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Comments
First, she loves her car. Right size, nice ground clearance, pretty good interior space. The 3.5L V6 (sourced from Honda, by the way) has lots of get up and go.
With regards to winter driving, the VUE has been a champ. We had 3 storms in 3 weeks in late December and early January that dumped a total of almost 50" of snow on us. The VUE got through that with no problems.
We do not use snow tires or chains .. we did, however, replace the lousy OEM tires with some Coopers all seasons and the difference has been amazing.
The '08 VUE will have three different engines available .. the standard 2.4L 4-cylinder, and two V6's. One is the 3.5L OHV that you see in the Aura and Malibu, while the other is the 3.6L OHC VVC that is the upscale engine in the Aura, as well as the Cadillac CTS.
I suspect that when the '08 comes out, there will be some terrific deals to be had on the '07's.
Good luck!
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That doesn't seem very good for a 4cyl. We had a 2003 V6 Vue that got mid to high 20s on the hiway. I always thought the 2.2 was too small for the Vue. The 2.4 in the new one is a better fit. I'm curious what the mileage will be.
His Camry has 225km and only had:
Oil changes
tires
Timing belt replacement
Engine seal. (These are usually replaced when you do a timing belt change. Along with a Waterpump. ) Sounds like scott avoided the waterpump.
I also have a camry with about 100,000 miles on it and nothing has gone bad. I also purchased it used when it had 13,000 miles. The past owner treated if awful by the amount of scratches that were on it. All I do is replace oil (now with mobil 1), new brake pads once, I change trans fluid and radiator fluid on a 30,000 mile schedule. I also drive like a madman and it still works great.
With all of the issues he is having with his Saturn. It sounds like more then just a lemon. Lemon is used way to often on these forums. A lemon to me would be a problem with one or two items. But when you have as many problems he has had and, some more then once. It sounds like a quality control problem period! Parts, and actual design is where I would look. The actual labor can only effect so many issues, before it is ruled out.
All of these so called American car companies try gimmicks to sell their products and by looking at their sales decline year over year the american people are not buying it. I think their design team is to blame. Heck GM is now looking to buy Chrysler, what is with that? They own about a dozen car brands as it is and can't sell their autos, their management team is awful. Being the biggest means nothing if you just buy your growth.
I would have thought by now that American car companys would have learned their lesson by now? But it looks like their game plan has not changed.
The years I have seen this happen start from 1987-2002. I don't know many people with that tag anymore.
Even as recent as my sister, she has a dodge van 2002, I told her the AC will fail, 3 years later right after the warranty expired it was dead.
Note: Chrysler just recently jacked up the warranty on the AC to lose the bad image. I doubt it will help.
They had a good warranty that year too (7/70 powertrain).
Check out the Report - GM to buy Chrysler? discussion for more predictions.
On paper, at 8" longer, the Equinox seems like it would be much bigger. In person I am not sure. It's hard to get that subjective feel of one, then drive to a different dealership, and check out the other. We did spot a used Equinox at our Saturn dealer this weekend and plan on doing a side by side comparo, but, has anyone here done the same?? Any comments/thoughts about their sizes, ability to handle adults in the back seat, cargo space, etc.
Also, we were leaning towards a loaded 4 cyl Vue, but then I saw that the V6 FWD was no worse on gas. Is this reality or just the rating ?? I can't believe the 4 cyl with only 144 hp gets only 27 mpg on the highway, while the 6 cyl with 248 hp gets 28. I do realize the 5 speed tranny versus 4 speed tranny but that would have to mean the 4 cylinder's top gear is very short.
Thanks.
Brian
1) The VUE as we know it is dead. They stopped making them about a month ago and the new one is smaller than the current one. If you buy a 2007 VUE, you are buying a car that will be old the day you drive it off the lot. I've done something similar to that before and you just get upset.
2) You can get a good deal on the 2007 VUE right now for just that reason. It seems to be a good buy right now.
If you get a VUE, make sure it's got the V6. Our 2005 VUE is a 4 cylinder 5 speed. We took it to our dealer last Saturday thinking about trading up to a 2007 with V6 and a few other goodies we don't have now. The dealer practically told us they did not want our trade. I can understand why. They are advertising in the paper right now a 2007 VUE with 4 cylinder and 5 speed for about $14,700 after rebates. They would have a hard time selling one that's 2 years old when a brand new one is only $14,700. This is our 4th Saturn; but, if a Saturn dealer won't take it for a trade, I certainly don't need to buy another Saturn--now or in the future. Good luck to you. Buy the Equinox--it comes standard with traction control and stability control. Those are the kind of things that can save your life one day.
