Buy GM?

[TimeKeeper]

My niece who just graduated and looking for an inexpensive car.
As a uncle, I really have no idea what to suggest for a compact suv.

We did look around compact SUV such as Saturn Vue ( there are still plenty of 2008 model left and price around $16K nicely equipped )

Do you fellows think it is a good idea?
Or spend more on Honda CRV?

 

[RedArmy]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
My niece who just graduated and looking for an inexpensive car.
As a uncle, I really have no idea what to suggest for a compact suv.

We did look around compact SUV such as Saturn Vue ( there are still plenty of 2008 model left and price around $16K nicely equipped )

Do you fellows think it is a good idea?
Or spend more on Honda CRV?

Please no, do not get a Saturn Vue*. My friend has had 3 of them (not by choice) and only partially liked one of them ('05 or '06 if I remember right, had the Honda 3.5L motor...only redeeming quality).
For the price you'd be paying for an '08 Vue you can get something that offers much better quality, both in terms of the interior and under the hood. It really is worth spending the extra money in the long run on something like a CRV or another comparable SUV offered either by Toyota (Rav4) or Ford (Escape).

Check the list out here for a list of comparable compact SUV's.

*Disclaimer: I say this based only on personal experience. You may have a Saturn Vue and it could be the best thing since sliced bread to you, but from what I've seen I cannot endorse the car.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
My niece who just graduated and looking for an inexpensive car.
As a uncle, I really have no idea what to suggest for a compact suv.

We did look around compact SUV such as Saturn Vue ( there are still plenty of 2008 model left and price around $16K nicely equipped )

Do you fellows think it is a good idea?
Or spend more on Honda CRV?

Please no, do not get a Saturn Vue*. My friend has had 3 of them (not by choice) and only partially liked one of them ('05 or '06 if I remember right, had the Honda 3.5L motor...only redeeming quality).
For the price you'd be paying for an '08 Vue you can get something that offers much better quality, both in terms of the interior and under the hood. It really is worth spending the extra money in the long run on something like a CRV or another comparable SUV offered either by Toyota (Rav4) or Ford (Escape).

Check the list out here for a list of comparable compact SUV's.

*Disclaimer: I say this based only on personal experience. You may have a Saturn Vue and it could be the best thing since sliced bread to you, but from what I've seen I cannot endorse the car.

The current generation Vue is a whole different ballgame. You are talking about the first generation model.

 

[Vette73]

^

Yep.


The 08 is VERY nice and has the new motor as well.

I would take a good look at it, great bang for the buck.

 

[evident]

drive both and figure out which one is better

 

[MotF Bane]

Well, they already bought GM, just haven't taken delivery yet.

 

[boomerang]

Drive the Vue in both the 4 and 6 cyl. versions. I have and found the 4 to be underpowered. On the freeway with the cruise on, the transmission downshifted going up a slight rise with the 4. It's a heavy vehicle.

We ended up with an Aura. My wife loves it.

 

[angry hampster]

Consider the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute before putting down any money for a Vue.

 

[VinylxScratches]

I'd say it's a gamble with getting a Saturn since it's being sold. You have no idea what the future of it holds.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
I'd say it's a gamble with getting a Saturn since it's being sold. You have no idea what the future of it holds.

You still see lots of Oldsmobiles driving around don't you? They'll be supported after the sale just like they were before.

 

[Ktulu]

I can't believe this hasn't been said yet but you should seriously consider the new Equinox.

Best looking cute ute and best mileage.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2309679&enterthread=y

 

[exar333]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I can't believe this hasn't been said yet but you should seriously consider the new Equinox.

Best looking cute ute and best mileage.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2309679&enterthread=y

+1. The equinox is (IMHO) better than the Vue. My girlfriend's best friend just got a Vue last week actually, and it's OK. Seems a little "uninspired" to me, but it's OK. I just prefer the look and feel of the equinox myself.

 

[Falloutboy]

well the current equinox and vue are the same platform. the new equinox is getting updated and should be entering production soonish (few weeks I think) and is the one being reviewed in that article.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
My niece who just graduated and looking for an inexpensive car.
As a uncle, I really have no idea what to suggest for a compact suv.

We did look around compact SUV such as Saturn Vue ( there are still plenty of 2008 model left and price around $16K nicely equipped )

Do you fellows think it is a good idea?
Or spend more on Honda CRV?

spend more and get the CRV. We have a 2008 EX AWD and it's great

do a quick search, there are a couple good threads discussing the CRV

 

[PricklyPete]

Yes...the Saturn Vue is a fantastic SUV for the money. Not only that, Saturn is being purchased by Penske and will not be part of GM anymore. Also the Vue and will live on for some time as it is one of 3 cars that Penske is keeping in the lineup going forward.. You're niece will be just fine.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
My niece who just graduated and looking for an inexpensive car.
As a uncle, I really have no idea what to suggest for a compact suv.

We did look around compact SUV such as Saturn Vue ( there are still plenty of 2008 model left and price around $16K nicely equipped )

Do you fellows think it is a good idea?
Or spend more on Honda CRV?

Please no, do not get a Saturn Vue*. My friend has had 3 of them (not by choice) and only partially liked one of them ('05 or '06 if I remember right, had the Honda 3.5L motor...only redeeming quality).
For the price you'd be paying for an '08 Vue you can get something that offers much better quality, both in terms of the interior and under the hood. It really is worth spending the extra money in the long run on something like a CRV or another comparable SUV offered either by Toyota (Rav4) or Ford (Escape).

Check the list out here for a list of comparable compact SUV's.

*Disclaimer: I say this based only on personal experience. You may have a Saturn Vue and it could be the best thing since sliced bread to you, but from what I've seen I cannot endorse the car.

The new view is EXPONENTIALLY better than the old one (that you are referring to). And getting something better for the price is doubtful given the deals you can get on Vue's right now.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: ExarKun333

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I can't believe this hasn't been said yet but you should seriously consider the new Equinox.

Best looking cute ute and best mileage.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2309679&enterthread=y

+1. The equinox is (IMHO) better than the Vue. My girlfriend's best friend just got a Vue last week actually, and it's OK. Seems a little "uninspired" to me, but it's OK. I just prefer the look and feel of the equinox myself.

The only reason I haven't brought it up yet is it is definitely more expensive compared to the deals you can get on the "older" vue. On top of that...I figured it is still several months from showing up in showrooms...and it will likely be 6+ months before you can get a good deal on one.