New Saturn Owner
 

HI all,

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing a 2004 Saturn Vue with the 2.2 and 5 speed manual trans.
Don't have it in the driveway yet but should be here in about a week once we scrap together what is needed.

It has been repaired after experiencing an accident but appears to still be in pretty good shape.
It has about 167,000 miles on it and I've already read how the timing chain and gears could be a problem.

So I'm wondering what else, if anything might need some attention?
Any issues with the tranny or the motor itself?

How about oil preferences?
I have been using Quaker State high mileage synthetic in my current vehicle with a Mobil One filter.
It has over 220,000 miles on it so you can see I'm not worried about the actual miles.

How difficult is it to change the fluid in the transmission and or the engine itself?
I'm usually the one that does these things.

I'm also thinking about changing out the plugs and wires.
Air filter too, anything else that should be looked at for a tune-up?

Any and all advise is welcome.

Radar

Welcome. Feel free to (re)introduce yoursel(ves) in the New Member Area.

I'm not a VUE specialist, but you're ahead of the game by not getting one w the dreadful CVT timebomb tranny.

I'd get on the timing chain and guides right away. Save yourself some hassle and purchase the kit from GM if it is still available.

Visit

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...2599&submit=Go

to see all recalls and equally important tech service bulletins (TSBs) for the vehicle.

Also, visit

https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/

to check if the ignition cyl recall repair has been completed on the vehicle.

Hi - We have owned a 2008 VUE and like everything about it. Like all mechanical things - there are issues, but most can be worked through and prevented with good auto care. You will want to watch for the brakes locking up and overheating the wheel(s). This is a common problem you will find if you search the internet. I just went though this with the help of this forum and traced the problem to a bad master cylinder leaking into the brake booster (no outside visible issue).

asben,
you're comparing 2 different generations of Vues. The 2008 Vue is a rebadged Opel IIRC. But the points you bring up about maintenance are right on.

Thank you all for the input.
We are working on moving this vehicle to our driveway and then i can work on doing a little maintenance to make sure that everything is working properly.