Three days waiting for a bumper for our Saturn Outlook, has me concerned about the future.

[sarcasmo]

Our car went into the shop for a new bumper and a grill, it was a long winter here in Michigan. This body shop is one we have used since 2004 and has a great local reputation and has treated us well in the past. I was told the car should be ready by Wednesday and they set me up with a free rental until the car is fixed. We get a call today saying that the bumper is not in because the local Saturn didn't have any on hand and the part had to come from the factory. Saturn closed the dealership in Holland Michigan and we only have one left here in my area in Grand Rapids. My concern is what will happen when they shut down Saturn and there is no more factory. Where will my part come from? I really hope Penske steps in and buys this company.

[Speck Tater]

1. My son waited four weeks for a new Saturn bumper. 12 years ago. So what's new? nt

[sarcasmo]

2. Four weeks? Yikes, hope that isn't the final time frame.

[AndyTiedye]

3. Comb the Junkyards

When they stop making parts, junkyards will become the only source.

[blue_onyx]

4. I wonder about that too

If someone does buy Saturn, I doubt they will still make the Outlook though. The Outlook is a GM vehicle that can't really be separated from the company. GM won't stop making the Arcadia, Traverse, and Enclave and it would be odd for a competitor to sell basically the same vehicle.

I read a rumor that Magna could buy Saturn and Opel (where the Saturn design came from) which could most of the brand going. I know some talk has discussed using the Saturn dealers to sell vehicles from multiple suppliers. I would prefer a deal that keeps the brand alive and not just using it has a distribution network for various cars. But whatever saves the most US jobs, I'm ok with.

[DJ13]

5. I needed a simple sensor for my Mitsubishi Eclipe

Went to two separate national auto chains only to be told it was a week wait as the part is only stocked in Ohio.

It was a common sensor too, but the national wholesale auto parts warehouses seem to be consolidating down to a smaller number of regional warehouses, using bulk shipping instead.

[AllentownJake]

6. Simple answer your car will have a higher theft rate soon

Saturn parts will be come very valuable at chop shops.

[sarcasmo]

8. They can steal it as long as it doesn't come back.

[MissB]

7. I waited over three months for a new backseat

for my Volvo. Apparently there wasn't one anywhere in the world so I had to wait for one to be manufactured. My car was about seven years old at the time.

[sarcasmo]

9. The bumper was in and the car was fixed. I asked the kid who's Dad owns the body shop about the

Way they will start scheduling appointments when the parts show up, if your part only takes a week well that is when your car gets fixed, if it takes three months for your bumper well that will be your appointment date. The kid just shook his head and said it's going to be an ugly way to do business but it will be the only way to do business in the future.