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Comments
Sorry about the delay in replying , I have been on holiday.
I bought the Rendezvous 5 weeks and 3500 miles ago, we love it, and I, like you, would defend my purchase decision.
I am probably going to get myself in trouble with another analogy, but here goes. I like hamburgers a lot, they taste great and are cheap food, I also like steak and they taste even better.
If i went into a restaurant and they offered me a Teenburger for $4.95 or a New York Strip loin for $5.00, I know what I would be eating. I still like hamburgers, but I prefer steak.
As for not making any converts, welllllllll, the duke was the one I was addressing my comments too, as he had not yet made a purchase decision ( he didn't have to defend his purchase decision yet) and apparently he likes steak too. My job here is done now.
P.S Our shipping yard is swimming in Yellow Vues, and we are starting to get the new L Series Satun with the new front end and nicer gauges etc. etc. The L series looks classier now.
All the best, and these aren't fighting words.
Jeff
Now that I've become accustomed to driving the VUE, I have no wind issues at all, whether it be natural wind or the wind that you feel when passing a truck. The one real bonus is that it is alot easier to see the road ahead when passing a truck in the rain, than it was in my car. I am very comfortable in the VUE on the highway and feel very safe too.
I hope that helps!
I am very happy with it.
The Vue looks somewhat better, but that ends there in value. The RDV was about $300 more (than a Vue with side airbags and ABS) but I have the following extras over the Vue: (I took the versitality and tow kit):
3rd row seating,leather seat, lombar support on front seats, electric driver seat, as good of a ride than the Vue, much more room,tons of storage spaces, similar fuel consumption, can tow 3500lbs, 200lbs-rated roof rack, rear disc brakes, can fit a bike inside, bloc heater and heavy duty mats all aroound, independant sterio control for the back, foot rests, integrated air pump, prewired trailer lights, driver computer, integrated radio antenna.
I still believe that the Vue is a great vehicle, but over-priced for the competion, I still own my SW1 saturn and would have liked another, but not at any price.
Thanks enniskillen for the insight when I was trying to decide.
It took me 16 months of looking and reading, but I beleive that I made the right choice. For those undecided, make sure to keep comparing to see what vehicle fits your needs and at what price.
An open mind is a pleasure to find.
Jeff
Had a problematic '96 Voyageur to dispose of.
Didn't want to break the bank.
Tend to hang onto a vehicle for 7+ years.
Have 5 drivers in the household (the youngest being 17) and 3 vehicles.
Eagerly awaited the VUE. Then the Vibe.
Extensively test drove the 4 cyl. 5 spd VUE, the V6 AWD Auto, the Rendezvous, the Aztek, the Vibe.
On my way out the door to pick up my new....................
Stay tuned.
-I was somewhat fatigued driving back to Nashville, lightened by trailing a black VUE which got away with me.
re:-Impressions ...
-The Factory still farms 1200 acres of corn (?!) Thought that was neat. They use/used it to supplement their income mostly before production started.It was very hot & dry.
-The Welcome Centre is all consuming ... if you are a Saturn Fan that is. Lots of interesting stuff, history, on demand videos etc.
-... and if you think I'm "tooty-fruity" for naming my vehicles, check out the guys that work the assembly robots, all with assigned personalities and names ! "Judy Two Eyes", "Mr. Bill" and one after a guy's wife because the robot was needy and temperamental. A little sexist, but ... hey.
-The hour tour on the back of little carts flew by. Much too short. You get to see the final assembly plant, not the major welding stuff.
-Those Polymer sides really do work ! Witnessed the tour guide stomping down on a body panel a whole bunch of times. Don't think I would do that to mine, but it got my vote !
-Saw lots of "S" series going thru on their last two weeks before being discontinued.
-Saw the new ION in all sorts of shapes. Complete. Being tested, and in pieces. It looks very good indeed.
-All the Space Frames are black due to their rust proof primer.
-Of course everyone in Tennesse waves so doing the "Queen Mum" thing got exhausting, but you got easily swept up in the enthusiasm. I can't remember seeing a cleaner factory ... (and I have seen many in the Orient which were unbareable, dirty and full of miserable workers slaving in imposible heat & humidity.)
