What to know before buying an Ion Redline?

[boltsandholes]

Hey all new here, I am looking into buying a second car more for commuting to not put so many miles on my Camaro and I was thinking of an 06 or newer Saturn Ion Redline. Any common problems on these cars? Things to look out for? And I can't seem to find any local except for one a few hours away that the seller states needs a clutch. Any suggestions on what to look for with these would be appreciated, I'm assuming these have a recall for the ignition like every other GM vehicle? If so what was the fix, just a new cylinder? On the Camaro they basically just break the key in half.

And any tips on a fair price would be great, not wanting to spend too much on a second car. Located in southern CA and prefer a manual

[daver]

All Red Lines are manual.
'06 Red Lines (and '04 and '05) have Recaro seats. '07s do not.
Any stage kits installed are a bonus. So is comp package.
Ignition key and power steering recalls are active.
Fair price depends upon condition, miles, and extras. Hard to say without more info.

[kevin.st56]

Some common issues with then ions in general, including redlines, and bushings.
when bushings, end links, lower control arm bushings, and tie rod ends go bad, they'll become more of an annoyance bec they'll start to shake and rattle.
replace with moog parts, and you should be good.

[goaliemo]

gds....

[marathonboats]

I agree with they'll become more of an annoyance bec they'll start to shake and rattle.
replace with moog parts, and you should be good.

[Alexferguson]

The only way to look at this purchase is for parts value. Best case scenario you fix the engine and everything else is great and it drives good. Worst case you fix the engine then find out the tranny is shot and the suspension needs to be replaced. I would check out the underside carefully cause I have seen someone bottom out a car destroy the oil pan and seize the engine. He put on a new oil pan and tried to paint the frame and say it just needed a new engine but he hit so hard the sub frame was tweaked and there just was no hope for it. This was a bit of an extreme situation but just be careful and make sure if you need to part it out you can get your money back since you are the one taking this risk.