What have I done?

[04GT]

My son is getting turning 16 August, 31st. I've been teaching him to drive and we've been thinking about a car for him. Some folks we know have a old Saturn that ain't runnin and they offered to give it to us.

It's a 1995 SL2, Auto 4 banger with 136K. It's been sitting for 4 mos. Guy says he thinks it needs an alternator...it was running good till the alternator went out.

I figure the car's would be worth $2,500 if it was in excellent condition.

So, I'm about to put my amateur mechanic skills to the test, and probably to the next level.

Looked it over tonight and it needs tires, old tint removed, a battery, and god knows what else. Transfering title later this week and it's gonna be the big father/son project for the summer.

If we can't get it in shape, I figure I can always part it out.

Going to buy the Haynes manual tomorrow.

 

[DTNODYA]

I think it is good that you bought a car that needs work. If your son helps make the car run well then he will appreciate it and take care of it way more than if you bought something new for him. My first vehicle was a Nissan SE V6 (truck) and it was all types of broke. I had to learn how to fix it before I could drive it and once I got it running, I never abused that thing .... well sometimes .... Good luck with your project.

 

[04GT]

My first car was a Datsun 310GX and I beat the **** out of it. Ran great when I got it. Only mod I did was a rear sway bar. Used to go hill-hoppin in it. Hopefully my son won't do anything like that!

 

[02FastblackGT]

I think it's cool that you guys have a project to work on..wish my dad would've done that with me. Anyways, I would suggest not to go with a Saturn, they are pieces of crap. I know you are getting it for cheap, but why not go with an older stang, or something else you can work on with him, and be much better off in the long run..??

 

[04GT]

I'm not getting it for cheap...I'm getting it for FREE.

 

[BennyBlown2v]

Check all of the sensors (IAT, MAF, O2's, etc.), on a car that old there is bound to be something bad (especialy on a Saturn lol). Also, better hope the trans is in good shape Sounds like a fun project though, just don't let your kid get too deep in the hole by trying to fix stuff if it keeps on breaking/doesn't HAVE to be fixed

 

[02FastblackGT]

Yeah, i would just be worried about spending more money on the car than it is acutally worth. It may be cheaper for you to just get a newer car..if possible..?? Still, i like the idea of you guys having a project together, very cool!!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Sounds like a great project, I think it will go smoothly and be a success in more ways than just getting the car running

 

[Mustang5L5]

Good choice of car for a 16 year old.

I had a 5.0 Mustang when i was 16 (the '88 in my sig) and i did some stupid things that almost got myself killed! Luckily the few times i spun out i never hit anything, but man did i drive slow for the few weeks after!

 

[04GT]

I hear ya. I learned to drive a stick on my Dad's 85 GT.

 

[Shiroelex]

That Saturn is a great idea for a first car. You even got a year that was after GM bought Saturn. Parts for the older saturns before GM were expensive. The only thing you need to watch out for now, is that pricey ignition control module under the coils. My buddy has a 99 SC2, and it's got almost 145k on it. Still runs like a champ. Be sure to check out the muffler, and the hanger back there. That broke like 3 times on my friend's, before we got a stainless catback pipe, and a 60 series Flow. Now, it's good for life. Also, check out the rear sway bar links. Another common Saturn issue. Good luck with this one!

 

[timeless2]

Free is a great price. No reason not to get it. You come out ahead even if you part it out or smash it for scrap.

The repairs you two do together will serve as a great base for father-son bonding time as well. Good luck.

 

[AmBo]

My first ride was a 96 Saturn SL2. Haha. Ahhh memories. It had 130k on the odometer and the tranny was slipping hard when I traded it in.

 

[04GT]

The car gods are smiling on us so far! Went down to the parking garage where the Saturn has been sitting for 6 mos. Checked all the fluid levels, and they look good and pretty clean. Found that it had a busted battery terminal, so we ran to autozone and bought a new battery for 60 bucks. After a few minutes of turnovers, it started up. We drove it around the garage a few laps, and it seemed to be running good. I hear a little rubbing from the rear brakes, otherwise it seems to be running great. Drove it home (about 30 miles). No overheating and no leaks!

So, now we're just gonna start doing tune-up work on it and get my son ready for his driving test at the end of August.

So far, so good!

 

[01Steeda]

good news man, thats a great idea for a project. easy fix and it teaches some self reliance at the same time. Me and my son's are about to start working on what will be the family race car. 90 LX coupe with a 5.4L turbo

 

[Dope 97GT]

I just bought a 94 Saturn SC1 thats in ok condition needs a hood (keyed) with 108k 5 speed runs great for $800.

Love the car gets 35 MPG
Better than my Eddie Baeur Exploders 14.2
And the stang that gets like 17

My friend has a 95 SC2 that runs 13s N/A its nice