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Originally Posted by mayjen82  I am looking at a 99 Saturn SL, manual, 132,000, no bells or whistles. I'm just wondering what sort of quirks I should look for when I go to see the car. I've been researching, and I've been told that the headgaskets can be an issue. I've never owned a saturn before so I don't know much about them. Thanks for any info! |
Headgaskets arent the issue with the Sl model. cracked head and intake manifold gaskets are more common. Tho both are associated more with Gen 3 s-series.
First ask about the oil. Saturns love to eat oil and if not topped off weekly major damge can be done to the engine. Make sure it was changed with a new filter as close to maintanence suggetions by the dealer (aka every 3k).
Next is the tranny. If auto, look for the reverse slam syndrome. Make sure the fluid and filter were changed every 30K. Reverse slam syndrome is one of the main reasons a tranny is replaced but also one of the easiest things to prevent. For a manual make sure it shifts fine both with the car on and off. Make sure it does not creak foward when the clutch pedal is pressed and make sure it runs through all gears with no issues.
After that, a new Engine Coolant Sensor may be in order unless the new brass tipped one was already installed.
Look for the fan to come on if you let the car idle
You want to hear a nice smooth idle. No roughness or misses. Engine should be nice and quiet.
Ask about major maintanence on the car. Having a general idea of what is new and what is not is very helpful for keep up maintanence on the car and preventing future issues.
99 saturn SL...what quirks?? 
Linear Mode
