For cars like bmw and Volkswagen there are scan tool adapters one can purchase on eBay for cheap approx $20.

Does something like this exist for a 2009 Saturn aura? All I see are more expensive ones designed for mechanics rather than the weekend hack.

I have a replacement radio that needs programming and would like to avoid the dealer if possible.

No, I’m just looking for a cheap way to program the radio to the car

It looks like an aftermarket radio is not to much problem but if you want to use a factory radio it needs dealer type programming. I work on Ford products at work and the radio is just another programmable module. I have to download the setup into the laptop, replace the radio and then reload the factory programming for it to work. Yes it is painful and expensive to replace a factory radio just because the display quits or the cd player dies.
I feel your pain.