By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
-Actually I also had an article from a car magazine where the editor describes taking bikes inside for a test weekend. Think you are safe there.
-I know it's a 2003 because the Saturn folks told me that they were not taking 2002 orders any more and they didn't find a V6 with all the add-ons that I wanted around the dealers. So when I order...if I order...it will be considered 2003.
-Understand that the Saturn folks do things a little differently than anyone else. I am being rushed into a new car purchase only because my 1994 Geo Tracker, (172K smooth miles), was butchered when she went in for a tranny rebuild. So it is either keep renting from Enterprise or accept $465 monthly car payments. (Haven't had payments for 5 years !)
-So I dragged it out thinking I would be really smart and get an end-of-season deal, but...oh no. The prices are actually going up by "2-4%". They will only be able to confirm that this Friday, 6/14/02.
-It seems that Saturn have definate, planned production runs. They have "closed out" the next "VIN cycle" so they can't get me registered yet.
-As far as improvements go, I will be able to tell you after my second test drive scheduled for this Friday. I know that they are making the 4 VTI at last. However, one sales persons assured me that Saturn stands behind all repairs/problems, another said 'take a pass' for now.
-By the time I played with ABS, Sun Roof etc., there was only a $1700 difference and that doesn't seem worth taking the risk on the VTI when a seasoned V6 will probably last longer.
-I will post a report...see if I do the deadly deed and order one on Friday.
Take care.
Regarding pricing, I also ran into this... for a little more $$$, I may as well get the V6... case.
I am presently hesitating between the V6 Vue and the 2002 CR-V EX. Tough choice.
Hopefully the 2003 Vue will have some items that I want to have: 4 disc-brakes, lift gate window etc.it would make the choice easyer.
I am waiting to see those specs then I will order either one. I know that I will have to compromise somewhere in any case.
Good luck on Friday. I will be looking for your post on Saturday.
I tick people off when I suggest this, and I realize they are totally different vehicles, but I went through the numbers game you are currently doing.
Figure out what the Vue costs, with a V6, an automatic, the power package, roof racks, and side air bags.
It gets awfully close to what a Buick Rendezvous costs. The buick comes with everything, the Vue does and a lot more, it includes the 4 wheel disc brakes you want and can't get on the Vue. Roof racks, side airbags, foglights, air, tilt , cruise, windows, keyless, the V6 are all standard.
The Automatic V6 Vue is rated at 34 miles to the gallon highway, and the Rendezvous at 32. The Rendezvous can be had a corporate advertised price ( pre haggling) of 29,900 Canadian.
Further to that the Rendezvous offers 0 percent three year financing and 0.9 , 4 year financing.
How do those rates stack up against the Vues, and I bet the price you have on your Vue, is really close to that 29,900 price of the Rendezvous.
The Rendezvous offers way more space,a much quieter ride, similar gas mileage, better financing and is readily available. Check out the Rendezvous board here at Edmunds, and you will see in the 2600 messages posted there, there are very few problems compared to what the Vue owners are experiencing.
As I said, they are very different vehicles, and the Buick may not be your cup of tea, but you do owe it to yourself to take it out for a ride and compare.
Sorry Saturn fans, it's a nice vehicle but start optioning it too highly and the price gets silly compared to what else is out there
P. S I bet you could put your 2 bikes standing up in the back of the Rendezvous without folding down the seat.
Jeff
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Even though people may not have thought of considering the Rendezous in here, I understood his point - if you are going to load up a car with a bunch of options, you may be better off stepping up to a base model of a higher end vehicle.
That said, this forum is focused on the VUE and it's probably better if we don't get sidetracked on a bunch of comparison posts.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Still have to get the windows tinted for her. Why the heck don't they automatically dark tint the rear door windows to be like the rear quarters? It looks stupid the way it is. (Oh, thats right, I keep forgeting its an economy compact vehicle).
As for the Rendezvous, given it's price it can easily be compared with a V6 VUE.
With this kind of logic, going the other way, you would be able to compare a Rondayvoo with say, a Benz M320, but that wouldn't be logical either.
I think the black vehicle actually looks better with the beige, especially with the tan interior.
Did anyone else notice this? This car was built May 23.
Not everyone needs AWD. Unfortunately the V6 VUE only comes with AWD.
