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Saturn VUE No Start

142 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 1:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, SUV

    

Messages Page 13 of 15

#117 of 142 2007 Vue Hybrid by croom74

Jan 11, 2012 (11:00 am)

Hi,
 
I'm new to Edmunds and also new to Saturn product line. My son recently totaled my car so I 'm in search of a replacement and saw a 2007 Vue Hybrid for sale. I was not able to find out more about how this particular implementation of hybrid is being done and/or what are the most likely parts it will need to be replace as the car get older (it's 6 yrs old already). Most importantly the cost to fix as I read some of the comments/reviews in Edmunds, seems to be expensive items. Like stuts, steering, ignition etc ... I also saw there's actually a GM rep monitor this forum ... which I think it's great that they can have first hand knowledge of what users are experiencing and consider important.
I would like to get an opinion from someone give me some pointers ... a private seller asking for $12,500 with 42K miles on 2007. What should I be prepare to pay for maintanence? I'm expecting to take it to at least 120K (if possible that is).
 
Thanks in advance.

#118 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [croom74] by 442dude

Jan 11, 2012 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: croom74 (Jan 11, 2012 11:00 am)
There's a lot to like about the VUE, especially for a younger driver...its built like a tank, gets decent gas mileage and can be had for a reasonable price...
 
Here's my opinion: Try to find a 2006-2007 2007 NON Hybrid with the 4cylinder and automatic trans (AVOID 2002-2004 4cylinder automatics - its a long story, just trust me)
 
The hybrid system has been quirky and due to its design doesn't achieve the lofty MPGs that you would hope for anyway. The 4 cylinder without the hybrid system will give MPGs in the mid 20s and is a solid if simple drivetrain.
 
The front suspension is typically where you will spend your repair $...the factory OEM struts aren't very good, nor are the strut bearings or swaybar links...some have replaced wheel bearings as well but this seems more prevalent in the rust belt states so depending on where you live you may or may not have a problem...The OEM brake rotors are known to be prone to warping...the permanent fix is to replace them with a name brand that is not AC Delco and you solve the problem. That's how I fixed it on both of my GM cars.
 
The 2006-2007 has a nicer interior than the earlier models and is also quieter in the cabin...
 
IMHO $12,500 for a 2007 Vue is kind of high, even with 42K miles...I bet you could do better with some more looking around and by not buying the hybrid version. Saturn resale values are the pits since they're not around anymore...you may not care since you're looking to hold on to it anyway, but that should allow you to get a better deal up front.
 
BTW - the Vue has a BAS hybrid system...Here's a link to learn more about how it works: link title
 
Best of luck - feel free to post back with any other questions...I hope I've helped...BTW - I've owned my 2004 Vue (4cylinder/5 speed manual trans) for the past 5 years so I can give you more insight if you need.

#119 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [442dude] by croom74

Jan 11, 2012 (7:36 pm)

Replying to: 442dude (Jan 11, 2012 2:54 pm)
Thank you so much for the post and it sure gave me lot of info. Especially on the link to BAS. I also saw a recall during 2008 because of the battery leaks. I gather if I decided to get a Vue, I should ask about if the battery was replaced. BTW, what's the rough cost and normal life of the battery anyway? I also think the asking price was little higher than I researched on Edmunds, KBB and Nada. Personally, I think it should be around $10,500 to $11,000, just a guess. I have not found too many Vue yet around my area (Austin, TX), so I think I'll take a drive on this one and see how it feel. Thanks again for your pointers.

#120 of 142 Re: DOA Saturn Vue [machinehead3] by machinehead3

Jan 13, 2012 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: machinehead3 (Jan 06, 2012 8:44 am)
Ok I got an Autech AL510 scanner and used it. There are no codes stored or other faults indicated. Did the key on for one hour thing, still no start. There is a red engine light on instrument panel lit up.

#121 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [croom74] by 442dude

Jan 14, 2012 (11:49 am)

Replying to: croom74 (Jan 11, 2012 7:36 pm)
I'm not really sure about the hybrid batteries' cost as I don't have one so I've never shopped it around....
 
Best of luck with your shopping...keep looking, you'll find a 2006-2007 that works for you - they built and sold a lot of them....
 
 

#122 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [442dude] by drayarenay

Jan 23, 2012 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: 442dude (Jan 11, 2012 2:54 pm)
HEY! You are very accurate! More info on the Saturn 2004. I'm considering purchasing one. Someone tried to sell me one (over priced) but I've been in love since my rear sat in the seat!!! I've been running ragged. I found a 2004 Saturn Vue with 83,000+ miles on it for $6,000. I'm a 23 year old girl. I pretty much do what I'm told when it comes to taking care of a car! Any thoughts !?

#123 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [drayarenay] by 442dude

Jan 23, 2012 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: drayarenay (Jan 23, 2012 4:06 pm)
Hi - I'm glad to help. Here's what you need to know about the 2004 Vue.
 
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO READ EVEN IF YOU SKIP THE REST:
 
Do not under any circumstances purchase a 2002-2005 4 cylinder Vue with an automatic transmission. This transmission has been VERY prone to failure and you'll be lucky to get 6 months out it. Google "saturn VTI transmission" if you don't believe me and read the horror stories. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT...most used car dealers know this and will do almost anything to get you to buy one of these...Don't fall for it!
 
That being said: the 4 cylinder automatics in the 2006-2007 model year were much better units and are as reliable as anything on the road. They are a little more expensive b/c they are newer but well worth it.
 