-The cars move along on a platform with the assembly guys on board instead of walking with the car. Better quality, less fatigue.
-The workers are a team. They all work together on each vehicle without a 'boss'. Every quality issue, even a wrinkled car mat, goes back to the whole team as a report.
-Saturn has the "highest productivity rating out of all the US makers including the Japanese & German vehicles".
-It struck me as less harried and more careful than I had imagined a 'mass production' line to be.
-Every work station can be height adjusted to be 'ergonomically' correct. No bending and stooping to attach something.
-For factory folk, they seemed happier than most and faking it four times a day every week day would be a tough call.
-And we got to keep the Saturn safety googles like those folks you see in the adverts. Call me 'goofy', but I thought that was neat.
-Saw lots of Orange, Red and Yellow, but no "Vivienne" blue alas. I did see a "Bright Blue" VUE over 'yonder', (a company VUE), and asked the tour guide to confirm the color as we were piling back into the coach. So he made a big announcement that I had "Viv" on order and drove out by the Blue VUE with a long, slow pass. Even covered in dust, it was gorgeous. No problems here. I'll stake my designer reputation on that.
-It looks like another two weeks before I get to see her. I think that will make ten weeks in all. A long wait, but worth it.
re:-News ... and tid bits
-The V6 is made in the UK. There are no plans to change that.
-The Saturn vehicles are "92% US made".
-The Ecotec 4 is "so popular" that Saturn Spring Hill will begin making them for other GM cars.
-The VUE tranny is not towable. ie:- Don't even think of doing any major towing. The story goes that someone at GM thought the towing market was 2% and not worth catering to. It turns out that it is 12% and there are a whole lot of VUE folks not happy about this. 2004 will see a towable tranny.
-The Saturn name is not from the planet. May be I am the only person who didn't know that. It is from the Satrun Booster rockets that put the men on the moon. The small car race against Japanese imports was seen as a parralell to the US/Russian Space Race.
-Saturn's President is a woman ! Shouldn't be a surprise. And petite too. Guess she 'shoots from the hip' to survive this macho auto world.
-That's all folks ...
VUE Happy !
gehe
-I would be a wise man to leave it at that and let you have the final say. (I have a feeling that's very important to you).
-I wasn't certain that a VUE Town Hall was mean to "convert" folks from buying VUEs, but an open discussion and exchange of info.
-I am deligthed that both you and 'theduke' have made your purchases and are happy. (The duke certainly knows his mind).
-Shakespeare is quoted as commenting on a man 'who knew the price of everything, and the value of nothing'.
-The real value of the VUE, I don't think, is the final, bottom line price. It's, at the least, about getting an exciting, new concept vehicle in design and thoroughness that most folks have never seen.
-It's about what happens AFTER you drive away. There is no one at GM that gives a "monkey's figs" whether you like your GM vehicle or not. (That's my personal experience as well as what has been posted, said and read).
-What I believe I am getting for my vehicle, (not itemized like a grocery PRICE list as you have), is:-
1) The pleasant enviroment that I will enjoy when I take my vehicle in for service.
2) The 'stand by our vehicle' mentality and quality service.
3) The quality assurance.
4) A vehicle that will not 'ding & dent' thru coutless parking lots.
5) A vehicle that will still look new is styling and "evolution" five years from now when GM will have gone on to their next disposable looking vehicle and won't even want to talk about their Rende-VUE.
6) Owning a vehicle from a manufacturer that actually cares about the enviroment and keeping it's customers.
7) A vehicle that will keep it's value.
8) Being part of this "Saturn" family of enthusiasts.
9) Supporting North Americans jobs instead of Mexican jobs ... nice folks that they are.
10) The VUE & Saturns are 'thinking peoples' vehicles.
11) The most important ... the VUE is "too cool for school"!!!
-Everyone has a budget and asthetics are in the eye of the beholder.
-Enjoy your vehicle. Perhaps you could start a Town Hall for the Rende-VUE. I would follow that with interest in the years to come.
