Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
Im guessing you have crank windows as you havent replaced the motors. I got my SC2 at 117k and it already had a new window motor and at 160k it went out again. I guess manufacturers really dont care what happens after warrany because they could give us simple quality instead of the cheap frills.
On my Saturn, from 117k to 190k (Nov 08-Nov 10) I've done pads/rotors, radiator, thermostat/upper hose, sunroof broke, drivers window broke, cruise control module (easy $15 minute $40 fix from the JY and works great since, it was doing like yours and intermittently working), tensioner, 2 water pumps, ECTS, battery.
Yes, I do have crank windows. The LF one has been squeaking for years, but it has not broken. I will have to look for a new module from the junkyard for the cruise control, thanks; though, the GM system comes back with a TSB stating to check the brake switch first as that can cause intermittent cruise control failure.
Originally Posted By: pbm
Sort of Off Topic:
What is the best weight/type of oil for the Saturn S series?
I bought a 2002 SL1 5 speed last year (with 77K) and I haven't even registered it yet. Now that gas is heading upwards it might be a good time.
I've heard that the oil burning issue was mostly solved by 2002.
Does this motor like thinner or thicker oils?
I have never used anything other than 5w30 conventional oil.
Originally Posted By: cchase
This thread has devolved into an explanation of how everything is going wrong with Critic's car. Several people have chimed in with "I have ___ and have only done maintenance items in ___ miles, your car is a real junker". Looking through the list Critic made, probably 75-80% of the items on the list are what I am guessing most here consider "maintenance items" and several are items I suspect most of the people on this forum wouldn't even bother fixing.
Quote:
1) 2 Sets of Front Brake Pads (89k, 147k)
2) Front Brake Rotors (147k)
3) Front Calipers (147k)
4) 2 Sets of Rear Brake Pads (89k, 115k)
5) Alternator (63k)
6) 2 Serpentine Belt Tensioners and Serpentine Belts(89k and 148k)
7) A/C Recharge (Summer 2009)
8) PCV Breather Hose (60k)
9) Starter (102k)
10) Oxygen Sensor, upstream (114k)
11) Transmission Valve Body Cover gasket (50k, but fixed at 98k)
12) Valve Cover and Spark Plug Tube Seals (98k, but was leaking for a while)
13) 3 Motor Mounts
14) 3 Batteries
15) Radiator (129k)
16) Heater Core (~140k)
17) Thermostat, radiator hoses and cap (121k)
18) Water Pump (~147k)
19) F/R Struts and Front Strut Mounts (129k)
20) Rear Sway Bar End Links (Not sure, but definitely before 100k)
21) Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (never broke, but replaced it before it would cause the infamous driveability problems)
22) Trunk Wiring Harness (wires snapped, friend respliced the wires)
Just as a rough example... I also think many here would consider alternators and radiators to be pretty "common" regardless of the car.
To BITOGers or old-timers who are mechanically-inclined, then yes, you are correct.
However, to most of the younger generation (such as myself) and most consumers, routine maintenance is limited to spark plugs, serpentine belts (not tensioners), filter changes, fluid changes, bulbs, batteries, brake pads and brake rotors. Components such as hoses (especially the newer ones made from EPDM), alternators, starters, radiators, water pumps, etc are designed to last the life of the vehicle, which should be about 150,000 miles. A number of those items on my car started failing well before 100k and before the 8 year mark, which is completely acceptable to me.
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Knowing Critic myself, I think a lot of the repair is "keeping up with perfection".
You and my dad would be good buddies. My dad's philosophy of car repair/maintenance is to change the oil at the minimum intervals required, and fix all other items when a warning light comes on or if the car breaks down on the side of the road.
Sounds like my cavalier. Though I didn't need a rad, and my alternator lasted till 130k miles...