I tried the Equinox when we were shopping and didn't like the 3.4lV6 to much - less power, noisier. Equinox is certainly a capable rig; but the VUE was a better deal equally equipped (even tho Chevy had more rebates at the time.) mpg for the life we've owned the VUE calculates to almost 23mpg - I think we'll keep it.
The category of SUV I'm interested in is under 3500lbs, 30mpg on the hwy and 18 to 22k. That's the Jeep Patriot, the Honda CRV and maybe the new Nissan Rogue. The new Vue is too fat and too expensive.
I am frustrated because the service department gives me lots of "we can't reproduce the problem" types of comments and I am to the point where I feel they don't know what they are doing.
Here is my latest problem...I would be interested to know if anyone else is having this problem...
My dash lights are doing screwy things....service light, service engine soon, the gas gauge, as well as tachometer, speedometer and temperature gauge all go haywire constantly as I am driving.
My Non saturn auto repairmen has tried and tried to figure it all out, he is to the point where he is now sending me back to the dealer. He feels I have a short somewhere. This has not been the only problem with my car. I am out of warranty, but still paying on the car (not much to go now). There have been other problems which Saturn couldn't fix during warranty. After warranty the problem became worse and I had to pay to have it fixed....My next car will be a Honda!!! I want something that lasts!
I'd ask your dealer to fix the old problems for free, assuming you have a record of your service visits asking them to fix these old problems, and assuming there's not some other reason why the problems got worse (accident, abuse, etc.).
If the dealer doesn't agree to work with you, ask to speak to a zone representative (or whatever Saturn calls their regional customer support people). If you still don't get any results, you may want to contact your local consumer protection agency and see if they can help.
The After Warranty Assistance article at Edmunds may be of interest too.
I'm pretty sure that the reason for your problems is a failing BCM (body control module). In a nutshell, the BCM controls all sorts of things dash and interior related, basically all of the things you've listed as going crazy as well as things like the remote unlock on your key ring and the interior lights.
As far as I know, the BCM can only be replaced by the dealer as there's a bunch of programming that they have to do to it once they've replaced it. It is unfortunately a fairly common failure on the 02-03 Vue. I've read its about $ 800 to repair...
You've mentioned that you've brought your car to the dealer - make sure you've got all of your receipts so you can make a case that there were things that could have been repaired under warranty but "couldn't be reproduced" by the dealer mechanics.
Best of luck - keep in mind that Honda and Toyota have service departments too and its not easy to get an appointment at theirs either...I know a guy who had a late model Camry that was falling apart at 35K miles and I knew someone that had a '69 VW Beetle that was a lemon. There are no guarantees, they all need repairs - Don't worry, be happy
Just want to report that my 2004 Vue with 43,000 miles, the 4 cylinder and a 5 speed manual trans is running great and getting me 25 MPGs in the process.
Went on a camping trip last week - the Vue climbs hills like a mountain goat...
:shades:
The dealer has been notified, and in fact we took the vehicle in to see if they could detect any problems. Nothing shows up on any of the sensors and the suspension components all seem to be in proper alignment, etc. They told us to keep track of all the instances of the problem and we've pretty much narrowed it down to that speed, a certain rpm, and a certain gear (2nd to the highest).
It feels like the drive wheels have broken loose, for example on wet pavement, but this occurs under many conditions, most of which are not on wet pavement. And, of course, it doesn't happen all the time. The dealership had the vehicle overnight and could never get it to duplicate the problem.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this??? Appreciate any input. Oh yes, we've got over 50k on the vehicle.
I know exactly what you are talking about ... I too have an 04' V6 FWD. I have experienced the same problems. At around 30 - 35 mph the vibration kicks in and I can duplicate this vibration time and time again in any conditions. It first noticed it at about 35000 km, I now have 140 000. It seems to be much more frequent lately. It seems as though the transmission is hesitating in climbing into the next gear (second) at this speed range. I am just waiting for this shudder to turn into a slipping action from the transmission. YOU are not alone this "shudder" is a common complaint among 04' owners.
