how many miles does the average s series saturn last?

[mattt6511]

Hello is there a average amount of milage a well maintained saturn sl will last?? I currently have a little under 120k how long do most of them last? 150k? 170k??

[DonP]

A lot more miles! The number one causes for "death" of a Saturn are probably failure to maintain oil levels and/or accident. Well over 200K miles is not uncommon among folks here (my '95 is at about 166K).

The real question is what criteria do you want to use to decide when it is at end of life? Cost to repair based - relative to some "book value"? Cost to replace with equivalent transportation? Insurance compaly guides?

[Midnight13]

I know this isn't exactly answering your question, but my 98 SL has 147k and runs great, there's others here with way more miles, and original too.

[AlexofNazareth]

we've got guys on here going over 400k. Im not sure at what point you need to replace the head, but yeah, you can run these things until you get sick of them

[mattt6511]

Awesome good news so i have the 97 sl1 and i heard they have head problems im assuming when it goes the symptoms will be the same as a blown head gasket? oil mixing with coolant and smoke out of the exhaust?

[Midnight13]

They're known for blowing their heads or gaskets.

I had a 96 sl1, only bought it for a parts car, but ended up using it as a field car, took it 2 miles across a field to our campsite on fam property. Anyways, we got it knowing it blew smoke. It started, blew smoke for maybe 5-10 minutes out the tailpipe, thought it was the trademark Saturn burning oil thing. It wasn't. I read up, did a compression test, and the 3rd cylinder was blown. Never found out if top or bottom end, I kick myself for junking it, would of loved to tinker with it and find out for sure, but we needed the room.

It ran poorly, but still ran at normal speeds. We ended up putting 700 miles on that summer with it dying like it was.

If yours is already doing this, you may have a problem. If not, just drive it, and maintain it. Obviously keep that oil topped off at all times! It really does take alot to kill a Saturn,lol!

[lancer54]

I got my first saturn with 17k miles, and now have 250k on my 97 SL1. I only replaced items like the alternator, water pump, ECTS, thermostat, belt tensioner, and other small maintenance items.

Changed the oil every 3,000 miles, and it did not burn any until around 230k. Checked it once a week.

Changed the trans fluid at 125k and again at 200k (automatic).
Was a 97 SL1, and never had the head crack on it. Never had the radiator crack or leak either.

Oh yeah, if you didn't know, the 97 has a slight issue with the fuel pump, in that if it does not start up right away when cranking, just put your key to the run position, wait a couple seconds, then try to crank it. I had to do this every time it sat more than half hour or so, because the fuel rail would lose pressure due to the weak check valve. (not worth replacing it, just deal with it).

Reason I stopped driving it is the wheel bearing started going out, and I picked up a 95 SC2 which I rebuilt the engine and have been driving ever since. My 97 been sitting for the past couple years and I still can't bring myself to get rid of it.

[alordofchaos]

Look at the odometer in post 767 on this thread (car with original engine, trans, and timing chain)
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...115829&page=39

Originally Posted by lancer54

I picked up a 95 SC2 which I rebuilt the engine and have been driving ever since. My 97 been sitting for the past couple years and I still can't bring myself to get rid of it.

oooh, that's one of the combinations I want.... a '95 SC2 in good mechanical shape, so I can swap in a manual trans from a SOHC car - better mileage and working cruise.

[ehunter]

If the car is taken care of by the book, meticulously, it will go well beyond 200k without issues.

Slipping up on its care a half dozen times over 16 years seems to get the car to a common 170-180k miles. For some reason 170k miles seems to be a common point when something notable will need to be done.

[Saturninin]

98 SL1 340,000 miles DD

[adventureoflink]

97 SL2 with over 190k miles

also, keep in mind that all the oil burning kills cats...

[ev_dave13]

I need to update my sig...The SC1 is at 263000 now. Of course the engine has "only" about 181000...

[alordofchaos]

I think Luke is at #2, but 5 months since he updated his miles

Originally Posted by Luke

95 SL 2 = 649,619 Miles 40.4 MPG, as of 4/19/11.

[TXSaturn02]

165K miles and still runs like new - getting roughly 39 MPG from 80% HWY miles.

Items replaced:

Oil Change (42 times)
Air Filter (4 times)
Battery (3 times)
PCV (3 times)
Tires (3rd set)
Serpentine belt (twice)
Coolant (twice)
Plugs (twice)
Wires (once)
02 Sensor (once)
Thermostat (once)
Water Pump (once)
TPS (once)
Shocks - all four (once)
Upper Motor Mount (once)
Fuel Filter (once)

Everything else is original, including every single light bulb!

I'm getting itchy to buy a new car, but my car shames me into keeping her.

[velleguy73]

The only valid answer to your question is "as many miles as you want to".

Everything that spins can be replaced if it needs it.

[jambra1]

Luke is the mileage king and I won't catch up but I have just under 300K on my '99 SC2. I am meticulous about the oil changes and keeping up my general maintenance. Runs like a champ.

[ozman]

Well I have 196,800 miles on mine atm.runs like a champ I still get around 30-32 mpg on the hiway,doesnt burn to much oil.I hope to get another 100,000 miles on it at least.I will get rid of my 97 sl2 when it rusts away.I luv my Saturn,altho I do pick up a lot flack from certain ppl over it,I just laugh while they fuel up their big SUV's.

[manualman]

Originally Posted by ozman

...I do pick up a lot flack from certain ppl over it,I just laugh while they fuel up their big SUV's.

LOL, there's guy at work who gives me flak about my 17 year old 139k mile SL, but I shut him up when I pointed out that I'm getting 40 mpg per average tank and he's getting 32 on his $30,000 hybrid Ford Escape.... I don't think he believes me!

I tell people my Polish hybrid is more cost effective than their Japanese hybrids. (blank look) Their Japanese hybrid cost $25,000 and gets 48mpg(Prius) by burning a combination of gasoline and electricity for the goal of minimal fuel usage.

My Polish hybrid was practically free (except DIY rehab costs) and gets 40mpg by burning a combination of gasoline and engine oil for the goal of minimal dollar usage!

[jason1088]

I've got 266500 on my s -series. I also am running the original clutch.

[clmb557@hotmail]

My 99 Saturn sl1 is at 460,000 kms. That's almost 286,000 miles. I am really excited to see when it hits half a million kms. I will be disappointed if it doesn't reach it. I have very high expectations now that it has lasted this long.

It has had the usual things wear out but nothing major ever. I am on my fourth wiper motor but even that isn't major although a nuisance it was.

I get great gas mileage which is good because I travel 160 kms every day for work. It will be a sad day when I have to retire my Saddie.

Right now I am having issues with warning lights and have to get it looked at later today. I am hopeful that it isn't anything serious since it still seems to be running like a charm.

Wish me luck and good luck with yours. They really do seem to last forever!

Cindy