About a year ago, I went with my mother to Saturn of Albuquerque to assist her in purchasing a vehicle. As I have ahd a Saturn Ion for about three years, and never had a problem, I recomended it. She purchased a 2006 model Ion that same day.
No more than three months later, the check engine light appears on the dash. Thinking it was something minor, she had the dealership inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, the service department told her the light was on because she had a faulty gas cap. Relieved, she left with her brand new gas cap and no check engine light.
Three more weeks later, her check engine light appears again. As to not feel like she was nit-picking, she took the cap off and put it back on time after time without results. She makes another appointment, this time the problem being a pine needle in the gas fill compartment. Saturn reset the system, and light went off.
Another month passes, and yup, light's on again. You can imagine the frustration at this point! The dealership then tells her the same compartment had more debris in it and that she was silly to keep bringing it in. They said the check engine light would not hurt anything, that the car was okay. The service manager said when Saturn sent a comment card, to give them the best ratings possible, as it went to corporate. We never recieved that card.
Saturn, we believe, has no idea what is wrong with this vechile, but now it is sputtering and almost wants to die while sitting at a light. The service departmnet still claims the car is ok and they reset the light when taken to the shop. This is such a hassle for my mother, and she feels no more confidence in this car than the one she traded in for it. This headache just costed $18,000. They REFUSE to help her, or give her any satisfaction.
The service department is absolutely rude. Though I've had no problems what so ever with my Ion, we are both trading our cars in and will NEVER buy a Saturn again. Anyone who is thinking about buying one should heed my warning of Albuquerque's service center.
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