Isn't this transmission actually a GM product linked to a Honda engine? Like you, we're concerned this will continue and get worse and eventually whatever the problem is (most likely the transmission), will seize up and the vehicle will be disabled at a very inopportune time.
2008 saturn vue vin#'s affected 85648468-85665369
Several trips to the Dealership, and the same unable to reproduce garbage. Along with this issue, I have also had to have front wheel bearings replaced 2x times at nearly 1400 a pop.. Both under warranty. once at 77k and the second at 99k. Along with Abnormal brake wear and replacement.. rotors every 15k brake about the same
I have complained to Saturn, and they have been rude and unresponsive. Saturn of lmhurst IL is the worst dealership EVER. With Both wheel bearing replacements, they told me it was tire noise, I replaced the tires, and in both occasions it did nothing, When I returned to the dealership they REFUSED me entrance to the Service bay and told me that there was nothing wrong with my car. I returned the next day and the Service Manager Kevin told me to take my car to another Saturn dealer.
Amazingly enough The 2nd Dealership found the problem immediately. (Wheel Bearing) Unfortunately the transmission shudder only happened once, the major concern was the wheel bearings. The 2nd tech eluded that there were Many issues with the Wheel bearings and that it would be surprising to replace these.
My mileage ran out, but I can make the Transmission shudder in 30-35 miles an hour...
My 2nd and Last Saturn.. and Never again GM.
Corporate Saturn stated that the region Service manager would be examining the car, @ the 2nd dealership, and in the meantime they would be sending me a Service voucher for 250 dollars. The voucher never came, or the appointment setup. I called in the beginning in May, and was told the paperwork was missing. They sent me the voucher.. and told me no further assistance was available. I stated I would be contacting the Better Business Bureau
I have a case with the Better Business Bureau opened, however it falls outside of lemon law repurchase.. I am waiting further communication from BBB to file a complaint.
Saturn called me back to tell me that their position has not changed. Message boards like this is my first stop. Next You Tube, then the consumerist, after that... My local Paper.
Can you believe the arrogance?
Anyone have the same or similar issues with their 2004 VUE?
Has anyone heard of a recent recall on Saturn Vues just released this May?
I feel your frustration I too have same issues. Dealer has never been able to find the problem ... the only problem is that I bought a GM product, bad move on my part!
It might be time to get the National Highway Transportation and Safety Adm involved. (that title is prolly wrong.)
Just curious.. are these REDLINE VUES?
File a Complaint
Please take a few minutes to report on your dealers too:
Dealer Ratings and Reviews
Thanks!
Heres the complaint number: 10228536
It might take a couple of days for it to be searchable, but If anyone else would like to reference it might be helpful all involved.
I have also contacted the consumerist(consumerist.com) and hopefully we can start a dialog with that group.
BBB stated that its not lemon eligible because of Age.
I asked for a formal complaint to be processed. I have documentation from the first major service visit.
maybe, just maybe, they will assist those of us with these problems.
I also discuss the suspension that have been worn since about 36k, and all the other oddities.
They say what is causing the shudder is an "internal converter clutch failure inside the torque converter". The torque converter needs to be replaced in the transmission and it is approx. $2,000 to fix.
I'm going to make sure they realize I pay nothing if this does not fix the problem.
This really sucks. If you've tried to trade your Vue, you'll find the trade in value is next to nothing. Honda offered me about $5,000 for my 2004 that is in excellent condition (or so I thought it was in excellent condition). :mad: :mad: :mad:
This will be my last Saturn. Transmissions should not begin to fail at 50,000 miles.
I haven't been brave enough to try and trade the car in. I somehow knew that was going to be the case. Saturn Coporate is rude and ignorant. they offered me 250 dollars for my inconvenience, and the regional manager was supposed to evaluate the VUE.. that has seemed to Dry up.
Call Corporate see saturn.com for the number.
I agree 50k is not good for a Transmission.
The more people that complain the better!
Anyone have any ideas on how to correct??