Ok some usefull Vue info first. Again I work at the General Motors shipping yard( Canada), where about a 100 Vues a day arrive by train. The rumble in reverse seems to be present on all of the 5 spd Vues I have parked, so I guess you would consider it normal.
Joelis, I am in Canada, things are more exspensive here. In Canada the Vue quickly becomes a 30 K plus vehicle. The base model" Rondayvoo" in your part of the world starts at 21 K.
I am sorry but the point to me at least of a compact anything is gas mileage, why else would I think small. I like to be comfortable, as I think most people do, but because of economic realities we need fuel efficent vehicles. Based on that, for giving up that much room, the Vue should be a lot better on gas.
Joelis to me the way you have ordered your Vue is optimal. You have kept it a good price level, and nicely optioned it. You haven't tried to make it something it's not. By the way the Vue you just ordered would cost $25000 here.
To our host Steve, thank you for understanding what I am trying to say I have only participated in 2 of the boards here, and I think if you scroll through my posts here, you will see, for Canadians at least I have been pretty helpfull, posting the entire Canadian dealer option lists with prices, and the American option list with prices. When the first 2003's arrive in Canada, I will post again.
Joelis I may seem laughable to you, and that's fine, but if you see a white Rondezvous, go buy you with Canadian plates, with up to seven people seated in comfort, I think the bigger smile will be mine.
When our second car dies (91 Caprice) which is also rated at 32 mpg highway , I will probably look into buying a base model Vue. So everybody keep me posted on the troubles to look for.
I think I will start a forum comparing the two vehicles
Jeff
"The base model Rondayvoo in your part of the world starts at 21 K" -
BS! Every site I've checked is consistent with the following: BASE CX FWD including Destination is $23,721 (invoice) and $26,145 (msrp). If I then add the options necessary to match what the Vue Sport Pkg has (including sunroof), the price becomes $26,004 (invoice) and $28,800 (msrp). That looks a BIT higher than the $16,995 I paid for the Vue (which includes destination).
"if you see a white Rondezvous, go buy you with Canadian plates, with up to seven people seated in comfort, I think the bigger smile will be mine."
- I doubt it.
- First, if I wanted to drive 7 people around, I'd be a bus driver (one of the best reasons for not owning a minivan - who wants to be the taxi guy anyway?).
- Second, I won't be driving the Vue, its for my wife's commuting. And I highly doubt you'll be passing me in my car. The only cars that pass me are the odd Viper or fellow Vette.
Mercedes-Benz M-class vs Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer vs Buick Rendezvous vs Acura MDX.
Although comparisons are normal, another comparision topic for the Rendezvous and VUE wouldn't be a bad idea so we can get back to focusing on the VUE in here (another hint!). Thanks.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
purchase decision. The Sport Package you mention is not available here ( in Canada).
Canada's base price is approximately $ 21000 then add $1700 for the power package, and then another 900 for the sunroof, and if the roof rack is included in the Sport Package add another 700 dollars. For a running total of 24,400 plus freight of about 800 dollars. In other words 25 grand. Add another grand for the automatic.
In order to get the V6 theduke wanted he is forced to get AWD, I didn't know if this was something he wanted to buy or not. This cranks the price up to the level of the entry Rendezvous in Canada ( you know the bigger, politer, snow covered country to the north)
As for misquoting the American prices I apologize, I read someone else's post about the price they paid, and missed the fact that they received a supplier discount.
I like being the bus driver/taxi guy, ferrying my much loved kids and their friends along. I don't really pass anyone, it was just an expression. My kids are too dear to me, to trust to anyone who may feel the need to keep ahead of the Vipers or be one. I only wanted to let a fellow Canuck see another option.
One more thing you are right about the Apples to Oranges thing, it's like trying to Compare a
Caddy to a Chevette, or a Buick to a Saturn. But it shouldn't be in the same ( Canadian ) price range.
Sorry Steve ( host )
I will let Joelis rant about me unanswered from this point. thanks
Jeff
I
-(My last Post before D-Day...& I will Post Saturday.
-Understanding this is a VUE forum but, forums without comparisons are mute. I found the 'einniskillen' Buick Post helpful.
