/detailing etc. It was a one-owner car that was traded in on a new L series, and only had 49,700 miles on it. So I called my husband and asked what he thought and he said we should go look at it.
So yesterday we went down and checked it out. I test drove it, liked it
The dealer also printed out its maintenance records for us....it had been serviced thru them and got all its mileage mark services done on time. A little voice in me said "You're an idiot if you pass this up." So we ended up bringing it home. I figure down the road when money is better I can always get a fancy car later on.
So here;s the new ride:
http://www.katwoman097.com/uploads/saturn/DSCN3213.JPG http://www.katwoman097.com/uploads/saturn/DSCN3214.JPG
I would like to add do a few fun things to it (i.e. wheels, stereo etc.), but I have to wait until my Neon is gone so the Saturn can get garaged. I have it listed for sale on Neons.org and a few other message boards hoping someone will want it to put a motor in it and have a nice project car.
So anyway, that's my Saturn Story
And yes, my husband has used the "I told you so" line on me about 3 or 4 times already.
Add another Saturn noob to the list :D 
Linear Mode
