[nightbird]

I am the original owner of a 94 Saturn SL1. It still handles like a new car. I know by heart the short list of quirks:
1. Alternator is over hot part of the engine so it does not last as long. Replace every 4-5 years. Every time my alternator was failing, the transmission would begin slipping. Last time I insisted the shop just replace the alternator, even though it 'tested' ok, and the problem has been fixed for the last three going on years now
2. original radiator had plastic sides which failed years ago. no biggie
3. Engine mounts are gonna go one day
4. When you hear the toy car sound it means the idler pulley is going. I have replaced it a few times. No longer wait for belt to fail
5. Still have the original trans, never got maintenance, perfect
6. Still have original fuel pump, water pump, suspension
7. AC compressor finally conked, but the relay going into the compressor goes first,and got a few more years with a junkyard part for 2 bucks thanks to this forum
8. Had to replace the fan blowing heat into the car about five years ago. Guy couldnt believe it lasted that long - it was made in USA
9. Car always ate oil, so I give it 1/2 to 3/4 qt weekly - for the last 18 years. Oil has always been coal black, but I feed it 1/3 bottle of the bargain fuel injection cleaner from Family Dollar with every fill up. Fuel filter is too hard to replace, so shops will lie and say they did it. 18 years, mostly on cheap cleaners
10. Redid valve cover gasket a few years ago. Engine has oozed oil for about a decade. See a wisp of smoke everytime I remove the cap to add oil, but, hey the engine runs great
11. Two years ago, mech tried to replace ball joint and front sub frame was so rusted a two inch chunk fell off when he tried to remove old part.I consider this luck.Could have failed on the road. Replaced front sub frame.
12. This model had an engine design problem requiring are build after about 100K miles. I lucked out and got that under warranty - I think because the dealer rep was disgruntled. That bug is long gone. The rebuild was inevitable

Now rust is hitting my baby. Rear brake line corroded through like swiss cheese. Im getting old too, so I am going to pass on the car to someone who can do the next stage maintenance.

What an amazing car.
Starts like a dream. Runs smooth. Tight steering. It needed rehab a few years ago when I didnt have time. I am already getting withdrawal twitches because I love it so much, the problems were so few. These SLs are still been bought and sold and rehabbed in my town.

Kid got in my car and didnt know what the buttons on the door were for. Got the original radio and tape player . And the owners manual.

I never expect to find another car with so few problems