-I think what is illustrats clearly is that it largely comes down to personal choice. This whole 'car buying' thang is tough. Everyone is an expert, everyone has sage advise that no one else has, mixed in with a large ticket price and all the emotions that go alone with Autos. (Help!!)
-I thoroughly researched all the small SUV's , as I am sure you did, and I am the classic Saturn, target customer...educated buyer who wants a Honda or Toyota. And this is as close to Japanese as an American car can get today.
-The CR V is a wonderful vehicle. It is also 'as dull as ditch water'. And those 'sticky-out-critter-thangs' that go from the rear axle down to the wheel hub that it shares with the Ford Escape...! I've got a news flash for all those folks who think they are going "off roading" in those vehicles. The first little country stump they encounter is going to take that 'thang' right off...tout suit ! It may have "high clearance", but the stick thing makes that a fraud.
-The RAV 4 is just strange looking. Where did they put the back bumper ? Anyone know ?
-The Ford Escape seems to be leaving too many new owners 'road side' for my comfort level and I am not sure I am as comfortable with a company that allowed countless folks to die before taking care of a tyre issue and roll overs. I have a feeling Saturn can't afford to and would not do that.
-The Pontiac Aztec is the Ford Edsel for the 21st Century. The car is just 'plain ol' UGLY'...to quote Miz Whoopie ! ...(and you can put your hands on your hips when you read that ! ) And I am sure there were lots of folks that thought the Edsel was 'just the ticket' back in the 50's. Of course they probably had the intuition of Lemmings and the eye sight of Mr. Magoo.
-The Buick is just out of my base price range and I think it inherits one of the worse traits of GM vehicles. They are 'gimmicky'. In this season...out the next. Every time I am in a rental vehicle I am amazed at how much design time is wasted on making some thing good, brand new and making a mistake. That Buick shape will be a memory when the VUE evolves into the next season.
-The best deal is the 4 DR Chevy Tracker with $3K cash back...and I feel I have being test driving that for 8 years with my 1994, 2 dr Geo Tracker. But, it's small, uninteresting and it's going to be discontinued.
-I think the VUE is a little funky. Good funky. And it is a WAGON despite what GM would like you to believe. But, it's a well thought out wagon that's not dull like the Camry's that my friends with kids have.
-I think the VUE will change slowly and be more evolution than revolution like the other Saturn vehicles. That's going to help the resale value. There is enough newness with practically in the VUE that is both very American and also a little European.
-Okay. So some of the 'bibs and bobs' may not be to everyones liking, but I sure don't remember noticing my Tracker's plastic door sides, or wind down windows every time I drove it. Sure noticed how good they still look after 8 years and 173K. More power to love and Amour-all !
-There is the Saturn sales and after sales service not to be discounted. I have not read/heard anyone who thought Saturn folks were mean, but I sure have heard that about Toyota/Honda despite being great vehicles.
-And do I need the Sun Roof? No, but when we have those perfect days... when Winter is suddenly Spring, when chilly winds suddenly feel like fresh breezes, when even plain girls feel pretty...that's the time I won't even remember the $750 as I cruise along making my latest investment in skin cancer.
-Bottom line ? You have to like the vehicle. After all the research, all the advise, it's you 'parking your [non-permissible content removed]' and making the payments.
-And my 1994 Tracker...still keeping that . If I had believed Consumer Reports I would have thought I was driving a car with the comfort of a wheel barrow and the stability of a straw in a hurricane. The truth is that 'she' suits me like old slippers and a hot bath. Folks can 'wax' on about this n that in the VUE, but it often sounds like criticing a beauty queens because her smile is too bright.
-Let's see how I feel after this third visit...second test drive...
Later.
..oooh. I think I was suppose to be doing some work today to get ready for those car payments...whoops !
I liked the look of the VUE - different but not trendy different, kinda European looking, sporty when dressed up and best of all ... it was priced in my price range. I've lived without 4 wheel drive this long in life so I was sure I could do without and I felt the 4 cyl. manual had more kick than the V6 auto anyway so I went with the base model. I added the power package and the 6 disk changer (gotta have my tunes)and then decided ahhh what the heck - going from a convertible, I'd better get the sunroof too or I might go into withdrawal. So for $25 000 Canadian (I actually got it for less as Dad works for GM but that was the sticker price) I got all the car I wanted and more! I have no desire to drive anything that even remotely resembles a mini-van so even if the Rendevous price was 20 000, I would not have considered it - proof positive, everyone has an opinion but the bottom line is, you are the one driving it and you are the one making the payments. A saying I've always liked is fitting here ... the heart already knows what the mind can only dream of - trust your heart and go for the one that will make YOU happy!!!
