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Saturn VUE

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Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    I have about wrung all the use out of my 95 SL1. I am seriously in lust with the Vues. I had a few questions for you-all if you could help:
    1) I've noticed a few references to the Vue "blowing around" in the wind. This is a real concern for me; one of the few things I never liked about the SL1 was its handling in a rainstorm (a frequent occurance in Florida). I always felt as if it wasn't really holding the road well. What's your impression of the Vue's "feel" as far as holding the road, esp. in rain? Do ABS brakes help?

    2) Did anyone pay for extras that they later wished they hadn't bought? Given my druthers, I'd get a stripped down model with automatic, no fancy trim and NO CD player (if I get a model with a CD player I'll make them take it out) but I'm not the only one making this decision and my SO wants every bell and whistle ever imagined.

    Thanks so much for any help!
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    I've had my AWD V6 for six months now, and I have thoroughly enjoyed having it! We can get some pretty fun weather here in northern Illinois, and my AWD Vue (with ABS) has performed just fine in rain, snow, and wind (and all the various combinations of those three that this climate will throw at you!).

    I didn't buy every option on my Vue, but enough options (ABS, CD/cass. upgrade, sunroof) that it had a nice price tag. I don't regret them at all -- can't live in this climate w/o ABS and the sunroof is a joy.

    If you are looking to eventually trade in/sell the Vue later on, I think having the CD player would be a selling point.

    If you can drive stick, the Vue with the sport option package is such a deal.

    HTH
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    I am very easily distracted and I decided long ago that CD players (and before that tape decks) represented a serious safety hazard for me :) Same with manual trans. ... I can drive them, but I'm really hard on them. The obvious fix would be to not be so inattentive (LOL) but I yam who I yam.

    We are in for rain this weekend so I have the chance to test-drive a few in icky weather. I went by the lot on the way to work and they have a few dozen, so I'm sure I can try both the AWD and the FWD.
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    Yeah, I have been known to spend too much time figuring out which track to play on the CD. :-)

    I haven't tried one of the four cylinders with the Vti transmission so I don't have anything to say about them except that they should be cheaper than my AWD V6.

    Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    Would I be wasting time getting more quotes on a Saturn? After several days of exhaustive research, it seems as if they all sell for one price - the "wiggle room" is on the trade-in and possibly - possibly - having one or two options thrown in for no extra charge. Since my trade-in is pretty much a beater, it seems that the only benefit to shopping around would be to get the exact model/options I want, and I already know that vehicle is sitting on the lot less than a mile from my workplace. (Even the right color - silver.) As long as it performs on the test drive, is there any benefit to hitting other dealerships?
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    You are correct to assume that there is some wiggle room on trades, though I don't know how much there would be from Saturn to Saturn dealer. I certainly noticed it when comparing a Saturn dealer to a non-Saturn dealer.

    If you know of anyone who has purchased from the Saturn dealerships that you are considering, I would ask them what they think of the service after the sale. If you don't know anyone, I think it would be worth your time to talk to the service manager and/or service writer(s) at each dealership and see what you think.

    My two cents. Good luck!
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    In terms of negotiations, we had car mats thrown in as well as 3 free oil change coupons. Not much but it's something. You mentioned concern about wind and the Vue being pushed a lot. We have so far not experienced anything like that, the Vue feels pretty solid on the roads.

    We drove through some snow this weekend from that big storm. The Vue performed flawlessly and we got home last night safe and sound. Hope everyone had a good Christmas.
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    The service department has been very good to me. The sales department did pull one fairly dirty trick on me the first time (the "whoops! your trade-in is worth far less than we told you before you started signing papers" routine) but I was defenseless against it because 1) I didn't know how much my tradein was really worth and 2) I didn't have the guts to stand up and say "Oh, gee, sorry, no deal."

    This time around - thanks to sites like this - I know my trade-in's value and what I need to make this deal happen and still give them a decent profit. I am also not in "panic" mode, so if I have to wait, I'll wait.

    I was curious about one thing you said. When you referred to the difference between Saturn dealers and non-Saturn dealers' view of trade-in value, did you mean that non-Saturn dealerships are less likely to be generous in trade in allowances on Saturns?

    vuefor2 - Several friends have told me they had floor mats thrown in. Actually, that was the other thing that irked me about the last deal - they said they would throw in floor mats but in the end they charged for them.

