Not sure if I am looking for someone to talk me out of ...or into...
purchasing a used 2001 LW300 wagon with 98,000 miles.
My '95 SW1 w/ nearly 180K is now burning about a qt of oil every 400
miles. I did a top engine clean w/Seafoam when I disassembled the
engine back at 152K and did head gasket and timing chain kit. I've
done all the maintenance myself except for the tranny rebuild. With
two small kids and reliability/safety being a factor, I guess I'm done
w/ this car.
The LW300 (6 Cyl) is at a local Saturn dealer. This is a really
beautiful looking car. Like new, w/ new tires. It has never seen snow,
has a clean one-owner, Carfax. The dealer showed me the service dept
history. It has always been serviced there. Even on the lift the car
looks great underneath with no leaks, or evidence thereof. (Having
just done the Cat Conv on my SW1, I have been under a Saturn several
times a year for about a decade now). I took the car home overnight
and all looks and feels good.
The service issues I have seen detailed on the web and various owner
reviews (edmunds, epinions) with this series have me concerned. The
tail light recall was done on this car along with a few BCM's at
5,100 and 13,600 mi, engine oil coolers at 1,600 and 28K mi.; fuel
pump/sender, rear crankshaft seal at 31K; MAF sensor at 53K, Water
pump @ 56K. Rear wheel hub/bearing at 56K; front weatherstrips and
dimmer switch at 57K; "Armrest/Console" @ 78K, Pwr steering pump/
pulley and belt tensioner at 83K. The last major recommended service
done was the 81K.

This car was traded back in February. Has been driven by dealer for
700 miles now. With the end of the month, an anemic car market, along
with a pending timing chain service at 100K ($1,900 for the 100K
service per another Saturn dealer. I can get the Rock Auto timing
chain kit and do it myself for $325.00) I feel I can get a good deal
for $3,500-4K.

Am I being blinded by the $$$ and condition? My car's dying and my
finances are meager. If I had several thousand more I would seriously
think of a higher mileage Passat wagon, Malibu Maxx, Volvo 70 series
wagon,and maybe, maybe, a Honda Odyessy van.

L-Series owners, what say you?


Also, what could a "Non-Saturn Accessory Installation" every oil
change mean?