Shopping for a new car is something that always fills me with dread. Mental images of the pushy car salesman, the ones that try to tempt you into going over your price limit, that are simply after the sale, and don't care about your actual vehicle needs.......NOT ANY MORE.
Presenting the Saturn Dealership!!
Knowing that we needed to invest in a new car, we had looked at a variety of dealerships/makes/models etc. After a number of bad experiences with salesman, we finally ventured onto the Saturn lot. I was feeling negative right from the moment we walked onto the lot - expecting the same treatment as we had received at the previous lots. My negative feelings disappeared very quickly.
We had already established our budget. The sales rep started by asking what amount we wanted to spend, and then what features we were interested in having. Having established the guidelines, he showed us a couple of models that might fit our needs. Each one having the features that we had said we were interested in. We test drove the SL2, and immediately loved it. I needed a car that would be suitable for work, and for driving business associates around, but I did not want something "over the top". The SL2 fit our needs perfectly.
Having established the style of the car, we then wanted to check to color. We walked around looking at colors and very soon found the perfect one.
Having done that, it was time for the paperwork. This took a minimal amount of time. We included a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty, set up the financing, and within a relatively short amount of time we were ready to hit the road with our new car. However, the wonderful treatment did not stop there. While we were doing paperwork they had pulled the car onto the showroom floor (out of the heat). When we were all done the salesman took the time to do a complete walk round of the car, explaining how to work everything, and going over the warranty information in depth. Then handed me the keys and I drove it through the showroom doors. WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
Okay, some details about the car. A 4 door, automatic. Pretty basic compared to some, but more roomy than most cars of its size. The way that the steering and controls are set up are very driver friendly, and that makes for an even more comforable ride. The back seat comfortably seats 3, and the trunk has alot more space than you first imagine when you look at the vehicle.
Of primary concern to us was the safety features. Aside from the standard dual airbags, there are steel bars inside the sides, and an incredible "crumple zone" in the front.
Safety wise, they seem to have thought of everything. Another deciding factor. How many times have you seen a Salesman KICK the side of a brand new car??? This saleman did. And when I say Kicked I mean he KICKED the car, full force. No dent, no mark, nothing. The design prevents dents and dings that you frequently get from other cars, posts, kids bikes etc. I was impressed!!!

In addition, the layout of the engine is very user friendly. All fluids are in clear containers for easy checking, and they are all easy access, and well labelled.

All in all, it has my vote. From the buying experience to the car itself. Personally, I'm now sold on Saturns, and I'd recommend them to anyone!
Amount Paid (US$): 13500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: 2002 Saturn S2