    The last deal I did with this place DID leave a bad taste in my mouth - but in retrospect that was as much my fault as theirs. I was just too ignorant! Since then, I've gotten to know some of the (non-sales) people there through other channels, and now know which salespeople to avoid. I've also met the general manager, who is new since the last time I bought a car.
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    Hey DBwordgirl,

    Actually, our local dealer has offered higher values for our trade-ins (one a Saturn, two others non-Saturns) then what the market seemed to be saying those cars were worth at the time. I just chalked this up to them taking the price of the new Saturn down to make the deal happen without them actually being willing to say that was what they were doing. :-)

    Given the car you are trading in, I don't think you can expect too much as I suspect they have no interest in retailing it themselves. :-(

    Our VUE has been wonderful -- a pleasure to drive. I think you mentioned that you wanted a silver one -- excellent taste (that's what we bought too!).
  • oarloxoarlox Member Posts: 45
    We drive our AWD VUE in very windy conditions 2 out of 3 days of the week. We drive along Turnagain Arm here in South Central Alaska regularly, a normal day we have 25 mph winds but it is not uncommon to have gusts to 75 mph. The VUE seems to handle it fairly well. There is not a vehicle made that can drive under those conditions and not feel a strong gust. Our other vehicle is a 4X4 Suburban, I would have to say that the VUE doesn't get shoved around as much as the Big 4X4 in the wind. The one area of driving that the Suburban far excells the VUE is in very deep snow, it seems to lurch around a little when you go thru the mush and pilled up snow. They both do well on the ice. But the VUE will stop MUCH better than the big 4X4, which is no suprise. They both have ABS, studded heavly sieped winter tires. The VUE gets twice the mileage of the Suburban though!
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    If it does well in Alaska, it should be fine in Florida ... not a lot of deep snow here ...at least not the kind that would present a driving hazard.

    I just made an appt. for a test drive and expressed a bit of disappointment that rain wasn't in the forecast (I do want to TD in the rain.) He said "I'll get a bucket of water and throw it on the road." LOL.
  • raine4llhraine4llh Member Posts: 14
    Well they said they can't write papers on a car until it has left the warehouse, so no go on trying to lock in the 0%. I just have to sit back and hope that they don't get rid of it at the beginning of the year.

    Does anyone out there have a pet net for their Vue? If so, how do you like it, and how does it work?
  • al63017al63017 Member Posts: 149
    they end 1/02/03 you better get one in stock if they cannot lock something in...or try another dealer and ask them if they will????
  • markopolomarkopolo Member Posts: 27
    The dealer is repairing the two problems with my Vue. It is a four cylinder sport package with 8400 miles on it. It seems the spray heads have been bad on a lot of Vue vehicles. They are replacing all three of mine with a new style sprayer. They also fixed the thumping when accelerating. There is a notice from Saturn when someone brings in a vehicle to tightened the front axle. It is nice to hear people are buying new Vue's with options and different colors. I enjoy hearing about problems with the Vue and how well they are repaired by the dealer. So far Saturn service is well beyond Toyota in service.
  • jb173jb173 Member Posts: 1
    Bought my 4 cyl VUE with VIT transmission on the 23rd and it failed yesterday on the 27th. It locked into the lowest gear and would only go about 20 mph!!!

    To be fair I haven't heard what Saturn thinks caused this yet. But I think I'm getting out while I can.

    I've seen no comments on this message board about this new transmission and frankly I'm very suprised.

    Has any-one else had any problems?
  • al63017al63017 Member Posts: 149
    Wow bad news especially when I was about to buy one. Guess you have 1500 mi or 30 days to change your mind---but not good news either way. Let us know what happened.
  • gehegehe Member Posts: 78
    (garretda2)
    -Congrats on your BLUE VUE. You obviously have great color sense !
    -"Miss Viv" is happy to welcome one of her blue 'sisters' into the pack !

