1996 Saturn SL1 Worth rebuilding or replacing engine?

Tiny
PILGRIMJS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 SATURN SL1
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 124,000 MILES
I have a 96 Standard SL. It has been burning oil for about a year. I was told last year the only fix for this was rebuilding the engine. Now it is leaking oil -- a puddle of chocolate milk under car and oil in the coolant overflow tank. My fear is that a rebuild is now necessary. But is it worth doing on a car this old with almost no resale value?

The steering wheel has also started to shake above 70mph, and it feels unsafe on highway. The original clutch is worn. We've been expecting it to go out for a couple of years now, but it keeps working -- with effort. My fear is that this will become a money pit.

We only need it as a 2nd car driven maybe 3 times a week. No long-distance trips, but some rural Michigan driving.
Friday, May 15th, 2009 AT 11:59 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Well to $3 to $4 k you would spend on engine and clutch you still have all kinds of things that may need repair ie. Suspension/steering. Used car market is a buyers paradise so good deals can be made. Put repair money with trade and drive out in a newer used car.
Hope this helps
Thanks for donate
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Friday, May 15th, 2009 AT 1:10 PM

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