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So Tidester! wins this discussion's Big # 1200 Lottery . Congrats to my co-host.
Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Haven't posted in a while(been to busy driving my VUE) and thought I would give every one an update. Let me start by saying I love my VUE!
I have come across two minor problems:
1. The foam backing on the driver side doors handles is coming off. I called the dealership on this and they will be replacing both door handles when I bring it in for my next oil change - no biggie
2. Today I noticed that there is a creaking sound coming from the steering column when I turn the wheel. I haven't noticed any difference in the steering and the turn signals, wipers, etc seem to be working properly. It just has me a little concerned since I know it is electric steering. I plan on having it looked at as well.
Like I said minor problems. I think I forgot to mention in my original post that I bought the extended warranty (5yrs/75000miles) as I am a high mileage driver. Happy driving.
I can type, but it is not my favourite pastime. Let me know about a specific item and I will let you know what my dealer wants for installation.
Attention moderator, I claim the title of the legitimate 1200th posting, the others you obviously
felt weren't legitimate and therefore don't count.
I am Mr. 1200 ;})
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
jafick: the sport package will end at some point, probably around the time saturn starts selling the cv-tranny. As to when that will be, no one knows.
What would the install cost be for the following:
Liftgate Air deflector
Splash Guards (Front and Rear)
Rear Bumper protection pad
Hood Air Deflector
Wheel Locks (I will do this myself, but just curious what they will charge)
Thanks in advance.
Here we go.
Liftgate Air deflector 128.36 or 163.86 installed
Splash Guards (Front and Rear) see below
Rear Bumper protection pad 58.91 or 73.11 it's a stick on
Hood Air Deflector 128.89 or 150.19 installed
Wheel Locks 68.09 or 89.39 installed , my new favourite ridiculous cost.
Ok the splash guards come in two types according to the dealer in the states with the great web page dedicated to Vue accessories . Whick I will post in a minute. There are flat ones and molded ones, and he says trust me you want the molded ones. Prices quoted are per pair, please double same for all the way around.
flat 23.78 or 66.38 installed
molded 83.00 or 111.40 installed
I will look at the ones in the shipping yard tomorrow but I bet the holes are already in place for the screws.
David I hope this helps.
Jeff
http://www.saturndan.com/vue_accessories.htm
Jeff
Please test drive the 4 cylinder automatic before you order it. I am not impressed, it has the acceleration of an Automatic Diesel Chevette with the Air conditioning running. It, in my opinion is not a happy combination.
I have driven several, has anyone else ? With the 5 speed the 4 banger is fine.
Jeff
The question of warranty does come into play on some of this stuff so I will have to find out about that.
Hope to order a Vue when the 2003 model starts production.
www.saturnbp.com
We are going to order when the 2003's are available, My dealer says that you can order one as soon as April 15th. We are hoping that one of the new colour options will be yellow. Our Sales lady and Dan the Saturn Man say that yellow is definately coming , but whether it will be late or early in the model year is an unknown. Also it was mentioned the last time that Saturn offered Yellow , it wasn't available on the entry level model. But we have our fingers crossed.
I had a good look at a Vue today, and there doesn't seem to be any pre drilled holes for the mud flaps, but they may however attach to the plastic bolts that hold the inner fender to the outer fender. ?
Good luck to us all, after we buy the Vue , I may look at getting a basic Saturn as well, in the Toronto Sun today they were offered at $12,245.00 for the stripped 5 spd with no air, would make a nice commuter car with the way gas prices are rising.
Jeff
First of all, I know I mentioned in an earlier post that the piece around the gear shift with the P R D L 2 emblem in it was peeling on the edge. I took it in today and they replaced that piece in a few minutes. I was there anyway for the new owner's workshop.
By the way, the new owner's workshop is definitely worth the time. They tell you all about your new Saturn vehicle and even show you everything from top to bottom stressing some good-to-know points as they go over the vehicle. They have the mechanics show you around an actual Vue. But it's more than just "how to check the oil". They also have dinner for you and they give away door prizes. It lasts about an hour and a half. VERY HELPFUL, even if you know something about cars.
