Considering buying a used (cheap) S-series Saturn

[stayfq]

I'm contemplating buying either a ford escort or Saturn S series. One thing that really turned me off to the S-series was the oil consumption issues people seemed to be having.

Are there any cheap fixes to this problem?

Is there any way to diagnose this before I buy a car, or for a mechanic to notice this issue? Money is very tight, and I just need a vehicle quickly, but would rather take extra time than spend a ton of money trying to fix a potentially big problem, especially since I won't have that money.

Any other advice, particularly good years or models to look out for?

Right now I'm looking at:

95 SC, 100k, needs new tires and inspection, asking $1950.

96 SW 108k, just passed inspection

Thanks for any help,

Steven Q.

[MickeyRat]

There is a piston soak that can sometimes help with the oil usage but, it doesn't always work. Most people just check their oil when they fill up and add as needed. The oils usage is usually caused because the oil rings get gummed up. It doesn't affect compression or power. The only way to know how much oil the car is going to use is to drive it for a while.

[silverado122775]

Originally Posted by stayfq

I'm contemplating buying either a ford escort or Saturn S series. One thing that really turned me off to the S-series was the oil consumption issues people seemed to be having.

Are there any cheap fixes to this problem?

Is there any way to diagnose this before I buy a car, or for a mechanic to notice this issue? Money is very tight, and I just need a vehicle quickly, but would rather take extra time than spend a ton of money trying to fix a potentially big problem, especially since I won't have that money.

Any other advice, particularly good years or models to look out for?

Right now I'm looking at:

95 SC, 100k, needs new tires and inspection, asking $1950.

96 SW 108k, just passed inspection

Thanks for any help,

Steven Q.

I will sell you mine for $1500 obo.
1994 Saturn SL SOHC Manual
186XXX miles

[proplumb]

Check out the Escort it's been a consumer reports best buy for years. Actually a few years back it was the only american car on the best buy list. I have one daughter that has an 99 Escort(125000 mi) and one that has a 99 Saturn 112000 mi. The Saturn eats oil and has had more problems than the Escort. Good Luck.