Need Help on Decision 2002 SL1

Mbman · 02-26-2006, 01:32 PM

Well here is the deal . This is a 2002 SL1 with 69000 miles. In excellent shape , no visible issues. Has all the bells and whistles, PW/PL/ AM FM CD, cruise , AC . Runs great. I was looking for an SL2 but this is one nice car. Wants $5,600
How does that sound to all of you, I know this guy so he is shooting straight with me. Sells cars on the side, evidently this was a lease. How is the reliability of this car compared to the SL2?
I have had it for the weekend and all I can find is that the steering wheel makes a bit of a squeak when I turn it.
Anything I should look for, any recalls, failures . For my 18 year old daughter so I am wanting a good reliable safe car
Thanks

PurdueGuy · 02-26-2006, 02:54 PM

Should be a very reliable car. Price seems about right. Not really any reliability difference between the SL1 and SL2, just the SL2 has more power and a few other things that probably won't make a difference to a teenage girl unless she's into cars bigtime. If you like to take care of potential problems before the arise, you could clean the throttlebody and replace the ECTS. (How-to's HERE)

Mbman · 02-27-2006, 12:10 AM

Thanks, I got him down to $5450, so I think I am going to get it. The only issue is the squeek that comes while turning the wheel, Seems to be eminating from the steering shaft , inside hosing, I think...
I put it up on lifts and crawled under it , saw no leaks, no holes, no damage. Brakes seem good , probably need changed in the next 6000 miles or so. The plugs will need changes, air filter. Rest of the fluids are up to date. I dont know about Tranny. is this a 50K or 100K interval?

Thanks Agian

PurdueGuy · 02-27-2006, 03:02 AM

Tranny fluid & filter every 30K miles.

Revolver · 02-27-2006, 01:42 PM

Is it an auto or manual? If it is a manual then you don't need to change the fluid until the clutch goes out.

Mbman · 02-27-2006, 02:59 PM

Got it!
What is service interval on fuel filter, where is it located?
It is an automatic.
I have heard only to use tranny filter hat Saturn makes?
Correct?
Also plug recomendation. I am going to change these out

PurdueGuy · 02-27-2006, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revolver

Is it an auto or manual? If it is a manual then you don't need to change the fluid until the clutch goes out.

you have a particular reason for believing this? Manual says otherwise...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbman

Got it!
What is service interval on fuel filter, where is it located?
It is an automatic.
I have heard only to use tranny filter hat Saturn makes?
Correct?
Also plug recomendation. I am going to change these out

Fuel filter is 100K, and kinda pricey.

The dealer tranny filter shouldn't be overpriced, so not a bad way to go. Not sure that it HAS to be the dealer filter, though, but not every place will stock it.

Plugs - NGK V-Power. No platium plugs - they often cause misfires in these cars. The regular NGK plug is the stock plug, the V-Powers work well, too, and seem to be the most recommended.

Revolver · 02-28-2006, 02:20 AM

Page 312 of the 2001 S-Series Owners Manual (and I quote)

"The manual transaxle fluid does not require changing"

When I check my fluid it is as clear as the day I bought the thing.

PurdueGuy · 02-28-2006, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revolver

Page 312 of the 2001 S-Series Owners Manual (and I quote)

"The manual transaxle fluid does not require changing"

When I check my fluid it is as clear as the day I bought the thing.

Interesting.

Revolver · 02-28-2006, 03:38 AM

I kind of understand that if the system is closed, then there shouldn't be any reason for the fluid to dirty. When I helped my buddy change his transaxles in his Civic (120,000 miles) the fluid looked as clear as the new stuff we put in it.