    (dbwordgirl)
    1) Windy City:-
    -I read a review months ago about the VUE shifting in high winds and it has often entered my mind as I drive in Winter weather that it was so wrong. Now my little Tracker has to fight all the time, but the VUE is great.
    -I follow (oarlox)'s comments closely. I figure if them folks have a good time in Alaska with the VUE ... 'nuff said. Put the wind issue right out of your mind.
    2) CD etc:-
    (dindak) is right. Keep the CD, just don't turn it on.
    3) Options Buyers Remorse:-
    -Nope. Not really. I have the roof rack. It looks cool. I have never used it, but I am sure going to be glad the one time I'm at Home Depot and I "just gotta have it" something that's too big to go inside. I nearly bought the back bumper cover, but glad I didn't. Like (dindak), I love the Sunroof. No regrets on ABS/AWD for sure !
    Lots of luck ... get 0/0%
    Later ....
  • gehegehe Member Posts: 78
    -I have followed the POSTings about whistling side mirrors with confusion as I have only ever noticed an infrequent whistle from the roof rack once I moved the first strut back a position.
    -But, I took Viv to an auto car wash Saturday and was surprised to see that the side mirrors were adjusted. I like them way out so that I can catch those folks that sneak up on ya, and I have only noticed that valet parkers move the mirrors. As I was contemplating this I also heard mirror whistling for the first time.
    -I hit the down window button and pushed the mirror to check whether it had been ' folded ' back fully after the car wash. It hadn't. The ' wipe down ' folks hadn't adjusted the mirrors, they just hadn't fully extended the mirrors. THE WHISTLE WAS GONE !
    -Food for thought.
    Later ... happy travels ...
  • oarloxoarlox Member Posts: 45
    Seems that we have darn near killed talking about which color is the prittiest and which engine makes the most noise. How about silly license plates. Beings we are skiers and live in serious snow country ours is "MOGUL" we had this plate on our previous car which was a New Beetle and tell ya the truth that thing looked like a Mogul when it was covered with snow. The VUE looks more lika a box with head lights covered with snow.
  • raine4llhraine4llh Member Posts: 14
    I didn't know the mirrors on the outside of the car move, is that something that comes standard or did I misunderstand what you were saying?
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I have only heard of one other person on the board that had a CVT and no complaints from him. I would let your dealer take a look before getting into a panic about it.
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    yes the mirrors on the VUE fold completely in towards the car - my garage is so narrow that I roll down my driver's window and pull that one in before entering - just gives me a little more room to play with.

    To all those that are concerned that the 4 cyl. 5 speed VUE may not have enough kick - mine had enough to get me a $271 speeding ticket on the highway last night!!! I think someone was right when they said that the "red" screams "write me a ticket" as I was travelling in a whole group of cars flying down the highway and I was the only one they picked to pull over!!!
  • maynardf1maynardf1 Member Posts: 127
    Carguy:
    I've relied on the oil change light twice. I changed oil the first time at 5000 km. The light hadn't come on.
    I waited the next time and it took about 7,500 kms (4,500 miles). I changed it and it's just come back on after another 7,500 kms.
    Since many manufacturers recommend changes at 10,000 or more kms, I'm happy relying on the light.
  • dbwordgirldbwordgirl Member Posts: 18
    2003 4cyl FWD. I test-drove two and put the brakes on both through he--, could not get them to lock up even standing on them with both feet. So I went ahead and took one without ABS so I could get in on the 0.0%.

    It's silver (my first choice) w/power package and, yes, the CD player. On its own, the radio would have been distracting enough - I don't know if it's a fluke of the weather or just that it's a much better antenna, but I'm picking up stations from hundreds of miles away on the FM band. Those 12 presets will have to be considered verrry carefully.

    I liked the VTi very much. I will keep a close eye on it, though. I did inspect the trim on the one I got to make sure it was all flat and tight. The thing I really liked about the one I got was that it had no dealer-installed accessories - like pinstriping, etc that you end up having to pay for. My SL1 had the pinstriping and the back "N" eventually peeled off, followed by the "R." So for awhile I was driving a "SATUR" and I traded in a "SATU."

    I have to admit I did shed a few tears when I took my stuff out of the SL1. It made me feel better to know that it would probably be fixed and resold. (At least, that's what they told me and I'm just going to believe it. OK? OK!)

    (gehe} My Dad was lobbying hard for the rear bumper protector but it seemed to me that it was basically glued on, right? What I figured was this - if and when I scratch the paint back there, I can get the protector.

    Thanks to everyone for your advice! I will keep reading this board and (almost certainly) asking questions.
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine!