Best wishes,
gehe
I was reading on the auto.com site that a Honda 3.5L V6 will be optional IN 2004 on the VUE. Not sure if the 3.0L will be gone or if it will just be another option.
2.2L Ecotec is a great motor, we have one in our Alero. Love it!
Goodbye driving with the windows down, hello A/C!
Goodbye parking on the street (oil/coolant leaks), hello driveway.
Goodbye automatic, hello 5 spd.
Goodbye 6 cyl., hello 4 cyl.
Goodbye abs/drums, hello 4 wheel abs.
Goodbye 2 air bags, hello front and side airbags!
Goodbye cassette deck, hello cd player!
Goodbye '96 Voyageur, hello...........?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
(5679 - my vibe, and your profile, say "Saturn")
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Goodbye GM Visa, hello AirMiles Mastercard (and PC Mastercard)!
Goodbye VUE board, hello Vibe board. (I'll check back occasionally.)
Goodbye Tim Horton's, hello Krispie Kreme!
The decision? My first new vehicle since 1973, a Ford (Mazda) Courier pkup!
-2003 model, price-used $3500+ GM points, size, ride, sporty, quietness, interior quality, comfortable, lots of goodies, Toyota influence.
-not offended by its looks—its only a car, after all!
Loved the ride of the Aztek but it won't be around long.
Rendevous and the AWD VUE 6 cost too much ($30000+ Can)
Vibe 5 spd was quieter than the VUE 5 spd.
As they say in French, chacun à son goût!
That all said, Vibe is a nice package and I'm sure you will like it. Congrats!
It's hard to have a conversation about vehicles when we deal in intangibles. The marketing genius behind the Saturn dealerships is something you have experienced, and I admittedly have not. If their service is excellent , so it should be.
Now the sales dept at the Saturn dealership is something that I have experienced, the cheerleader who was assisting us was wonderful ( and I hope her team does swell) and I am sure the psuedo birthday clap/congratulations horn blowing is energizing but it leaves me feeling like an idiot. (fill in own joke here)
What exactly is new about the Saturn, and here I do mean tangible differences between old and new vehicles. . I am sure that the "new concept vehicle in design and thoroughness that most folks have never seen" must have some real world benefits that I have missed. Phenomenal gas mileage perhaps ? incredible speed maybe , superior handling ? a caveronous interior?, or a fabulous low price ? Educate me please about how this " new concept" has real tangible benefits.
Styling or asthetics is indeed in the eye of the beholder, I hardly think you could call the Buick Grill as an example a short lived styling advent, it is reminiscent of the cars of the 50's. I like the vue, but it personally reminds me of a Niva (20 year old Russian psuedo SUV)
G.M. is the manufacturer of Saturn so the environment point is moot. The bottom half of the Buick is also clad in polymer panels (plastic) so no dents here either.
I too would prefer to support North American worker, oh yeah , I guess I am a slow thinking person, Mexico is in North America. What you mean is you prefer to support your own economy and of course that is admirable
As for knowing "the value of nothing" well it's a car damn it. Not a religion, not a deity, not as the advertising you have bought into " a philosophy" simply a consumer good. To me the thinking persons car should entail bang for the buck. In both initial price and operating costs.
I came here to learn about the Vue, shared what I found out as I went along, came to a different conclusion than you. One of my email addresses is misterblandings@hotmail.com
and if you or anyone else would like to have a friendly ( i mean friendly) debate, drop me a line.
And yes Host I do know what I am opening myself up to, that's why it's a hotmail account.
Final Word here is yours, I can be found on the Rendezvous board.
Humbly
Jeff
I I test drove the Century and loved it, in part because it was so quiet. It was roomy, had a huge trunk, and was my idea of a satisfactory, comfortable, reasonably peppy car. I could hear my spouse with little ear-cupping at all.
Enter the 5 spd VUE vs the 5sp spd. Vibe. I'm used to the sound of a 5 spd Saturn. I have an SL1. That's why I veered towards and hung around my local dealership. I was familiar with their feel good strategy. I even thought the fairy at my 50th birthday was, in actual fact, my salesman/salesperson, moonlighting.
