I want to buy an SC, just not sure what I should get. I want power, and affordability. Thanks guys.

PS: Please include model and year

I would look at a 95 or newer SC2.

Twin cam
95 + don't have the automatic seat belts
the manual transaxle shifts better on 95+
The engine is a touch more refined.

Just my .02

want to know how to get this seller down on the price of a 95 saturn sc2 2 door coupe; excellent condition, but blue book value only lists at $5,210. anyone know about the EGR valve sticking and making the car quit running? she had it replaced and it's no longer a problem, but i never heard of this before. thanks for your help! laura :)

i'm such a dunce, sorry i forgot to say this seller is asking $6,900. is that a lot for a 95? thanks again, laura :)

I had a 95 SC2, and had that EGR valve problem too. It wasn't a big deal, really, and it wouldn't totally make the car undrivable, but it wouldn't idle and would stall unless you kept the revs up.

As for the original (very old) question, I would recommend a 95 or 96 SC2. There is no difference in engine no matter what year SC2 you get, but the advantage of a 95 or 96 is that they were still using the separate chassis for the coupe, unlike the newer SCs which went to the larger, heavier sedan chassis. My 95 SC2 weighed in at only 2300 lbs.

Over $6000 sounds pretty high for a 95. For that it had better have very low milage, and not be burning any oil (a common problem with Saturns I was told, though fortunately I had one of the better ones in this regard.)

hi, thanks so much for your reply. the car has 60k actual miles and is in immaculate condition, very beautiful and well maintained w/ leather interior/wood trim and a security system. can you tell me what i can do about getting a cd player for it? we saw one my daughter wanted, but the crutchfield site said it would not fit the sc2. please tell me we don't have to get a factory cd player in the saturn. thanks so much! laura

Laura,

Used Saturns are commanding very high prices. 60,000 miles isn't a dent in what the car will do, provided the owner has the service records so you know maintanance was done. I definately would hit them at 5800.00 and see what they say.

Yes, there is a kit for aftermarket cd players for the Saturns. It works, but just isn't nearly as nice of a fit as the stock one.

Aftermarket cd players are no problem in an SC2. The dash kit doesn't look too bad if you get the right one (I don't remember which one I had) I'm not sure what CF's problem is, I had no fitment problems even with an old slide-out Alpine that I used. Good luck mounting new front speakers though if you decide to change them.... I had to make custom mounting brackets for them...

A couple of other things to check before you buy:

- Take off a spark plug wire and make sure the plug hole is not filled with oil... caused by a leaking head cover gasket. I don't remember what this cost to repair. (covered under warranty anyway)

- If the car is an automatic, find out what kind of tranny maintenance/repairs have been done. My torque converter went out on mine at 60K, and before that, the valve body had problems due to fluid contamination. I've been told that I was not alone with the torque converter problem, fortunately I was wise enough to buy the extended warranty when I bought the car. The torque converter is well over $1000 to fix...

- listen for a rattling noise when you start the car. If you hear it, the timing chain could be loose (happened after 100K on my car, a $700 repair)

Excellent info Tireburner and Neuro, thanks so much! Laura

ImportGuy...You're seriously testing my patience here...:rolleyes:

Originally posted by elliemay
Excellent info Tireburner and Neuro, thanks so much! Laura

:sigh: - I typed a big, long reply, then crashed so here goes again. :(

#1 - $6900 is WAY too much for a 1995 SC - low miles or not. That much money could buy you a used family sedan - at a DEALER. MSN Autos says the 1995 SC is worth $4000-$4,800 - and that's RETAIL at a DEALER, not private party!!

#2 - MSN autos says the two most frequent problems on the SC cost little to fix. That's encouraging. 1995 SC reliability ratings (http://autos.msn.com/vip/usedrelsingleyear.aspx?modelid=2566&src=vip)

#3 - the consumer ratings for the 1995 SC are BAD. (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=2566&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) 13 out of 50 people gave the car less than 5 out of 10. Basically, if you buy a used SC plan on a 1 in 4 chance of hating it.

