Is it worth fixing or should I buy a new car?

I need some advice. I bought a 1994 Saturn SL2 Sedan in 2005. For about two years it ran perfectly. Then things started going wrong. The first thing to happen was it started clunking when I put it into reverse. Then maybe 6-8 months later the brakes started squeeking. It leaks oil because the gasket isn't sealed properly (at least I think that's what the mechanic said). It needs an alignment... once again, not exactly sure if that is the right word. (Sorry, I know very little about cars.) A couple months ago the A/C stopped blowing cold air. And now... I need a new engine because apparently it ran out of oil? http://www.carforums.net/images/smilies/frown.gif I thought I was monitoring the oil enough but I guess not. It still runs and the mechanic said I should just drive it til the engine blows. I really should have taken it in for the clunking reverse and squeeking brakes earlier but it always seemed like the money was needed elsewhere. Oh, I also moved and have to get it licensed in my new resident state so that is even more money.

So with all of the money that is going to be put into this car over the next couple of months... I'm wondering if I should even bother. Especially since I heard that Saturns are known for burning up oil. My biggest fear is that I will spend $800-$1000 to replace the engine only to break it again because it's losing oil too quickly.

If I get a new used car I can only afford one for $3500 or less and there is no guarantee that I won't have to fix things on it.

Tell me what to do! :runaround:

I would not fix this car. I would drive it until I found a car I could afford. Look at a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic and pay about 2500$ and leave a 1000$ for a reserve repair fund. Pay a mechanic a 100$ to really go over the car.

The transmissions on the Saturns are very expensive to replace, I just did. You can live without the A/C. The brakes squeaking is an easy fix if it is just pads. An alignment problem can occsionally be fixed with just airing up the tires properly. Check the oil every day before you leave for work.

So you think that the clunking when I put it into reverse means that I need a new transmission?

So you think that the clunking when I put it into reverse means that I need a new transmission?
This is a commonproblem with the saturns.Look up the problem on the saturn forum and see how it can be resolved.

i would go with another car. i just got a 95 nissan altima for really cheap and it is a very reliable car. i would go with a nissan, toyota, or honda they are all very reliable but i would definately not fix the saturn not worth it

I agree with all the opinions here as well! The Saturn probably isn't even worth $1,000 so why would you spend that much on it? The car seems to be at the end of its life so drive it til it blows! Start saving and getting an idea of what you would like to drive. Start shopping around and doing your research so when the Saturn blows up you know exactly what you want!

I would definitly prefer to buy a new car.Your research says that if you continue with your old car you may have to pay a penalty.So shed off the old and fetch a new one.I would go with Toyota Corolla as this is a compact car and has become very popular throughtout the world.

As much as I love Saturns ( used to have 2 now down to one) I think this one is ready for pasture.

I'm also a huge toyota fan and a corrola is not a bad choice. I wouldn't pass the chance to purchase a newer model SL2 as well. They are very good cars overall. Cheap to maintain, good fuel economy, and cheap on insurance. You just have to give them a little love every once and a while! :grinyes:

Any older car can run out of oil at any time! Checking it every 1000 miles can't hurt and is a lot cheaper than a new car or replacing a motor that could have lasted much longer with a little care. Toyotas are especially prone to fail under extreme overheating so if it develops a coolant leak it needs to be repaired asap. There is no second chance with them!!

i would definately go with a new car. i personally am not a fan of saturns (i work at a car maintenance shop) and we get alot of those in that have problems. saturn is just not a good quality car. they are getting better the newer ones are better quality yours just isnt worth it. im a big fan of hondas especially the civic and accord but it depends on your price range