    Again, excellent taste in color! :-)
  • garrettda2garrettda2 Member Posts: 16
    I've had good luck with my 2003 FWD V-6 VUE. Haven't had any of the fan motor problems or wind noises other have mentioned. On the subject of cost, ALWAYS refuse to pay for the dealer added decor package. They will always knock that off. I got mine with no option (nope, not even floor mats) and they waived the decor package that even included window tinting. Great car! Agile, peppy, roomy!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Congrats!

    How do you like the feel of the VTi / CVT ? Is it strange not feeling any shifting?
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Great news on the new Vue. We love ours and I hope you like yours just as much.

    We have been driving around a lot these past two weeks through snow, slush and rain and it's been flawless. We are going to a cabin to meet up with some college friends for New Years eve tomorrow. Can't wait to show them our little red truck!
  • garrettda2garrettda2 Member Posts: 16
    Does anyone know how to program the Remote Keyless Entry transmitters. I had a 96 Saturn and the maintenance manual gave a way to match the transmitters to the car. I don't think it is the same on the 2003 VUE. I have two transmitters that came with the car and another one I would like to program to work on my new VUE. Any help would be appreciated. Anyone bought the maintenance manual for the 2003 VUE yet?
  • rocketbobrocketbob Member Posts: 23
    I have had my 03 Vue for over a month and no
    serious problems. i really enjoy driving the
    vehicle. One problem I notice is how the tailgate
    window gets dirty. Most of the grime is kicked
    up by the rear wheels even with mud flaps. I wonder
    if the tailgate air deflector would solve or at
    least alleviate the problem. Has anyone got a
    deflector and does it work?

    By the way I talked to Saturn Canada and they
    confirmed that ABS with the 6 cylinder FWD does
    not include Traction Control. It only comes with
    the 4 cylinder FWD in Canada.
  • annietanniet Member Posts: 6
    Hello Everyone,
    Looked at the Vue today and have a option of 5 sp fwd, leather, power pkg, sun roof, cd or v6 fwd cloth, cd/cassette, power pkg. There is a cost difference of about 50. + per mo to me for the v6. I can drive either. Although I realize the vehicle has been on the market only a short time I am wondering what folks thinks about resale preferences 2/3 yrs down the road. As well as input regarding either overall unit. The leather and sun roof look tempting but my brother-in-law opts for the v6 automatic for resale. I do remember the pleasure years ago going from a 4 to a 6 and have not had a stick as a main vehicle for many years.
    Any comments will be welcome. I will be emailing the dealership Thurs. a.m. to advise which unit to go with - both are the copper orange color.
    Thanks so much
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    I don't think much of Saturn resale value in general but I think less of buying for the next guy/gal so go for what you like and be happy. The orange color is really fine and I would buy the stickie if wife would drive it, but back seat would not accommodate the rest of the family.
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    The rear seat is only suitable for small children and dogs IMO.

    Best value is the 4 cyl with stick--the less you put into it the less you have to worry about resale IMO.
  • annietanniet Member Posts: 6
    Thanks Pluto5,
    Are you saying there is more back seat room with the automatic?
  • pluto5pluto5 Member Posts: 618
    No.

    The back seat has room but the cushions are thin.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If you only plan on keeping it for 2-3 years, I think you should lease. It will save you the time and trouble of selling and your residual is guaranteed.
  • gehegehe Member Posts: 78
    (raine4llh) Mirrors ... yup ! They all "fold in" for auto car wash etc. It must be usual because the little wash folks always include folding down the mirrors and folding them right back again each wash.
    (mmspeal) You GO GIRL !! Sorry about the ticket right @ Holiday time. I found the cure for speeding tickets. Don't speed ! It works every time. Don't even miss my broken Radar Detector.
    (dbwordgirl) Congrats on your Silver VUE. Welcome to our VUE family. Happy motoring.
    -Funny your Dad was so for the bumper guard. I went with the cargo mat which is essential if you hit Home Depot for bags of Compost each Spring, but the bumper is never going to get damaged unless you are really sloppy & careless. It is also plastic, not painted. Sure a bit of Amour all will patch it up too.
    (oarlox) MOGUL huh. Well I finally got frivolous and order p/plates ... VIV-VUE , for "Miss Viv". Let's see if I get them.
    (anniet)
    -Orange is awesome. My advise ... avoid manual / stick like the plague ! In 94 when I bought my Tracker, never having owned an auto, a work colleague from the UK gave me this advise. If you want to resell in the USA, buy automatic. I would never go back. (Of course, I never did sell the Tracker, but that's bye the bye ! )
    -I have V6. I love it. Don't think the gas mileage is that great, but the ease and safety is great. She rocks !!!
    Later ...
    PS:- Happy 2003 all ... X- fingers for peace.
  • raine4llhraine4llh Member Posts: 14
    Does anyone know what the new financing offer is going to be from Saturn?
  • dwabiddwabid Member Posts: 36
    I just picked up a an grey AWD 6 last week. and So far I love it. With the holiday week I have broken in my engine already...