When I drove the 5spd, I/we (my wife and I) both said we could easily live with it because it looked sharp and it didn't sound louder than our SL1. It was a sort of the size of our van and the interior was basic. But, again, I/we felt the Vibe was quieter. A moot point, unless you have tinnitus.
The final say will no doubt belong to my 17 year old son who also drove all of the previously mentioned vehicles. Stay tuned.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dealers gain in satisfied customers
No-haggle pricing policy helps Saturn top index
August 16, 2002
BY ED GARSTEN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The heated incentive war among automakers is warming customers' feelings toward the process of buying a new vehicle, according to a J.D. Power and Associates study released Thursday.
AUTO BRANDS RATED
Here are the top auto brands rated on a 1,000 point scale in the 2002 J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index Study. The study measures customer satisfaction with the purchase or leasing experience. The industry average was 839.
BRAND RATING
Saturn 886
Cadillac 881
Lincoln 880
Lexus 878
Jaguar 877
Mercedes-Benz 877
Volvo 874
Porsche 871
Mercury 869
Buick 864
Infiniti 864
Oldsmobile 861
Saab 861
BMW 858
GMC 857
Land Rover 856
Ford 850
Chevrolet 848
Chrysler 846
Audi 844
Acura 841
Pontiac 840
Finishing at or below industry average in alphabetical order are: Daewoo, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen. "It's the first time in a long time that price has such an impact," said Steve Witten, senior director for project operations at the market research firm in Westlake Village, Calif.
"Even makes that were not running specials, on average, most of them were giving discounts," Witten said.
As a result, most every brand showed some improvement in customer satisfaction, the 2002 Sales Satisfaction Index showed.
The Saturn division of General Motors Corp. topped the annual index for the third straight year based mainly on its policy of no-haggle pricing.
"What's really exceptional about Saturn is eight of the top 10 are luxury brands," Witten said.
Indeed, right behind Saturn are Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.
Saturn's top marketing executive says the brand's perennial success in the study shows a continuing commitment to customer satisfaction.
"Brands that are successful over time, brands that are timeless, are in it for the long haul and never take their eye off the ball," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn vice president for sales, service and marketing.
She called Saturn's top ranking recognition that its dealers adhere to the brand's core pillars of customer satisfaction.
The study, performed in January and February, is based on more than 39,000 responses from buyers and lessees of new 2001 and 2002 model cars and light trucks.
Customers fill out an eight-page questionnaire gauging their reactions to every element of the sales process including the appearance of the dealership, sales personnel, filling out paperwork, delivery and price, Witten said.
Offers of 0-percent and low-interest financing resulted in more customers choosing to finance their vehicles and fewer choosing to lease, the study found.
The percentage of customers financing increased from 48 percent in 2001 to 54 percent in 2002 while leasing dropped from 27 percent to 20 percent, the lowest percentage in almost 10 years.
U.S. automakers have been offering some type of incentive for many years, but the latest battle began in September with GM's "Keep America Rolling" no interest financing promotion.
Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group followed, leading to a torrid sales pace at the end of the year that boosted 2001 to the second-best sales year in history.
The J.D. Power study also showed that speed of completing the transaction was another important factor in enhancing customer satisfaction.
Once again, Saturn's no-haggle policy eliminates the time spent negotiating a price, reducing the number of dealership employees a customer must encounter before completing the transaction, Witten said.
Because everyone pays the same price, customers leave without wondering whether they got taken for a ride, Witten said.
Is this a new color or is it a limited edition?
They had one of the yellow VUE's there that we actually looked under the hood on and got to see underneath when it was up on the hoist. It is a very nice yellow and yes it is only a limited edition - available only in AWD models. I also saw a VUE in the new black - it is also very sharp looking!
Saw some yellow VUEs on a transport trailer on the highway about a week ago. Very nice yellow color. Definitely an attention grabber.
-Boy, you 'float my boat' ! I get such a kick out of your POSTs.
-You are so "bright eyed and bushy tailed" about Saturn ! Sounds familiar ...