However, I am surprise that the safety rating are not out for the Vue as yet.
This is somewhat suspicious, I find.
As anyone heard of the reason for this?
Thanks
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have two fairly local saturn dealers I pass by occasionally. I had registered at saturn.com to get updates on the VUE. It seemed like forever before either of my local dealers got them in. They would send me goodies in the mail about every 3 weeks! I was naturally interested in the AWD 4 because I like the idea of having all wheel drive and good gas mileage. I kept asking my local dealer when they would be in.... I got a brick wall... "we aren't sure, check back every month" I found it hard to believe that the dealers didn't know when production would start. I started viewing this discussion to keep up to date.
When the sport package came out, I was very surprised. My local dealer called to tell me that they had a few 4cyl VUEs in stock. I stopped by and sat in one in the showroom. It felt like the vehicle for me. Then I looked at the sticker. 17K???, this vehicle had a sunroof, and seemingly all the goodies I wanted except the auto vti. The dealer instantly started pressuring me into changing my mind from the auto. I was almost convinced, but I don't think I would have enjoyed a manual in traffic. The guy would call me about once a week to tell me that they had a sport package with this and that. He didn't fit the profile of a typical saturn salesman I thought, but I think he got the clue when I stopped returning his calls.
I just saw yesterday, June 14, that saturn had updated their website for the 2003 VUE. I had been wanting to order a 2003 because I figured the bugs would be worked out. I am now very tempted with such options as leather and a killer sound system. If you've been waiting to get a VUE, I think ordering a 2003 is the perfect solution. Most dealer equipped vehicles i've seen have onstar and the base radio, or some other wierd combination of options. Most don't have ABS, and they just don't seem to have been ordered with logic.
Just thought I'd let you guys know about the 2003's, check them out, and as far as i've seen, they've held the prices equal to 2002 with more options available.
www.saturn.com and the brochure: http://www.saturnbp.com:97/talk_to_us/get_brochure/pdf/vue_brochure.pdf
They only change I see is the addition of a FWD 6, which is not yet available. And also the leather option.
Even the brochure is identical to last year's (except for the mention of the FWD 6.)
I bit of a deception for me. I was hoping on 4 disc/brakes, liftgate window etc. Of not, the traction control (for ABS option) for the FWD6 is not available, as per the FWD 4/AWD 4. Strange. Must be a typo.
-The SHORT VERSION:-
-I did my third visit and second test drive of the VUE. The 4 cyc. VTi then the V6 AWD.
-The VTi was neat. I am not tough on a vehicle and never accelerate, brake or corner hard so the VTi with it's "shiftless" tranny left very comfortable. However, the VUE feels very secure. (Read heavy). The 4 cyc felt a little under powered. VTi just too new. This is my next "8 year vehicle".
-The V6 felt neat all around. I was a little intimidated by the power after my 4x4 Tracker, but I am sure I will get used to it ... just have to hold on to my 'wig'.
-I signed up for a V6 AWD with ABS & Sunroof. (Hope my bank manager is not reading this !)
-The BIG news is the HUUUUUUUGE price increase for 2003. US $65 (!!) Yup ! Sixty Five Dollaaaaaaaaaaars.
-2002 base is US$23085.00
-2003 base is US$23150.00.
(I think I can manage it.)
-The other BIG news is that the colors have changed...and my order cannot actually be processed as the dealers do not have color info.
-The Saturn Website today, 4/15/02 lists :-
Black- Grey/Tan Interior. (Black is not metalic)
Bright Blue-Grey Interior
Med. Green (read Hunter)-Tan Interior
Orange-Tan Interior
Red (read Cranberry)-Grey/Tan Interior
Silver-Grey Interior
White-Grey/Tan Interior
-The customer number folks informed me that they have started shipping the brochures to the dealers first and some colors will not go into production until month end. (Not a big deal for me).
LONG VERSION:-
-Those folks already bored with this 'screed' can skip to the next message.
