Saturn
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Saturn
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Even though Saturns use polymer body panels they still use steel in various spots on the cars. If you open your door and see this, then you need to look at the underside of your door because it is metal and it is rusting!
This is what is causing the rust stain on your rubber door trim, rust on the door. I was wiping this area with Rust Check but I'll be repainting with Tremclad real soon.
Looks like anywhere that salt and water can collect is a spot where you could have a rust problem. This is inside the drivers side door up where the mirror is mounted.
This is another spot on our S series Saturns where we have had some rust problems, the A frame on the rear passenger doors. We have rust on both sides. This particular part was repaired by the dealer once under warranty but as you can see the rust is starting to creep back again. This will also get a dose of Tremclad soon. Overall though Saturns don't seem to be that bad in terms of rust problems, in the spring I always power wash the engine compartment with particular attention to the headlights, then I respray with Rust Check.
The oil pan is another rust prone spot and one that can become an expensive repair. Our 99 SL2 just had to have it's replaced because it was starting to leak. First clue was the patch of oil turning up on the driveway! We had it done at the dealer and one of our regular mechanics there suggested replacing an oil seal that was accessible at the same time. Made sense since we plan on keeping the car. The photo above is our 99 SL1 which is not yet leaking but look at the rust caused by the steady spray of salty water that hit it during the winter.
My 00 SL2 pan has less rust but it hasn't been winter driven. I'm still going to get it sprayed ASAP with rust proofing though....
This is the SL1 pan after sanding and a quick spray of this rubberized rocker panel paint. What I don't know is how well this will stand up on the oil pan because it wasn't designed for use on a hot surface. Hopefully it doesn't burn.....
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