Good deal? Help with first Saturn purchase

[rcglextacy]

Thinking about buying a 99 SL2 Auto. Found one for cheap cuz its producing gray smoke and needs emissions. 145k miles, restored title (pull history report, was salvage off the lot?). They're asking $700, and dont have many details. was like pulling teeth to get the VIN out of them but I finally got it. Its fully loaded except leather.

heres a link to the CL ad: Im not allowed to post links, so if you search Phoenix Craigslist for 3086691703 it should pull up.


anyway, this is my first post here, hope its not out of line.

Backstory: Ive worked on my own cars since I was 16. Had 5 Lexus', two Acura Legend LS Coupes, an E36 325i BMW, two Jeep Grand Cherokee's, and a Olds Cutlass Supreme convertible, and have worked on them all exclusively myself.

I dont think fixing this smoke problem will be terribly difficult, this engine is like a toy compared to the 1UZFE V8 in my LS400 LOL. Im fairly confident I can fix whatever is wrong (mechanically) with this SC2. Im just not sure its worth the $700 they're asking for it.
Help would be appreciated. Im going to look at it tomorrow. Thanks

[ktthecarguy]

Looks like it might be a good buy. Do you know why the salvage title? Major accident?

As for the smoking, as long as there is no knocking coming from the engine, look up Marvel Mystery Oil piston soak here on the forum. I've tried it twice (2 different cars) and it's pretty effective. Could also be the coolant temp sensor, another notorious (but cheap and easy) fix.

If it was me, I'd bring $600 cash and snap it up before you get it! Just kidding.

[alordofchaos]

Here you go
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3086691703.html

1999 Saturn
$700 Firm
Restored salvage tittle
145xxx Miles
Good A/C
Good conditions from the inside
It turns on and drives but the problem is that smokes comes out.
Call: 480-***-****
Se Abla Espanol

They need English & Spanish spelling lessons

These cars are easy to work on and repair, and parts are mostly cheap and available for the DIYer

[azrocketman]

Originally Posted by rcglextacy

Thinking about buying a 99 SL2 Auto. Found one for cheap cuz its producing gray smoke and needs emissions. 145k miles, restored title (pull history report, was salvage off the lot?). They're asking $700, and dont have many details. was like pulling teeth to get the VIN out of them but I finally got it. Its fully loaded except leather.

heres a link to the CL ad: Im not allowed to post links, so if you search Phoenix Craigslist for 3086691703 it should pull up.


anyway, this is my first post here, hope its not out of line.

Backstory: Ive worked on my own cars since I was 16. Had 5 Lexus', two Acura Legend LS Coupes, an E36 325i BMW, two Jeep Grand Cherokee's, and a Olds Cutlass Supreme convertible, and have worked on them all exclusively myself.

I dont think fixing this smoke problem will be terribly difficult, this engine is like a toy compared to the 1UZFE V8 in my LS400 LOL. Im fairly confident I can fix whatever is wrong (mechanically) with this SC2. Im just not sure its worth the $700 they're asking for it.
Help would be appreciated. Im going to look at it tomorrow. Thanks

I'd keep shopping. Sounds like a money pit. And the salvage title will not do you any favors. Might be worth $300.00.

Steve

[lil_buddy]

if you feel like you're up to rebuilding the head and possibly the tranny - why not? otherwise, you probably should not get it.

Don't know that it's worth $700. You should call the local salvage yards and find out what they would offer for the car - add $100 to that.

[madpogue]

What color smoke, from where?
Automatic or manual tranny? Service history (esp. if automatic)?
Unless there are clear (and favorable) answers to these questions, def. don't pay the asking price.
Salvage title may mean nothing. In some states, if crash damage exceeds the car's value and the insurance company "totals" the car, the title is salvaged, even if the damage has no impact on the vehicle's safety.

[Razzle Dazzle]

The motor runs, which is better than what I got for 600. I'd say if you have the means to fix it in a timely and efficient manner, save a Saturn. They're fun cars and if everything else is kosher they're worth it.