-A special thank you to "mmspeal" for his/her posting. I thought your saying totally appropriate. Very neat indeed.
-I have to prep. this with saying that I got real "cute n sassy" with my salesperson and downloaded a great pic. of the Orange VUE, mountain top, and used my iMac to print a message over the picture to my Salesperson and mailed it as a post card to confirm our appointment. "G_ _ _ _'s new VUE...I think her name will be PENNY...on account of her Copper color". etc, etc
-I figured salesperson, J_ _ _ _, would think it either strange or delightful depending on her sence of humour. She had one, so she called me saying she loved it.
-When I arrived for the appointment I noticed a 1:18 scale, die cast model of the Orange VUE and I contemplated buying it as a little indulgence.
-J_ _ _ _ told me she had a 'surprise' for me. I figured it would be the price increase so I wasn't hopeful.
-I had half an hour before the appointment as J_ _ _ _ dealt with a 'walk in' customer and the Black-Silver was in the showroom. It allowed me an unhindered inspection. I looked over everything, ran my hands over every line as if to seal it to memory. Looked under the seats and every nook and cranny to see how it was put together.
-The interior that I first saw, TAN, first impression looked BUDGET. Saturn has this thing about using at least three colors. ie:- Three shades of TAN, three shades of GREY. The critics call it "mismatched'. I call it a 'design signature'. Love it or loathe it. Your choice.
However, I thought the GREY, under close inspection was extremely neat. I liked everything about it.
-So after the last test drive, and all the nonsence over "Penny", I turned to J_ _ __ and said, 'I am going to shock the c _ _ _ out of you... but I think I am going to go with Black-Silver !" She nearly fell over. I just don't like the TAN, sorry !
- And I think Saturn did themselves a great disservice by suppling the Car Critics with a Red/Tan combo. Not a case of putting your "best foot forward."
-Then I was told that the Orange was discontinued ... except it is still on the web site. Also the Black-Silver. The new Black is not metalic. Major disappointment. (Metalic looks great even when dirty. This I have learnt).
-So the whole appointment was thrown in a direction that neither of us had expected. No one there had current information. So I signed, dropped a deposit and will firm things up asap.
-And the 'surprise' ...well, my 'session' was 'paused' for a 22 year old college kid to receive his first new car with all the Saturn bally-ba-loo with all staff there giving him an, arms lifted, sports cheer ! Call me a sucker, but I thought it was a great moment. And the financial guy presented me with that Orange Die Cast model that I had eyed, as a small token ... for buying/ordering a VUE from "ground up" (!) (I wonder if I am missing something here !)
-Call me strange, but I thought it was a very cute gesture. So I got my "Penny" after all ... and will have to wait for the real thing. (Bet they don't do that at regular GM).
-SIDE BAR:- The college kid and his Dad hadn't contemplated a Saturn until they were at a local, well known and huge Honda dealership. The owner was boasting that he modeled his dealership after Saturn. So they took themselves down to Saturn and the rest is history. "Point to Saturn."
Later all...
Sorry for the loooooooooooooong screed, but perhaps it's useful.
I know I don't want/need AWD so the V6 FWD would be a great. I said that it would be a good idea many posts ago so maybe someone at Saturn is listening. This will definitely bring the V6 price down to an affordable. range for most.
On the return trip we hit torrential down pours. Yep we're heading into Florida's monsoon season. Certain stretches of the turnpike are infamous for standing water and it's attendant hydroplaning. Sure enough, hey look, we're water skiing!
We actually saw a car (big heavy Lincoln town car) lose control, do a 180 and slam into the center divider in the North bound lanes as we were heading south, pretty scary.
The point is the Vue never twitched. Yes I could tell by the sound and feel that the front wheels were hydroplaning once or twice but I never felt out of control and the front end never quivered. AWD is the BEST!
I can't say enough about how soild and stable this car feels on the road. Thanks Saturn.
Jay
With almost 4000 miles on our AWD V6 VUE, we have still not had any of the problems some of the earlier vehicles had. Coming from a Honda, we are quite impressed with the quality of the VUE. There are a few rough interior pieces but the vehicle preforms very well. Still happy Saturn owners.
onelucky : How are things going for you?
-Still doing a little dance around the new 2003 colors.