-I hope my dealer gets to do the same 'service stuff'. I intend to go between Saturn and the two brother mechanics down the road to keep 'them sweet' and keep some business local.
-I was looking at my VUE notes. I ordered my Blue VUE 6/14/02 ... long wait I guess. Into the nineth week. I think my Tracker took 3 months.
Later all.
Gehe - It should be anytime soon! Mine was ordered on March 1st and I took delivery on May 3rd. If you call your dealership (or go visit them again) they should actually be able to give you your VIN # and production date by now.
I hate waiting - my life seems to be all about that right now ... first I waited for the VUE but that wasn't so bad as it was in prior to when they told me. Then I bought and paid for a hot tub from Costco in May ... still don't have that. Costco needs to take some lessons from Saturn!
The Saturn sales rep I met with at Budd's was real nice, but I don't know how Budd's is as a dealership. They seem to sell a lot of Saturns here in Oakville though.
-Yes. I guess two months is not such a big deal and it has helped me get my "ducks in a row" financially.
-Holmans don't have a VIN # yet, but they do have an ETA of 9/9/02.
-My salesperson is making a nuisance of herself keeping bugging her boss for me.
-I start teaching college next Wednesday as an adjunct and I was sure hoping to be cruising with Miss Vivienne by then. Of course, we are never in the "drivers seat" as life goes. She'll be here before the weahter turns.
-It will be worth the wait. I really think that this is somewhat unusual. Real bad timing, end of the model year, Summer break, brand new color, the S series being raced thru to complete the back orders and all the 'stuff' that I wanted included. Sun Roof, ABS etc.
-I ordered "California Emmissions Control" on my Tracker back in 1993 for 1994 and I think that was why it took three months.
-Had to have AAMCO tow my Tracker for the second tranny rebuild as I cannot wait for Viv VUE. Let's see if they can do a better job than the other 'bush mechanics'. I have a feeling I will learn an aweful lot about the first 'guys' once that tranny gets opened up.
re:-Coscos...
-(dindak ) is right. Dumb them. Let's see how fast they get the tub to you.
Later ...
I have to settle this. The Krisy Kreme in Buffalo that a previous poster mentioned is across from the Boulevard Mall on Niagara Falls Blvd. From Canada, take the 190 to the 290 and get off on Nia Falls Blvd south. Drive about a mile and enjoy.
Phew, now that the important stuff is out of the way I will say that in January, I bought a Rendezvous CX AWD. The incentives were awesome (I get the GM discount too)and I paid only about $1K more than I would have for a V6 Vue.
Now my Saturn dealer is a 1/4 mile from my Buick dealer and last night I noticed that the former dealer has Vue's on the lot with 4cyl/VTi option. Am I missing something here? I do not see any posts relating to the VTi. Did they JUST come out?
Mark
Clarnce, NY
CVT VUE's have been out for a few weeks now I think. The salesman I spoke with back in June said the people who ordered them were getting them end of July / beginning of August.
Yellow is part of a $2200 Canadian option package. You can't have it unless you pay through the nose for it.
"a different kind of car company" Well it seems to me to be the same old same old , create a demand for something by making it a "limited editon" and then hose the customers that gotta have the pigment of their choice.
Greetings to msadams, and I concur with your vehicle choice.
Jeff
OOPs
Damn it
;<)
Jeff
We traded our Accord in for a Vue and we have had months of trouble free driving so far.
markopolo:: Why would a roof rack warp the roof?
Even if you do have to remove them a couple times a year - it is no big deal. I could have both bars off in less than 5 minutes without even getting on a stool or ladder - you just need the right tool (which Saturn sends with the crossbars when you purchase them).
As far as problems go - just the annoying rumbling when in reverse at lower speeds - which they have told me is normal.
pbagrat - I have taken my 5 spd. 4 cyl. VUE all over the place this summer. Around the Niagara Escarpment there are lots of winding roads with steep hills that you have to take to get to some nice conservation areas and golf courses. I've had no problems getting up any of them with or without the air conditioning on. The 4 cyl. VUE is not underpowered at all - 8000 clicks so far and I still think it is a fairly peppy little vehicle (and that is after having a V6 standard Sunbird which needless to say had alot of pep).