I also want to relay a quick story of a recent experience with Saturn . . . I got a phone call yesterday from Spring Hill. The lady on the other end told me they had received the letter I sent (After I bought my Saturn, I had such a good experience, that I sent a letter to the President in Spring Hill). She told me that they were pleased that I had such a wonderful experience and they wanted me to know that they would share my compliments with the local dealership and the salesman. We had a very pleasant conversation. But I thought it was nice that she called me to tell me they got my letter. I have actually sent two letters to Spring Hill, the first one talking about my great experience buying the Vue and the second making suggestions for later Vue models (or telling them my likes and dislikes). In both instances, they have sent me an extensive response email from a live person rather than a form letter.
One thing that no other company can beat is the way that Saturn goes above and beyond to please it's customers. These examples above were no exception.
Anyway ... my dealership said that they were definately coming out with yellow next year in a special limited edition. He also said that the black silver will not be available next year - replaced with a straight black and gold will also be discontinued & replaced with some shade of a blue.
*Exterior
Custom yellow show-car paint with glass bead technology
Monochromatic exterior colour
Sporty appearance package
Modified front/rear fascia
Side rocker skirting
Aero roof spoiler
Three panel sunroof
Independent front and rear suspension with modified springs (vehicle lowered approximately three inches)
18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels with low-profile performance tires
Four-wheel disc brakes
Custom chrome exhaust tip
High intensity headlamps
Tinted glass
*Interior
Custom yellow and tan interior with green suede accents
Special interior fabrics/floor treatment
Multi-media sound system with integrated navigation unit
DVD system with monitors integrated into headrests
Rear seat gaming system
OnStar
Saturn VUE "Outdoor Expression" vehicle features
*Exterior
Aqua show-car paint
Appearance package including wheel flares and grey accents on lower door panels
Front brush bar
Side step bars
Prominent roof rack
16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and all-terrain tires
Tail lamp guards
Custom exhaust tip
*Interior
Custom orange and gray interior with ostrich leather accents
Rubberized cargo area and floor covering
Custom seat fabric
Plug-in handheld GPS unit
OnStar
For pictures of these machines and the Yellow and Blue that will be used, go to:
www.canadiandriver.com/news/010208-3.htm
Well almost all of the Vues come through us. But imagine if you will that, you are in the parking lot of the biggest shopping center that you have ever visited. All it holds is GM cars, and
infinite variations of same. Looking for the red, standard, 6 cd changer Vue, might be compared to looking for the yellow dandelion on an 80 acre field.
If i had the serial number it would be possble for me to manually check each one, but not very practical. Some vehicles arrive by train and are shipped out on another within hours, so tracking them without using a computer would be difficult at a 24 hour a day option. What I can tell you is that your dealer can use his computer to track the car. When it was built, when it left the plant and when it arrived in Canada etc. etc.
You have ordered the vue as I would if it was entirely up to me. But I was vetoed by my wife, she likes that awful burnt orange colour. We are both hoping for a canary yellow to be offered.
We will be getting the side curtain airbag but not the 6 disc. The sunroof makes the vehicle feel bigger inside and we will get that too.
One more thing GM announced this week that they will make the safety equipment optional on more and more models. They say that anti-lock brakes cost the company about 160 dollars per car. Of course they charge us $750 for it on the Vue, and they say that side airbags cost them about 65 dollars per car and again they charge us $515.00 dollars for it. Makes you wonder if safety is important to them why they don't offer those options at cost.
Jeff
Thanks for the link to the yellow view. But unless the colours are way off on my monitor, that is canary yellow. Accessories are starting to show up on ebay already. Someone is offering a wood trim kit at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1821376678&r=0&t=0
and someone else has a sunroof air deflector. When you do a search on EBAY type in Saturn Vue , not just Vue.
Jeff
Looks like we are going to skip the SUV (including the VUE) this time around and get a Alero instead. The deals are so good (as is the car), so we just couldn't pass it up. We can easily do with out a truck for a few more years so we will wait for our VUE. Among the small SUVs, it was definitely our first choice so unless something better comes along we will likely get one in about 3-4 years.