-J _ _ _ _ called to say that the 2003 VUE brochures had arrived with colors, but there was still doubt about Black Metalic and Metalic generally.
-So I called the 800 customer number and they were great, but just as poorly informed. Sort of went around and around and finally commented that it would sure be great to be put thru to the guy on the 'shop floor' in Spring Hill mixing the paint ! I just couldn't understand why Metalic would be dropped if it was always a 'Saturn Thang', the L's for 2003 were mainly Metalic and they all looked great.
-So he went off th phone and found a 'technical' guy who said that the correct term was "METAL FLAKE", and, yes indeed the colors were "METAL FLAKE" including the "BRIGHT BLUE".
-Of course it does help when you use the right terminology ! So I am 'wiping my brow' that the color issue will work out okay in the end. I'm going in Wednesday to see the brochure and decide. Any advise folks.... ????
-The 2003 production timing is being quoted as July/August, but that may change once my order is submitted.
Later...
I picked it up at a web site somewhere. I can send it to you if you send me your email.(p_duchaine@yahoo.com)
While you are at it, can you ask about the V6 FWD? when will they be available? and prices as well. My dealer does not have any info yet.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The latest . . . Well I think the Evaporator is fixed this time as it is not leaking now. But now I have a busted spring in the back of the driver's seat and the foam on the outside door handles is loose and coming off (for the second time). These are more nuisance problems but they add onto that 30 day milestone to reach lemon level.
-Sorry you have had so much trouble. That's a major bumber. If it makes you feel any better, let me ... (briefly !!!) ... tell you about my first NEW car ... an Alfa Romeo "Alfa Sud" that was assembled in Sicily, hence the "Sud" for Italy South, that turned into a disaster for Alfa.
-I took delivery in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, where I was born. Due to trade sanctions you were lucky to get a new car. The wait was 3 to 4 years.
-I was 19, so excited. My first new car. Upon delivery, found that the front passenger door would not open from the inside, the rear window rubber started to come away in the first week , the trunk would only closed when slambed with force and the manual tranny rattled like castanets when idle.
-The brand new, horizintally opposed flat four engine had a alloy or something block with steel cyclinder linings that expanded at different rates. Thus, you had to sit and idle for a few minutes each morning until this little red light would go out before you could drive off.
-I 'cooked' the engine twice in the first year. The first time I was belting along @ 180 KPH and though it odd that I could hear a steam train. (We did still have steam trains, but the Africa bush flying by was absent of anything, but dry grass and Savanah shrub).
-When the 'whistle' became so loud that everyone in the car became alarmed, I decided to pull over. The engined died the minute the clutch pedal went in and all the dash lights came on. The brown slush from the radiator resevior shot up several yards when I unscrewed the cap! Big mistake !
-Then began a long fight with the dealership who simply blamed it on a 19 year driving too fast ... but they did dig out the melted, (I think aluminium something), experimental pistons and sent them back to Italy for 'review'.
-After the engine rebuild, I couldn't go any distance without taking water along and topping up the radiator like an old car. (They used to hang canvas water bags in the old days from the rear view mirror outside to keep the water cool).
-After I ,left Africa, my Dad sold it back to the dealer. Many years later I saw that old 'Avacardo Green' Alfasud street side. Every panel had faded a different color in the Africa sun.
-What I forgot to mention was that when I first went to 'check out' my newly arrived car, there were two white ones, two green. The salesperson invited me to sit in the back and see how great it was and to pull down the center arm rest. I tryed, but it would not budge. He said "pull it hard" and I did and the whole damn arm rest strap ripped off in my hand !!! I have never been so embarrassed ! The trouble is ... as provedence would have it, he scratched out my name on that damaged green Alfa and wrote it on the other green one. So that's how I got my lemon.
-NOW THAT'S A LEMON STORY !!!
-By the by. What the "lucky7' for ?
-PS:- I'm loving my "Penny" model. I've had it out of the box every evening going over every inch.
-theduke.
-Thanks, but if you are refering to the 2001 Chicago Auto Show blue, I have that article. I'm not sure it's the same blue, but I'll be picking up the 2003 brouchure tormorrow at the dealership and making a decision.
