Saturn Cars

[stacyppl]

MarvBear,

What's your take on this?

http://www.sayeducate.com/2009/12/31/fire-...-saturn-models/

How would one go about acquiring one of these dealer owned Saturns? Are other GMC dealerships buying these cars to put on their lots or are Saturn dealerships just selling these cars as "used" on their lots? I am going through a BK 7 and looking to arrange for my own financing (if anyone will touch me) or just paying outright for a really cheap car (under 4K). I was thinking of getting a used car, but a "gently used" Saturn would be even better! Thanks.

[MarvBear]

I don't imagine we will be purchasing any Saturn's or Pontiacs. I'd expect in short order most lenders will no longer provide financing on orphan models. That may take a few months to implement.

 

I've read that some Saturn models can be had for as much as a 46% discount from MSRP. I have no idea if that is true or not.

[leila13]

Why wouldn't they offer financing? It is my understanding that GM is required to continue supplying parts for them for 15 years.

[mk_378]

Saturn cars have been orphans for a while now. In many models the engine and transmission were made by Honda, but now neither GM nor Honda will touch them.

 

Also ponder the possibility of "GM . . . 15 years"

[radi8]

Saturn cars have been orphans for a while now. In many models the engine and transmission were made by Honda, but now neither GM nor Honda will touch them.

 

Also ponder the possibility of "GM . . . 15 years"

 

They have used GM-built engines since 2008, IIRC.

 

GM will probably be just fine in 15 years. They may have a diminished presence in the US, but their China sales are up 40-50% over just 2 years ago. GM is #1 in sales in more than one foreign country.

[lbjones]

I've read that some Saturn models can be had for as much as a 46% discount from MSRP. I have no idea if that is true or not.

 

It's true for Pontiacs. Asking price was close to 45% off MSRP. I made an offer around 50% But then I retracted when I realized it was a 4cyl model. Where is the fun in that?

[MarvBear]

Why wouldn't they offer financing? It is my understanding that GM is required to continue supplying parts for them for 15 years.

 

 

I don't believe that GM being required to supply parts or not for 15 years, has any bearing on a lenders decision on what makes/models are considered for financing.

[stacyppl]

The local dealer's website only lists 17 cars, half of which are truly used cars (some GM, some trade-ins). The prices online do not show any evidence of these deep discounts. I may go to the delership in person, but the only models they have are the Aura and maybe the VUE. I am more interested in the Astra.

[radi8]

I don't believe that GM being required to supply parts or not for 15 years, has any bearing on a lenders decision on what makes/models are considered for financing.

 

I suspect it's almost entirely related to their opinion of what the resale value may be if the car is orphaned.

Lender's don't like being severely upside-down (collateral-wise) in a loan either.