-The 4 cyc VTi was available in the USA in June, this year. I test drove both 4 cyc VTi and V6 Auto 5 in June. I ordered the V6 on 6/14/02.
re:-Paint ...
(brookec)
-I am not sure if they do have paint problems, but my "Bright Blue" order is constantly delayed. No reason given yet. The 9/9/02 latest delivery date, I am told, is not "written in stone".
-My dealer's Ops guy mentioned in an e-mail that every time they order "bright blue" VUEs for stock, the order is change to another color at the factory. (?)
-As long as they get it right, I'm fine with that. Nothing like getting you 'salivating' before you get your new car. I think I'll sing the Hallaluhah chorus when it arrives.
Later.
PS:- (mmspeal)
-Okay. Admit it. You are 7 feet tall, right ?
-The one plus from having a 'iddy biddy' Tracker was that you could just about stand in one spot and swipe her around without climbing any where.
Anyone on the board have one yet? Seems like most of the 4 cyl models are 5 speeds so far.
Gehe - nope, I am actually about 5'7" - not very tall but about average for a female I guess. The invoice for my VUE showed up at the dealership before my VUE and the invoice said gold on it. I think the poor guy there almost had heart failure as he knew it was supposed to be red (and he knew how hard of a time I had choosing)
As far a the VTi goes ... I am not sure I would want to risk getting one of those yet. My dad works in the plant that makes the tranny those were supposed to replace. GM was going to put them in a few vehicles and cut production at his plant. When they started having all the issues they bumped production at his plant back up to where it was before. He is still working 7 days a week. I know they worked some of the kinks out before Saturn went ahead with the VUE but I'd be leary on what other issues may come up or how long they will last since they are so new.
"Some weather atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
"Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Saturn will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles of purchase, whichever occurs first."
(END OF QUOTE)
I have both the ringlet-shaped discolorations and small irregular spots. I asked two "experts" about this... (1) A body shop affiliated with a large Cadillac dealership: he said there were a few spots that were worrisome. Specifically, tiny areas (which looked like water spots but were not) with microscopic "bubbling." (2) The body shop affiliated with the Saturn dealership: he said, in short, not to worry.
Anyway, I would be curious if anyone else has these problems. My previous car was an Oldsmobile Intrigue. It had no visible paint defects like this.
-Thanks for the height info. I was just kidding ya. I'm 5' 8" which is VERY average for a guy.
-Actually, I am very used to small cars, (not being North American born), (and I don't need it for my ego either), so the VUE will take some getting ued to.
-Actually, I am probably going to be like you. Get over that in a flash and find lots of excuses to head over to Home Depot and load up with home & gardening stuff etc. My Dad had this thing about trees and cow s _ _ _ !
-The V6 is a 'smidgen' intimidating. Sure I will not look back on that either. Hold on to your hat stuff !!!
-So what was up with your papers coming in as "GOLD" ? Thanks for the tip on pre-paper work. I think the dealership guys will be on the phone the micro second that they know it's a definate. I think they are stunned/nonplusssed that I have been so patient and a little embarrassed with the evasive info and delay.
re:-VTi ...
-Yes I felt the same as you which is why I talked myself up to the V6. The bottom line is that I really, really want this car. My Saturn salesperson was also reluctant to advise the VTi. However, it's not new technology, just new to GM.
-Continued 'e's to & from my dealer "Ops" guy and he promises that I "WILL" be the first "2003 Bright Blue" owner at the dealership as "sold" VUEs get first priority once they start making the blues. So I will be over my 'didn't get my blue, blues"!!
-My Tracker is also due back from AAMCO, Monday, after my second tranny rebuild. And the "smoking gun" to solve months of tranny rebuild troubles ??? The first guys didn't replace the original seals that were all hard as rock ! Funny when that was their original diagnosis, "hardening of the arteries" ... ie:- need new seals.