    As for advise I would go for the six. The acceleration and power is so far to my liking. I would not suggest the leather. The wife and I debated back and forth and we finally decided that the leather was kinda chincy and not worth the money. The cloth interior is quite nice in the AWD 6.

    Also make sure they check the spray nozzles on your your front and back window wipers. As I look through this forum many other people have had a problem with these buggers, and my rear nozzle sprays like a 10 cent squirt gun.
  • annietanniet Member Posts: 6
    Well, I've done it and thanks to your advice.
    V6, FWD, Burnt orange, front end cover, lift gate air deflector, side step bars, roof rack, splash gaurds, cargo cover & rear bumper protection pad - I have 3 dogs. Will get, on my own, an interior cargo cover which goes the full length including the front seat to protect further and covers for the driver and passenger seats. Still don't much care for the fabric. Turned the Pkg A down - seems too much $. The combination should get me a little sportier look with the performance and less worry if I get in a spot to have to move out of the way while telling the dogs to sit down. It's going to be interesting getting used the the reduced amount of interior space going from an extended passenger van but such a relief to get rid of the money drain and no support from it's dealer. Wrote to Saturn on the net and made a suggestion for them. They need some type of cap to cover the tether attachments on the back seats when the seat is down - putting dogs , without protective covering would cause their feet to get stuck - a vet bill waiting to happen. They responded saying they hadn't thought of it but would check it out. - Maybe a standard response - I don't know.
    At any rate, I think the vehicle and dealership should serve me well.
    Thanks again!
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    I have the tailgate deflector and it definately helps. I'm on the highway daily so it still gets dirty but not nearly as dirty as some that I've seen on the road.
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Congratulations on the new Vue, welcome to the family. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

    We are getting some snow here today and the Vue was great. Nice to be high up so you can see the roads ahead!!
  • dwabiddwabid Member Posts: 36
    How much does a rear deflector set you back? Do you need the rail kit to have it installed? With all my recent driving the rear window gets filthy fast and the Washer fluid squirter thingy is useless...

    By the by, I thought the fold flat front passenger seat was a nice gimmick until I hauled some seven foot shelving units... Not so much a gimmick any more. Very handy!

    To All of you who have snow....I am jealous. Its January here in Wisconsin and there isn't a flake on the ground...totally bizarre
  • annietanniet Member Posts: 6
    The bartering with the dealership came in the accessories that I purchased. The rear deflector itself was reduced to 70. installed, however the finance person added the accessories incorrectly - and the combination, including the fabric protection by itself was reduced over 300. I paid for the accessories independant of the vehicle, - threw the fellow off. I was already to take care of business and it took him over an additional half hour to recalculate what I had already written down from the numbers I was given. - Funny, - I'm not a math person. They are all very kind but 3 days of several hours in the dealership is enough for me for quite awhile.
    I had noticed on this site comments regarding the dust on the back window and so picked up the deflector. Thanks again ~
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
  • duke36duke36 Member Posts: 15
    It has more a look of an Acura MDX (Honda Pilot) to me, at least on the side. The front does look like a vue however.
    Nice.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I didn't think it looked anything like the VUE. It's a nice looking vehicle though. Should be interesting to see the VUE refresh in the next year or two.
  • npgmbrnpgmbr Member Posts: 248
    Courtesy of MSNBC


    "In 2005, GM will begin producing a Saturn VUE sport utility featuring a dual electric motor system that will boost its average gas mileage some 50 percent to nearly 40 miles per gallon. GM also will include a hybrid option on its forthcoming Chevy Equinox SUV in 2006 and its Chevy Malibu sedan in 2007."

           

    Article can be found at the following Link:


    http://www.msnbc.com/news/855219.asp

  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    From what I have read the Equinox only gets a V6. I thought the Ecotec would be a base engine?

    Hybrid VUE is very cool, I hope they really do make it.
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