For comparison's sakes, here are some cars in the same price range (around $4k-$5k) and their consumer ratings:

1995 Nissan Altima (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=2195&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) (1 out of 50 less than 5)

1995 Honda Civic (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=1324&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) (3 of 50 less than 5)

1995 Toyota Corolla (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=2785&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) (1 out of 50 less than 5)

1995 Chevy Cavalier (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=517&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) (10 of 50 less than 5)

1995 Mazda 626 (http://autos.msn.com/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?idmodel=1846&search=MostRecent&num=50&trim=All&lang=All) (11 of 50 less than 5) (and almost no one REALLY likes it)

#4 - Keep in mind that 1995 was the first year for the SL - and as such the first-year bugs haven't been worked out yet on that model. Apparently the later years are more reliable.

Now, MSN autos is not the end-all in vehicles, so here are a few other reference sites:

Insurance Institute's safety rating for the 1995 SL (determines insurance rates) (http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97015.htm)
There are safer choices, but the SL still got almsot all "acceptable" and "good" scores, so that's actually pretty good for a car its size.

Consumer Reports said: Overview: While Saturn's S-Series cars have been largely unremarkable, the line's appeal has been bolstered by a good reliability record and a no-haggle dealer experience. The S-Series is available in sedan (SL), coupe (SC), and wagon (SW) versions. The uplevel SL2, SC2, and SW2 are much better cars than the less expensive trim levels, with more standard features, more power, and better handling. In our tests, we've found the S-Series' four-cylinder engines noisy but fuel-efficient. The front seats are low, and the rear seat is cramped on all models. A third door was offered on the coupe in 1999, improving rear-seat access.
I'd link you to the site but you need to give them money before they let you in to this particular section.

Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/used/1995/saturn/sseries/index.html?tid=edmunds.u.mmindex.content..0.Saturn *) says the SL is worth $2500-$4000 at a dealer - and that's True Market Value - they get that figure by averaging prices that car has recently sold at.


Final verdict: Do not, under any circumstances, pay $6900 for this car, and you MAY want to consider buying a newer model or a different car altogether.

I have a 1994 SC2. It is my first Saturn and I have fallen in love with her. I got her with 125000 on the odometer for $3000(a little steep but well worth the money). Since then I have heavily modded her and she hasn't lost a race yet. I've had minor replacements, the most expensive being the water pump, but other than that nothing much. I've probably put 3500 into her and 2500 is mods. I also havent heard good things about the newer SC2s, most forums I've been on the 1992-1994 SC2 has been the Saturn of choice.

want to know how to get this seller down on the price of a 95 saturn sc2 2 door coupe; excellent condition, but blue book value only lists at $5,210. anyone know about the EGR valve sticking and making the car quit running? she had it replaced and it's no longer a problem, but i never heard of this before. thanks for your help! laura :)
got mine for 2250 w 65kon clock

Yep--just got a 95 with 97K for 2400. Gorgeous car in very good condition and well maintained. I have already driven almost 2000 miles in this car and have not had any trouble with it altho it seems to run a little hot, but no leaks anywhere. I would recommend this car to anyone.

i picked up a 95 sc1 for $1000 with 120k on it. it runs fine. no major repairs yet, the gas milage is decent enough, the only thing i wish it had was a little more pick up. i havent started doing anything modificationwise to the engine yet though, so i would imagine once i start in with some changes the pickup will be better.

Any SC is a great car! But yes the '95 to newer are best, cuz of less BS to worry 'bout. Those damn retracting belts are a pain.
They all make about the same power.
Except for the obvious sohc vs. dohc.
And it'll still depend on the buyers taste, whether or not you want a '91-'96, '97-'99, or '00-'02

am i the only one who like the auto seat belts?

I like them, they have saved me a ticket or two.

I want to buy an SC, just not sure what I should get. I want power, and affordability. Thanks guys.

PS: Please include model and year



I HAVE AN 01 SC WITH ONLY 24K MILES ON IT THAT I COULD LET GO FOR 8,000 DOLLARS CALL ME IF INTERESTED 4104597487

I've heard that the sc2 of 98 are the best for engine modifications. There is suppose to be the largest variety on the market. However they usually don't come as cheap as a 95. I'm guessing $6000 - 7000. It has a nice body style too. Personally i'm in favor for stationary lights.. not the flip up ones.

I picked up my 96 SC2 five speed a year ago and it had 60,000 miles on it and I paid 5500 at a dealer out the door. I now have about 90,000 miles on it and have had zero problems mechanically with it.