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Author Topic: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005  (Read 13111 times)

Offline Autos_Editor

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CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« on: March 29, 2006, 10:03:52 pm »
Used Vehicle Review:
Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
2001 Saturn L300
The mid-sized Saturn L-Series, which was loosely based on the European-market Opel Vectra, was available as a sedan and station wagon with four and six cylinder powerplants, reports Chris Chase.  "While the L-Series is not perfect, lots of owners... report largely trouble-free motoring," he says.  "The L-Series is cursed with low resale values that are really more of a blessing for used-car shoppers."     More...
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a4_tom

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2006, 11:05:51 pm »
The Vectra platform L-Series based on is actually pretty good. Its just the car doesn't exceed in one single area that exceeds its competitors.
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Howswedeitis

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2006, 10:20:10 am »
Quote from: Audi Tom on March 29, 2006, 11:05:51 pm
The Vectra platform L-Series based on is actually pretty good. Its just the car doesn't exceed in one single area that exceeds its competitors.

You're right but I'd argue that the Honda Accord et al are not much better than the Saturn
which makes it a good value on the used market.
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Offline Bullet Blue

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #3 on: March 30, 2006, 10:34:55 am »
Quote from: Howswedeitis on March 30, 2006, 10:20:10 am
You're right but I'd argue that the Honda Accord et al are not much better than the Saturn
which makes it a good value on the used market.

No kidding. Those used car numbers are way off from what I see in the paper. They are usually thousands of dollars less with decent kms. Wouldn't make a bad beater car, me thinks.
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Offline safristi

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2006, 11:00:09 am »
 :iagree: a decent second car(the wagon..ALL PURPOSE) and with Traction control etc a decent Winta BEETA!!!!...on my short list.... with the Focus Wagon.........and others ?(the mystery deepens :P)..649 tickets Failing that is.......
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Offline Arthur Dent

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2006, 06:24:25 pm »
is the V6 an Opel unit? I could see parts being an issue down the road.
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Offline safristi

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2006, 07:28:35 pm »
...IF the parts end up down the road...YOU have FIRST DIBS on IT !!!!! :-* :P...
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a4_tom

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2006, 07:33:48 pm »
Quote from: arthurdent on March 30, 2006, 06:24:25 pm
is the V6 an Opel unit? I could see parts being an issue down the road.

The same Ecotec V6 as in Saab NG900/9k CDE/9-5 3.0t and Catera. That engine is known for premature timing belt wear just 60000km.
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Offline Seafoam

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #8 on: March 31, 2006, 06:01:12 pm »
Quote from: Audi Tom on March 30, 2006, 07:33:48 pm
The same Ecotec V6 as in Saab NG900/9k CDE/9-5 3.0t and Catera. That engine is known for premature timing belt wear just 60000km.

Wasn't the 4 banger an ecotec as well?This was the 1st time it was used
in North America. Then they put it in the ion and cobalt- pursuit twins.
Supposed to be a pretty reliable motor.
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a4_tom

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #9 on: March 31, 2006, 07:25:37 pm »
Ecotec applies to both I-4 and V6.
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gta_driver

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2006, 11:36:05 am »
Saab's 2.3t ecotec 4 cylinder is driven by a timing chain. Post 2002 models have a reputation for reliability, pre-2002 versions can have sludge problems exacberated by infrequent oil changes.
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Offline Agiledood

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #11 on: April 05, 2006, 12:03:49 pm »
The 3.0 V6 used in the L-Series (and earlier VUE's) is the Opel designed L81 engine (also used in the 9-5), not an Ecotec.  Opel calls their 2.5 V6 ECOtec as well, but it's not the same engine used in the L. The 4-cyl is the 2.2 Ecotoc.  The timing belt in the V6 is rated for 85 - 100 K KM.

The L series is a sweet deal for a used car.  It is a very nice car despite the horrible reviews.  Plain and boring, yes, but it has a nice ride, ample interior space for the average family.
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Offline safristi

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #12 on: April 05, 2006, 12:22:21 pm »
I UP_CHUCK that Y2    ....have ya tried the "K" Jelly yet !!!?>..... :P ::) ??? 8) :o...a smooth ride with NO bumps on the way...... :thumbup: :banana: >:D :spam:
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Offline Agiledood

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #13 on: April 05, 2006, 12:29:09 pm »
Quote from: safristi on April 05, 2006, 12:22:21 pm
I UP_CHUCK that Y2    ....have ya tried the "K" Jelly yet !!!?>..... :P ::) ??? 8) :o...a smooth ride with NO bumps on the way...... :thumbup: :banana: >:D :spam:

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm jelly.........
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R_wallace

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #14 on: September 12, 2006, 06:44:45 pm »
Front suspension noise on low speed parking lot type turning, is it strut mounts ect ?????
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Offline safristi

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #15 on: September 20, 2006, 04:31:59 pm »
Jelly...the Prevent Defence???? :o 8)
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rm97ag

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Re: CD Article: Saturn L-Series, 2000-2005
« Reply #16 on: September 20, 2006, 09:04:56 pm »
I owned a 2002 L200 with the 4 cyl ecotec and a manual transmission. A very comfortable long-distance cruiser, but quality wasn't so great. I found the gaps in the body contracted even more in the cold, likely due to the plastic doors - the wind noise was deafening. And my alternator would exhibit problems "balancing" voltage, causing my dashboard, and headlights to cycle from dim to bright, dim to bright while decelerating. Saturn checked the car and told me that "they all do that"...

It did have a great stereo, though...
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