Repairs after roll over?

[PCruiseW]

I have a '96 Saturn SL-2 with 200,000 miles on it. I was hoping would last me until this summer when I can break out my Cycle. (a month or two)
It was in great shape till I rolled it in the Michigan blizzards on Saturday.

I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of damage happens to an SL2 as it's sitting upside down for about 45 minutes.

The snow really cushioned the blow, so there was very little damage aside from the windshield, and sunroof being shattered, Windows and door all worked just fine, Car ran for about 10 seconds after the crash before I switched the key off. Unfortunately it is in Michigan at a garage and I'm back in Chicago so I can't have a good look at it.

My options are to replace the windshield ($165 estimate) and hope it drives, Or sell it for scrap and get a ($100) for the steel. Any suggestions?

[RC1488]

Id first go see if it starts. Being upside down shouldn't hurt the engine. The oil will start to pool around the valve cover and into the cylinders however it will go back to normal once the car is right side up for a while.

I cant really think of anything else that would be effected. It should still start if it was a clean roll over.

[s1120]

Defently check to see if it runs. May have starved the engine of oil. Also check that the battery has not dumpped acid all over the place.

[denisond3]

I think they covered everything. Check the brake fluid, along with the tranny fluid.

[PCruiseW]

Thank you all. I'm thinking that I'll scrap the vehicle, just because of the distance and that I can't take a look at it myself.


RC1488, aren't you the guy with something like 7 Saturns in his driveway?
I must say, I had my doubts about this car...but I'm certainly behind it for safety, now!

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by PCruiseW

RC1488, aren't you the guy with something like 7 Saturns in his driveway?

+1. Just got another '96 SL2 Auto

[Cat Fuzz]

I would think that if the doors all work and still keep out water, the car would be fine. The only other variable would be the windshield. Did it break because the roof flexed or because it hit something?

[PCruiseW]

Not sure,
When the car flips it sits up on the hood/windshield & front of the roof with the back end up in the air. (the front doors were buried in snow, but the back doors were clear to open, how I got out.)

The front of the roof had dents and damage, but the struts seemed to be straight and true. The windshield had a large hole in the upper center and was laced with thousands of cracks (but still in one piece!)
So I'm guessing that it must have shattered on impact and the frame wasn't crushed.

Again, sadly I've decided to not put the effort into trying to restore the car. I wish I had the time/money to do it, because I'm sure now that the car would run again...but well, other things on my plate.

[s1120]

Think thats a pretty good idea. With that kinda millage, and damange, it would not realy be cost effective. For what you would put into it getting it up and running, you could probably find another used, higher millage one, that HASN'T turned turtle.