[hholbein]

Originally Posted by azrocketman

I'd keep shopping. Sounds like a money pit. And the salvage title will not do you any favors. Might be worth $300.00.

Steve

Agreed. Save your time and aggravation for something where your mechanical skills will be rewarded with a decent resale/street value price.

Salvage titles are a pain to deal with, and there could have been hidden structural damage that could affect safety in the event of a 2nd crash.

Maybe get another Lexus or Toyota? Well-made cars, quiet, reliable once you've got any abuse straightened out.

My 2 cents.

[rcglextacy]

Originally Posted by alordofchaos

They need English & Spanish spelling lessons

These cars are easy to work on and repair, and parts are mostly cheap and available for the DIYer

Thats indicative of Almost ALL craigslist ads. lol.

according to the history report, the very first title was a salvage title (10/1998) for an insurance write-off.... Not entirely sure why. there were two other accidents, but they must have been minor otherwise the car wouldnt still be on the road... I would think.

Ive thought about looking for another Lexus but Ive had 5. I really want a W140 Mercedes however Im not in the position to maintain one at this time. I was thinking about offering these people $500 for the car, I just dont think its worth $700 considering it could very well need the drivetrain rebuilt.

I attached a PDF of the history report. Ive never seen a car title salvage its entire life... seems odd to me

[azrocketman]

Originally Posted by rcglextacy

I attached a PDF of the history report. Ive never seen a car title salvage its entire life... seems odd to me

Could have been wrecked during a test drive, fell off of the delivery truck, flood or hail damage while on the lot.

Many years ago our high school had a new car donated that was damaged in a flood. Our school was lucky that our car came off the top of the car carrier and only had to have fluid changes. Others were on the bottom of the car carrier and even the speedometers were full of mud.

Steve

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by rcglextacy

Thats indicative of Almost ALL craigslist ads. lol.

so true we have a whole thread here dedicated to the most egregious S-series CL ads

according to the history report, the very first title was a salvage title (10/1998) for an insurance write-off.... Not entirely sure why. there were two other accidents, but they must have been minor otherwise the car wouldnt still be on the road... I would think.

Fascinating history. I think azrocketman hit it... some kind of early damage and then made road-worthy again. I'd be a little concerned about the 9/17/2003 incident that deployed the airbags and the frame damage announced at the auction.

It's tough selling a car with a salvage/rebuilt title - people get rightfully nervous about it. Depending on your area, you might do better both in price and quality of the car

[rcglextacy]

I thought the history was intriguing too. Thats not always a good thing!!!

They say the price is firm, and they're probably not going to take less, simply because KBB is $2000 in fair condition. with two accidents and frame damage, its resale value is NO WHERE close to $2k. I think Im going to skip it. Cute cars thou. Ive never had a Saturn. Might keep my eye out for another one. Thanks guys.

[madpogue]

That full history reminds me of the Johnny Cash song "I've Been Everywhere, Man".

[rcglextacy]

Originally Posted by madpogue

That full history reminds me of the Johnny Cash song "I've Been Everywhere, Man".

I know right. lol.


I offered em $500, and got no response. So I guess they arent in a hurry to sell the car. Oh well lol

[alordofchaos]

I like the cars - cheap to get into and cheap for DIYers to maintain. Lowest commuting mileage so far is around 33mpg, back when my thermostat failed open.

My first Saturn, the SL2, was $800 (102k miles at the time). Been about 4 years, 41k miles. in that time: new timing set, cam cover gasket, plugs, starter, battery, both axles, new tires, geartooth wheels, 1 fender, 1 door panel, stainless muffler, floor mats, new stereo, and added cruise control - not including fluids, I am well under $2,000 total into the car for 4 years.

Factor in that this car saves me about $200/year in gas over my previous commuter, a ZX2 w auto trans, it's paying for itself