Decisions, decisions...

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

I have written lately of my quest to find an '04-'07 Saturn Vue. Looking for V6, AWD, buttwarmers and sunroof. Found two that fit the bill. One has 60k on it, about $14k, and the other has 54k on it (bonus: brand new tires), about $17k. Both are asking price.

Now here's where it gets interesting.

I also found an '01 Ranger EDGE, Yellow step-side ext cab, 4WD, 4.0 auto. NO rust ANYWHERE on this rig, even under the doors or the tailgate. Rubber floormat, 6-disc CD, tonneau and only 52k on the clock. This thing is clean, boys. I drove it, and I like it. Asking price, just under $11k.

On the horns of a dilemma.

I want a Vue - badly. I want something I can jump in and throw a bag and the lappy in the back, hit the highway and go to the farm when I want. I like the way they drive, the roominess and the fact that it doesn't hurt my back and knees to get in and out of like my cars. 10 years ago, I'd have cussed anyone that said I would be seriously considering an SUV purchase in the future. Now, it seems like a really good idea.

I also like the Ranger - a lot. It's so clean, it's an extended cab - it's a Ranger. Can throw dirty stuff in the back, and not have to worry about it because I can hose it out when I'm done. Only negative: it's a stepside, so the useable bed width is narrower.

Vue: 250HP, about 24-25 mpg hwy
Ranger: 207 HP, about 21-24 mpg hwy

Help...

 

[superds]

Punt

 

[Tiollib]

ITS YELLOW! I'd get the ranger for the reason of the yellow. I like yellow rangers.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

yellow is just plain awesome on a Ranger.

u can always get a tool box for your big bags, or a tonneau cover or a bed shell.
dude its a RANGER with real 4WD
and the others are....saturns...with....a real GM...

 

[Clay Lorance]

I'd have to say go with the Ranger 4x4. IMO.

 

[adsm08]

Get the Ranger, go to the junk yard, and find a full width bed, and bolt it down. Just don't get a spoiler and a sissy horn for it. I saw a very similar (fleetside) truck come through the last shop I worked at and it reminded me of nothing else so much as a rubber duck.

 

[GoodOld85BlueBalls]

A vote for the SUV.

Anything yellow is the wrong choice unless your going to be drinking it.

 

[mn_smokeater]

not sure if its something but there still is Ford whereas Saturn is no more

 

[Hopman]

ITS YELLOW! I'd get the ranger for the reason of the yellow. I like yellow rangers.

As do I. I saw one this morning on my way to church.

I'n going to say this loud and clear:

Get the RANGER!!!!!!!!

Am I clear?

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

not sure if its something but there still is Ford whereas Saturn is no more

that pretty much sums it up

 

[TheTopher]

Screw Saturn. Go with the Ranger that only has the auto transmission built out of mush and plastic versus the Saturn that has the ENTIRE CAR made from it.

 

[ranger1999 Bob]

Id stay away from the Vue... A while ago when i was looking for a vehicle I had the opportunity to get a saturn vue 2004 with a bad trans for $1000. It had about 90K on the clock and looked to be in good condition and was basically erll rquipped. I called the trans guy i use for a rebuilt unit and was told it would be several thousand dollars. He also said that used trannys were hard to find and new parts including the rebuild kit were getting rarer and more expensive due to the demise of saturn. I immediately decided against it. Ford is the most stable manufacturer in this country. the parts are and will be plentiful and cheap for a long time. Stick with the Ranger , youll be glad y ou did

 

[nitrofan1]

Unlike my younger days I don't dog or make fun of car makes anymore. I see good and bad in all of em these days. You know what the pros and cons are for Ford. Saturn on the other hand has had a lot of problems. I know there are posters here that will say X brand has never given me trouble but I've seen the good and bad with all makes for 25 years in parts selling.

Saturns are great until it's time for repair. Timing is a weak spot and not cheap at all. The Vue is a good looking crossover (Not an SUV) but it has never garnered good reviews vs others. If Saturn was a good brand it wouldn't have died the slow death it did. Saturn's biggest sin was letting GM convert it into just another GM product sharing all it's parts with Chevy, Pontiac etc....

The biggest issue is the parts that are Saturn specific. The dealer here is now a Buick/Cadillac/GMC dealer. I know someone that works there and he has said time will come where you won't be able to go there to get Saturn anything. That will leave you with performing a "Holy Grail" serch for those type of parts when GM kills off the supply line.

 

[74duster318]

Vue's are garbage... Like most other gm's they're plagued with problems.

 

[adsm08]

I'm going to say this loud and clear:

Get the RANGER!!!!!!!!

Am I clear?

As muddy pea soup.