-I don't get why they would make such a mistake, but if my 'baby' comes back with a new spring in her step again , ready to embrace her soon to be semi-beach retirement, I'll be delighted ... and recomending AAMCO to anyone who will listen.
re:-Saturn New Ads ...
-Saw my first new Saturn advert. on the box with just folks and no cars expect for the 'bright three' at the end. It's cool to see the VUE take centre stage.
-I also heard my first radio advert. from my dealership for 2002 VUEs listing all it's pluses. Sounded good to me !
Later !
-Congrats on your new 02 VUE ! Neat !
-Boy, you kept below the radar with your research ! I haven't seen any POSTs from you before ... and then ... snap, you are done.
-I found your comments interesting. Loved your comment on the Subaru !! Chuckle, chuckle ...
-What is the "$1500 maket adjustment from the original" mean ? My ears really pricked up when I read that. I have the original 'work sheet' from my order, 6/14/02, but there have been some slight price hikes for 03 still to review when she/it finally arrives.
-I think the V6 was reviewed as 'raspy' sounding. I had forgotten that the Escape was also reviewed as road noisey. Another good reason for not going with that model.
-Don't hold your breath to use the AWD. The next rain storm will be all the proving that you need ! Don't forget to wave at the other folks as you sail by with confidence.
-I've ordered the Sunroof, ABS etc like you, but also Roof Rack, Molded Mud Flaps, Cargo Cover, Rubber Mats and Cargo Mat.
-Enjoy the ride.
Later ...
It's strange that the Subaru people don't pick up on the boxiness of the Forrester! Anyway the $1500 market adjustment was listed right on the window sticker. I think it's just Saturn's way of not calling it a discount and a way to move the remaining 2002's here in Colorado. So your getting the 2003, that's great, I know you'll like it. Rain, what is that??? We are in a severe drought here in Colordo, we really need some. We do a lot of biking,inline skating skiing/boarding and it's just a fun car. I don't think I fit the profile, I'm 49, but young at heart and active with teenagers still at home and we already have a mini van and a sedan. They talked me out of white and into red, I'm glad they did. I commute 20 miles to work each day and the Vue makes the ride much more enjoyable. Thanks for the response.
-Thanks for your reply. Interesting ....
-So much for no haggling. Well. I guess they don't haggle, but they do discount. The difference from other dealers is that they disclose, I guess. Pre-internet, my last purchase in 94, didn't disclose a $1000 cash back and were about to roll that into profit. Thanks you Consumer Reports for telling all. Now-a-days, that info. is public.
-Cute your comment on rain. Same here in South Jersey and I planted 15 new evergreens in the Spring that I am hand ('watering can') watering every night. Roll on Autumn. It did rain this week though at last ... and ... it will come all too soon plus the white stuff !
-I'm 46 so we are the same vintage. I would be interested to see stats. on the VUE buyers. I figured that all the 'bibs and bobs' would be a nice upgrade when I hit 50 +. Otherwise I would have been happier with something simpler. I may be middle age ... (did I just admit to that at last ???) ... but I am not ready to be boring and stayed. I bet your teenagers are happy that you have a practical car thats 'cool' !! (you know. For a wagon !!!)
(oarlox)
-Great report on your hardy VUE. Nice to hear that.
-I think the rareness of VUE sightings is the same everywhere, not just in Alaska. I think (dindak) raises valid points, but it is still early days for a small car division.
-I see very few around South Jersey, but I am starting to see them more and more as the "last of the Summer Wine" unfoils. Probably vacationers.
-I actually didn't see many around Nashville a few weeks ago and that's 'home turf' for the VUE. Most folks have never heard of them or seen them.
-The new advertising campaign will probably make a big difference. The last ones were odd. You couldn't get a real impression of that toy VUE.
-Enjoy having a unique car. It won't last.
Later ...
I still get many compliments and questions like "what is it?" "how do you like it?" "That's a nice looking vehicle" when I park in parking lots, etc. I think it is hilarious when I am sitting at a light and you see the driver next to you looking and looking & you know they are trying to figure out what it is. You almost want to roll down the window and tell them it a VUE - nah ... more fun not to.