-Thanks for your vote, though. I have four brothers, two of which have new cars in Silver so my folks are voting for Silver. I think I am a little bored with Silver. Over all this Millennium malarcky. I think the "Bright Blue" could be great, except my Tracker is "Quazare Blue". I'm being repetitive here.
-I will ask about the FWD. I take it you haven't made a decision then ? Let us know when you do. I'll be interested to know.
-The official date for the completeion of the 2003 retooling is 9th July. That's when production starts. They are not quoting delivery until July/August.
-I'm thinking about going down to Spring Hill, TN, to tour and witness the "birth". Any one done that ? Love to hear.
-Someone on Saturnfans.com forum mentioned that 2002 VUEs were being discounted. Any clues ?
Later. Take care.
(I've got to get a life here !)
This is probably why it is the same price (plus $65) this year.
I was hoping for some new innovation for 2003, but I guess not yet.
I might still go for it and order one but I honestly think that the CR-V, Aztek and Rendez-vous are better value albeit each with some compromise as well.
I am traveling most of July so that I will make up my mind in August unless a good deal on either of these gets me.
I keep car for over 8 years in average, so I do want to make a good choice. My present car is a SW1 1995 (purchased in 94).
Good luck tomorrow.
Jeff
There is also one in Hamilton, somewhere on the mountain apparently but I have never been there.
joelis : Is that cash price? Do they have financing deals instead of the $2K? All I ever see is V6 models on the lots. The 4 cyl. Ecotec VUEs are sold out.
I have not been to one of those in years. I will talk to my wife tonight!
I called 2 saturn dealers in Texas and they had no idea what I was talking about.
-How are you ? What's an SW1 ? Sorry for ignorance.
-I'm keeping my head down after seeing you were thinking about an Aztek ... after my honest opinion a few messages back ...
-I think missing July is a great idea. I've noticed the adverts turning to end of year sales so it could go better.
-My dealer is not offering any 2002 incentives and there are no 2002's with my 'wish list'. Okay and comfortable with my price. Oh. By the by. The ABS went up to $600. I did hear that GM found that excluding ABS was a great way to get better profit. I intend to keep alive so ABS is essential.
-I think the "re-tooling" also includes Union break for Summer etc, etc, not just a model change thing. Essentially it is unchanged.
-I picked up the 2003 VUE brochure which is unchanged from the 2002 except for colors. It was unhelpful. Printing colors on matt paper doesn't work. No one seems to have a clear answer about what the colors actually look like nor when they will get the 'show' boards with the actual painted models. My J _ _ _ _ was away yesterday and the young guy that "helped me" was indifferent. Didn't make me feel that they were in a hurry to sell me the VUE.
-May be color is a no-brainer for everyone else and I am surprising all about this dragged out 'affair', but, I design men's sweaters. No one is going to tell me color is not important. And it's a big price for a color you hate.
-The "Bright Blue" looks juvenile. The "Med. Green" is interesting, but only in TAN. It may come down to Silver or Black if I can get any one to absolutely confirm that Black is "Metal Flake" ... ie:- metalic to us ordinary folk. The "Black" looks like the 2002 Black-Silver, but they swear it is Black, Black, like "Black as your hat", Black. I may actually be finally accepting that I am not 26 any more !
-Thought the Drive-In message was real cute.
-I'm seeing good postings on Saturnfans.com about VUEs that have been totaled.
-One guy is on #3. The first was totalled, the second V6 was too much for him so he is back to #3 the original model & style. He walked away, but the impacting vehicle occupants were hospitalized.
-Someone had seen a crumbled VUE, but all doors were open, not cut open, and occupants okay.
-Looking good here !
Take care.
Later !
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The SW1 is a S platform Wagon. Same as the sedan but Wagon version.
I also call a few dealer and not one has heard of rebate here in Canada. Au contraire, they say they never have rebates, just lower rates at the end of the year.
I find it hard to believe. Why would be the incentive to by a 2002 for the same price of a 2003?
As for the Aztek, it is not on the top of my list, but I keep it on as it is a "good value" in many ways. I know the look is particular to say the least, but then I am not worry about the look as long as it is functional. For the same reason the RAV4 is not on my list, it is good looking but not functional in many aspects.
The Vue is somewhat functional and good looking, however I must say that the CR-V score high on both as well, except on the towing, it is likely to weak for my needs.
I will keep you posted in anycase of my final decision.