1998 Saturn SL1 - thoughts?

[TerisBoys]

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Subaru got vetoed - we both agree on this one however.

I need >25mpg, and the ability to fit at least 2 of my boys in the backseat (I know 3 across with a HWH seat is a pipedream).

I know Josh and William will need hbb's - luckily Josh still fits in the Vivo and SR/C.

Looking at it tomorrow if it doesn't sell tonight - it has minor body damage (guy sideswiped his house with it scratching the driver's side), but relatively low miles (80K original) and the asking price is very reasonable IMO.

[safeinthecar]

Keep in mind the seatbelts that were in use during the crash may or may not have been replaced. If not, that is something you have to add in to your cost for the vehicle.

[Neatfreak]

My husband drove a '95 4-door SL1 until we moved overseas last year. A family friend has a the vehicle now. It's only needed routine maintenance, nothing major. My husband found it very roomy for his 6'4" frame, and it was the more economical of the two vehicles we own. Alas, it didn't have LATCH or tether anchors. LATCH didn't matter to me, but the tether anchors did.

[TerisBoys]

Originally Posted by safeinthecar

Keep in mind the seatbelts that were in use during the crash may or may not have been replaced. If not, that is something you have to add in to your cost for the vehicle.

It's very minor body damage IMO - the paint is scuffed. It looks like she brushed the side of the house really. I doubt the seatbelts were affected. http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/car/699405944.html

Originally Posted by Neatfreak

My husband drove a '95 4-door SL1 until we moved overseas last year. A family friend has a the vehicle now. It's only needed routine maintenance, nothing major. My husband found it very roomy for his 6'4" frame, and it was the more economical of the two vehicles we own. Alas, it didn't have LATCH or tether anchors. LATCH didn't matter to me, but the tether anchors did.

Tethers can be retro-fit I *hope*. I need at least one for Ryan's Nauti.

[Jeanum]

I did a LATCH manual lookup for you. Two tether anchors can be retrofit in the '98 Saturn S-series sedan for the rear outboard seating positions. There are two 8mm weld nuts in the rear filler panel, and the anchor points are covered by plastic plugs. The part number is 21048101 and one anchor retrofit should be done for free per GM Service Bulletin 99-09-40-004.

I'm almost 100% positive the '98 SL1 has a lap-only belt in the center rear seating position. It might have switchable retractors outboard, but I'm not positive on that. Some S-series have locking latchplates, and I'm not super familiar with the '98 model year. We had a '94 SL1 pre-kids, a '97 SW1 until DD1 was about three weeks old, and a 2000 SC1. The SC1 had switchable retractors and I think the '97 SW1 did, too, although my memory is a bit fuzzy. My relatives have a '96 SW1 with locking latchplates. Reliability for all of the S-series we've had was pretty bullet proof, and I the plastic body panels. Happy car shopping.

[TerisBoys]

Well phooey - the guy just emailled me and sold it last night

He knew I was interested and coming up tonight.

*sulks*

[Jeanum]

Aww, bummer. Compact cars sure seem to be hot sellers right now due to high gas prices and it's becoming a real seller's market for them. I read the other day about people who were scrambling to buy used Geo Metros due to their fuel efficiency. Some were buying multiple Metros, keeping one, and flipping the others for a premium price tag due to the high demand.

[TerisBoys]

I know. Everything is either junk or sold as soon as it lists.

I was shocked - that one was up for over a week.