Too bad you can't get the sport Ed vue up there, seems like you would have bought that.
DD
You are right though, the sport package would have sold us a VUE for sure. Unfortunately, it's still not available to be ordered up here which is odd as the L-100 and S-series special editions are available here (and definitely are a good deal). Oh well, what can I do.
I am glad you made up your mind, but something tells me that you will not quite be satified by that kind of car. That being said, I understand that one must compromise when bying a vehicle.
The GM points also limit one's choice, to a new vehicle and a GM. I have swithed to the City Bank card - it is a 3% on any new or used vehicle ($1000/yr at $70/yr). It will give me a better choice next time.
Good luck with some of the last "Olds".
Next vehicle in 3 years or so will likely be a CVT VUE anyway. By then I'm sure the truck will be even better than it is today. I look forward to the Saturn sales experience as buying the Alero was more difficult. I ended up going through autobytel, which I highly recommend.
http://www.autoweek.com
full link:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code= autoweek&cat_code=carnews &loc_code=index&content_code=09328466
(take out the spaces for the full link)
Thanks.
VUE w/Sport Plus Pkg:
+ABS/Traction Control
+Mud Flaps (dealer installed)
+Rubber Floor Mats (Highly recommended)
~$17,800
Yesterday, I went to the car wash as I have many times before. I got the complete wash which includes undercarriage. When I went to the vacuums, I pulled up the front floor mats and they were wet BUT ONLY on the side closest to the center dash console. So I felt around the console and the carpet was pretty wet. It was dry over by the doors though.
Now you all know I had to have the windshield replaced due to a rock chip that spread. But usually those leaks come from the top or sides. It's completely dry there. This leak is coming from the center DASH console somehow. Any ideas or advice??? I can't call Saturn until Monday. But believe me, I'll be calling before their coffee is cold in the cup Monday morning.
Simple question to all:
Should I still rust proof annually even with the plastic side panels and bumpers?.
Thanks
** Has anyone notice a "hesitation" on starting with the VUE? The finance lady at Saturn has the same problem, but no diagnosis or codes are occurring on her nor my VUE. It is as if the VUE begins to start, the electrical cuts out, then continues. Just thought I would post the question ***
Took the VUE in at 3336 miles (nice to pay for the first oil change before the first car payment *sigh*). Had a list of "issues" for the dealer to inspect on the VUE. Last time I was at the dealership, a new nozzle was ordered for the driver's side and that has now been installed. The original nozzle had a stream not a mist (I still say they are aimed to low on the windshield). My dash has started squeaking again in the cooler weather, as the car warms, but the dealer could not reproduce this time. I may need to stop by on my way home from work on a day the problem is occurring. At any rate, it is listed on the service order. The struts are squeaking again, first repair dealer thought it was a rear bumper/fascia misalignment. Spring parts are on order. The problem should not occur on new VUEs as the parts are now being strapped in place so that they do not move as the car travels down the assembly line. Rear brakes are squeaking when backing up, dealer checked shoes and performed some lubrication. Problem has not recurred. Right rear door had a vibration from the stereo in cooler weather. The sound went away after it was warm enough to drive with sunroof and windows open (maybe the louder volume on the stereo solved the problem).
Another fit and finish issue, the upper molding on the driver's door is warped. I noticed the problem after the last time I took in the VUE, but decided it was not worth going back before the oil change. A new one has been ordered and will be installed when the strut parts are replaced.
Still loving the VUE, still one of the best new vehicles I have ever owned. I think it is tied right now with my 1998 Prizm Lsi. For those of you that care, I am averaging 26 mpg on mixed driving with the 4cyl 5spd. --Eric
I once had the front passenger floor of a saab 900 flood because the a.c. drain was plugged. Car was new, but drain for the condensed water didn't let it escape.
Could just be a coincidence that you went through a carwash before noticing it.
keep us posted.
For those of you with the sport package, are you happy with the overall performance of your vehicle? I'm riding the fence and will admit that if Saturn had some better color combos I would be sold now. Wish they had darker interiors and a few more choices for the exterior. Thanks.