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Comments
Steve, Host
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!).
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.
Does anyone out there have a pet net for their Vue? If so, how do you like it, and how does it work?
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?
-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 ....
-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 ...
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!!!
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.
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.
Again, excellent taste in color! :-)
How do you like the feel of the VTi / CVT ? Is it strange not feeling any shifting?
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!
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.
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
Best value is the 4 cyl with stick--the less you put into it the less you have to worry about resale IMO.
Are you saying there is more back seat room with the automatic?
The back seat has room but the cushions are thin.
(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.
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.
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!
We are getting some snow here today and the Vue was great. Nice to be high up so you can see the roads ahead!!
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
I had noticed on this site comments regarding the dust on the back window and so picked up the deflector. Thanks again ~
http://www.autonews.com/files/2003_detroit/03detroitshowart/General%20Motors/Chevrolet/Equinox/
Nice.
"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
Hybrid VUE is very cool, I hope they really do make it.