OK, we got that out of the way - Here's everything else you need to know:
 
The 04 Vue was offered with a 4 cylinder and a manual transmission, this has been a very reliable combination. The shifter isn't the best so if you've never driven one before its a tough one to learn on. If you like manual transmissions, you'll enjoy this one though. You'll get MPGs in the mid 20s and although its not the fastest ride on the street, you won't have any trouble keeping up with traffic. And the 4cylinder will give you all it has right up to the redline! There are plenty of these that went over 200,000 miles with few repairs. One weak spot has been the clutch slave cylinder which is an expensive part to replace...but this is much more common on pre-2004 manual transmission models.
 
There was also a 6 cylinder/automatic transmission offered. It is a Honda engine and transmission. Same as they used in the Odyssey. Very reliable and some report it gets better MPGs than the 4 cylinder, especially on the highway. You will have to change the timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles - about an $800.00 job, but otherwise, very few issues with this combo. If you're looking at one with more than 90,000 miles, ask to see the service receipt that shows the timing belt being changed. Expect to pay a little more for the 6 cylinder as the word is out that GM bought it from Honda and that its a good unit. One caveat though: the transmission is really picky about clean fluid. Expect to change it every 25,000 miles for best performance. There have also been some torque converter issues with these but all in all its been a good unit.
 
4 and 6 cylinder models were also offered with All Wheel Drive. The unit that they used in the Vue is a very lightweight unit and is known to need repairs from time to time, especially with the driveshaft and driveshaft bushing. If you don't REALLY need AWD...don't get it as its just one more system to break. I don't have it on mine but they say it doesn't work too well anyway...
 
The weak points in the 04 Vue are certainly the front brakes and front suspension system, regardless of which model. The front brake rotors tend to warp rather quickly...this is easily remedied by NOT using the AC Delco parts but instead by replacing them with quality aftermarket parts.
 
The front suspension also has some issues: The front OEM struts are not good units and will be shot by 70,000 miles if not sooner. And they're noisy too. There are also reported issues with the front swaybar links being noisy - fortunately they are inexpensive to replace.
 
I won't mention styling as that's really subjective but is should be said that the 2004+ Vues are a lot quieter in the cabin than the earlier ones. There was also an appearance and interior upgrade on the 2006-2007 models.
 
Since you like the Vue...also consider looking at the Chevrolet Equinox and the Pontiac Torrent. They are built on the same platform and are similar in size and have much nicer interiors than the Vue.
 
I hope this helped - please feel free to post back with any questions.
 
All the Best!!!

#124 of 142 my kids and I were almost burned inside my 2002 saturn vue by saturngirl02

Apr 05, 2012 (6:11 pm)

I was driving in a rainstorm and all of the sudden my car started smoking from under the hood. I pulled over and some people assisted me and opened the hood and the fuse block was melting (smoking) a gentleman actually risked his life and disconnected the battery cables to stop the melting of the fuse box in the middle of the rain! does anyone know how much the fuse block would be to replace and the procedure after replacing it also has this happened to anyone else?
I hope is not expensive since I am in my last semester of student teaching and have not had a job this whole year!

#125 of 142 Re: my kids and I were almost burned inside my 2002 saturn vue [saturngirl02] by kingcat

Apr 05, 2012 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: saturngirl02 (Apr 05, 2012 6:11 pm)
Please catch your breath after that nasty incident.
 
What happened to your Vue is a very unusual event. The fuse box caught fire because something shorted to ground.
 
Most electrical circuits are well designed and will trip a breaker or blow a fuse if shorted.
 
Saturn vehicles do not simply explode or do what you experienced.
 
How could this happen? My first guess would be the car would probably be
classified as a total for insurance purposes.
 
Fuse boxes do not simply over heat without some one changing the fuse values or adding a un fused cable.
 
My suggestion is write that vehicle off and find a safer SUV. We owned Saturn's for 12 years and they do not have any electrical or mechanical problems. They are serviced as per the manufactures manual.
 
That car is ten years old. Saturn cars have a better reputation then a fuse box melting. Be careful who you have selected to repair that Vue.

#126 of 142 Vue not starting/gas gauge at 'E' when full of gas by bmioskie

May 23, 2012 (1:59 pm)

Been dealing with issues with my 2003 Saturn Vue for 3 months now. First time, car would start and stay on for a second, then immediately shut off. Mechanic found nothing wrong...... They got it running and it worked for a week. Then, same issue, only this time noticed that the gas gauge would not budge from 'E' and I knew I just filled the tank the day before. Dealer thought it was a fuse - they replaced that for a whopping $202. Thought issue was fixed. Same issue about a week and a half later.......... took it to a local mechanic that I swear by -- they thought it might the computer system, but they weren't 100% sure..... Car sat for 2 weeks until they finally recommended a dealer that deals with Saturns (only one in my area that I know of -- Central Jersey btw!), so I had it towed there for $100...... just got car back on Saturday and it was running wonderfully until last night Same freaking issue. They had replaced 2 fuel pumps and the battery for $925 only to have the same issue creep up 4 days later!! Informed the dealer this am that THEY were getting the car towed back to them (and they did!) and just waiting now to hear what they plan on doing. Totally frustrating!!
 
Suggestions? Others with same issue? Hadn't had any real issues with car until this all started......
Thanks!

Messages Page 13 of 15

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