The service manager at the dealership calls me a [non-permissible content removed] and hangs up on me; the salesman tells me he has been paid and it is no longer his problem; other Saturn dealers will not help me because I did not purchase the car frm them; GM will not even talk to me, telling me I must go back to the dealer; local media will not pursue any of the issues as the dealer of purchase is one of their advertisers; national media won't pursue the issue as there are too many worse issues with car dealers and referred me back to the Better Business Bureau, who says thay they may get to my complaint in a few months as there are many others ahead of me with some of the same issues with this make and model.
The car that the dealer had ready for me was not the car that I originally purchased; I trusted them, what a fool.
This car frequently jumps forward when I am stopped at an intersection to the point that I have been stopped by three policemen for doing something called Powerbraking, and have been issued warnings for same. Only after much discussion am I able to avoid a ticket. The brakes frequently fail when braking frm high speed; the dashlights work only intermittently; the tailights do not work, but the brake lights do - i have also been stopped for this at night; the headlights go off and on at night; the wipers only work on high; the car has many rattles and squeaks that come frm different places in the car at different times; the cruise control comes on by itself - I think this is somehow related to the constant trying to push me into the intersection, or into the car in front of me; the right front wheel pulls to the right when the brakes are applied; the car constanly vibrates when driving over 35 MPH; the tach goes frm 900 to 1300 RPM when sitting at idle, and finally, the windshield washer fluid container leaks.
I have begged the dealer, Saturn Corporate Customer Service, and GM, to replace the car since it had 61 miles on the odometer as promised by the salesman up to 1500 miles at any time; Saturn Customer Service says to just keep driving it and these issues will work out. And the dealer says I am a lying [non-permissible content removed]. I couldn't make these things up.
I have tried to trade the vehicle in but first of all, I owe too much on it, and when I am honest and tell what all the problems the vehicle has, the dealerships all tell me they can't help me.
Any advice would be most welcome. I don't want to die - the last incident of the car trying to jump into traffic was at a railroad crossing.
Thank-you for your time.
You didn't mention whether anyone had even bothered to examine your VUE or to perform any diagnostics related to the problems you mentioned. Did they and, if so, what exactly did they say about it?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I have tried many times to work out a time to take the car to any Saturn Dealership in Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan; I have been promised by any number of people: a rental, an immediate exchange of vehicles, that a Saturn Rep would be coming to pick up, and exchange, the vehicle, and the always famous well, we don't have any openings in service this week, or next, but will call you if we do, none of which was actually followed up on; Saturn has not ever, once, admitted that there just might be a problem with either the dealer, or the vehicle. I have shown up at the dealership unannounced only to be told that I will need an appointment and because there are issues, I will need to speak with the service manager, or sales manager, who of course, can't see me right now; I have made appointments at the Saturn Dealer in Ypsilanti, MI to exchange the car only to be called by the Service Manager at the last minute, who couldn't get off the phone fast enough, that the appointment had been cancelled because I did not purchase the vehicle frm them; Saturn of Toledo has called me many rude names as I have been begging for help almost as soon as I picked up the vehicle with 45 miles on it that it did not have when I test drove it and said I would take it, but had to wait to pick it up for Dealer Prep and reported me to Saturn Corporate as having a case of Buyer's Remorse - not true - and that I want money back for buying a Demo, which I did not as the price I paid was for a new car and finally have been told not to bring the car to the Toledo Dealership as there was no guarantee as to what condition it would be when I returned to pick it up, and as we all know, it could be worse.
I did a lot of research on this vehicle and thought I had made a wise choice; I just want one that is safe to drive; I don't want money back, like the Dealer keeps saying; I want the vehicle exchanged for the same make and model.
Thank-you again. Any help would be appreciated.
Happy to say I sold my Saturn last week and have a new Honda Civic on the way.
I think I am a little luckier in that I didn't need to replace tires until about 50k miles and the first brakes work was around 58k miles (which included new pads, rotores, etc.). While these were somewhat pricey, I think they are reasonable given the life of the vehicle before I experienced any problems. I had to have some sensor replaced in my tire last year, but that has been the only issues I have ever had with this vehicle since I purchased it in April 2004.
I am now at about 60k miles and have been experiencing a creaking sound in the front passenger side that sounds like it is coming from around the tire or the suspension. I remember this happened a couple months back, but went away and I forgot about the issue, but now it is back. Is this a similar issue that others are having? Is there anything I can do about this or is there some sort of recall that covers this? Does anyone know if this poses any significant safety issues?