school me on the saturn vue

Found a 2002 3.0 V6 awd in great shape. 100k mi $3500. Don't know anything about them. Is the 3.0 any good?

If it has the automatic, run away fast

aussiesmg wrote: If it has the automatic, run away fast

Ya auto, bad?

How about the later ones with the honda 3.5 v6? Did they get the crappy honda auto?

I have nothing productive to add to this thread. But, I want one in a 4cyl, 5spd, AWD.

I had an 04 with the 2.2. I loved it. Bad news though. GM had a recall for the "AWD" breaking. The rear diff locs on violently when there was an 800 RPM difference front to rear. This ended up breaking diffs or sending people off the road if going around a corner. Check to see if recall work was done and what is was. Also heard bad reveiws about the Saturn 3.0 engine. I forget what it was for though.

In reply to gofastbobby: Doesnt exist. "AWD" only available with the auto. And the AWD really isnt an actual AWD. Think of it like doing a burnout in a 4x4 in 2high, then slamming it into 4high while still spinning the rear tires.

Looking for a new car for the wife (her scion was rear ended). We have determined the CRV to be perfect in every way except price. You can get a similar vue for like 8k less. Was surfing craigslist for newer vues and saw that 02. How are the newer ones with the honda v6?

you just broke my heart.

In reply to AquaHusky:

Is it really that bad?

In reply to old_: Bad enough that there was a recall to replace the actuator in the rear diff to drop engagement RPMs by 400. The Honda 3.5 engines seem golden. Check out saturnfans.com I think it is and have a look around. I used to post there when I had my VUE. I want another 04 like my old one. Dual exhust and all.

3.0 = bad
3.5 = good, but IIRC has the odyssey trans problems
2.2 auto < 05 = CVT of death
2.2 auto >= 05 = reliable utility beast
2.2 manual = reliable utility beast (this is FWD only)

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/teach-me-saturn-vue/63231/page1/

Yes, the manual, FWD, 2.2 is a decent vehicle.

My limited exposure to these was that the seats were horribly uncomfortable. Front seats were slightly better than the rear.

Secretariata wrote: My limited exposure to these was that the seats were horribly uncomfortable. Front seats were slightly better than the rear.

sounds pretty typical of GM seats...

someone mentioned them not long back here on GRM and I've been noticing how many manuals pop up on CL around here... seems like something I'd consider based on the price and needs.

ProDarwin wrote: 3.0 = bad 3.5 = good, but IIRC has the odyssey trans problems 2.2 auto < 05 = CVT of death 2.2 auto >= 05 = reliable utility beast 2.2 manual = reliable utility beast (this is FWD only) http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/teach-me-saturn-vue/63231/page1/

Yes, re-read this thread above in its entity.
I have now had my Vue for 4 full months and 16k miles. I am still very happy with the value of my 4cyl/5spd combo.

For a direct answer, I recommend avoiding the 3.0L engine. It is a little odd and very much unloved.
The 3.5L of '04 -'07 is better but the trans is finicky. It is not know for failure as much as it is known for "shutter" and odd/rough shifts. The owners talk of 30k miles trans fluid changes (with only the good stuff.) Upon buying one used, they recommend a 3x fill. The trans case only drains about half the fluid.
Drain #1 = about 50% fresh fluid
Drain #2 = about 75% fresh fluid
Drain #3 = about 90% fresh fluid

Mid year of '05 the 2.2L 4 cyl got a traditional 4 speed trans. These are good too but just be aware that some '05s still got CVT do be sure to drive and verify.

2nd gen is a much nicer vehicle.

Here is more recent chatter which may be relevant to your situation:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/battle-of-the-boxes-daily-driver-edition/72611/page1/

Another thing GM did was program a torque limiter in the v6 equipped VUEs. In 1st gear, power is limited, maybe to save the trans?

Another vote for the 4 banger 5 spd., my step dad had one that was completely trouble free. They only got rid of it b/c they wanted more space, they traded it in on a Tundra.

Auto shouldn't be too bad, but yes the CVT is to be avoided at all cost. Just like any other CVT, kill with fire!

ive seen several 5sp/4cyl/fwd examples at auction with a quarter million miles lately. didnt seem any worse for wear.

you dont want an L81 (3.0 54degree V6). Not a Vue, not a catera, not an L-series, not a SAAB. You do not want it anywhere.

belteshazzar wrote: ive seen several 5sp/4cyl/fwd examples at auction with a quarter million miles lately. didnt seem any worse for wear. you dont want an L81 (3.0 54degree V6). Not a Vue, not a catera, not an L-series, not a SAAB. You do not want it anywhere.

Sooo like what does a 2010ish AWD CRV usually go for at the auction?

more than they're worth imo. i don't even pay attention.

The wife has one. Honda V6, FWD. So far it has been a great car. Problems she has had. Rear windshield wiper not working, windshield cleaning sprayer not working and that is it. It has 115k miles.