I'm back, and looking for ideas.

Kinja'd!!! by "sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
Published 01/22/2017 at 19:22

Tags: saturn ; Car Buying ; Help ; cheap cars
STARS: 0


Hi ya’ll

After living for... well about 2 year without a vehicle, I’m finally back in the market for a vehicle. Instead of a brand new FoST, or a CPO-ed Wrangler, I’m looking for something classically boring, yet reliable. Living with the girlfriend in Queens has re-opened my options for having a car, with a few caveats.

~$2000 spend (give or take $500)

Automatic

Keeps the insurance company happy

Auto, because she hates driving in NYC enough as-is, and it’s a joint purchase. And cheap, because well... It’ll be a beater

Ideas for practical, preferably AWD vehicles that fit these criteria (trucks are OK!) is welcome.

Side note- anyone have experience with Saturn Vue Redlines? Her dad works at a used dealership and thinks he can get me one that was just traded in (with 140k) for cheeeeeap. Looked at it yesterday and it seemed fine, maybe a squeaky belt but that’s it.

Saturn for your time.

Kinja'd!!!


Replies (9)

Kinja'd!!! "ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)" (adabofoppo)
01/22/2017 at 19:28, STARS: 0

I recall they had transmission issues. Engine was Honda, so it’s fairly solid.

Kinja'd!!! "Audistein" (Audistein)
01/22/2017 at 19:32, STARS: 1

I got you: https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cto/5962512759.html

But seriously, I don’t think you can do better than an old CR-V. Maybe a Nissan Pathfinder if you’re feeling a bit adventurous. https://newyork.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=crv&min_price=1500&max_price=2500

Kinja'd!!! "Amoore100" (amoore100)
01/22/2017 at 20:39, STARS: 1

2004-2006 V6 Vues, that is. Most just had the Ecobanger.

Kinja'd!!! "Monkey B" (monkeyb)
01/22/2017 at 20:49, STARS: 1

I had a VUE Red Line. Honda V6 was amazing. Other than appearance it doesn’t offer much performance over a regular VUE v6 (that used the Honda Motor) but that engine is sweet. They are plasticy and cheap inside, but I would rock another one.

Owning a Saturn comes with potential issues...such as body parts if you need them.

Kinja'd!!! "sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
01/22/2017 at 22:42, STARS: 0

Omg that LS. if only parking spots were bigger.

Sweet. Yeah CR-V’s and RAV-4's are high on my list but damn do they retain value!

Kinja'd!!! "sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
01/22/2017 at 22:43, STARS: 0

Because they’re not produced anymore? Hmm yeah I was wondering that.

Kinja'd!!! "Monkey B" (monkeyb)
01/22/2017 at 23:53, STARS: 0

that plus Red Lines were low production....so less used body parts. Just something to keep in mind....but most would be totaled on small hits anyway due to age and monetary value.

Kinja'd!!! "sefeing, actually bought an E46" (sefeing90)
01/23/2017 at 06:42, STARS: 0

Ahh, I see cool. Did you have any issues when you owned one? I’d heard some reports of transmission issues on the hondas, but can’t imagine it hah. The one I’m looking at is FWD, if that simplifies anything.

Kinja'd!!! "Monkey B" (monkeyb)
01/23/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 0

Don’t quote me, but I’m pretty sure the Saturn used a GM transmission so that’s a plus. I had no issues with mine. I almost bought another (not a red line but was a V6) as a beater not long ago when I was looking but the price was too high on it and ended up with an Outback. That V6 is so smooth and has 250hp/250tq if I recall correctly. It can scoot. I’ve had good luck with the 3 Saturns I’ve had, but YMMV as they are getting older.