Replaced the EP today!

[saturnmodder]

Well, after realizing that I was facing close to $3000 in various repairs to the Civic, on top of the money I already had in it, I decided that it just wasn't worth it. So I looked around for a suitable replacement. My main criteria were that it had to be a new or newer car with <100K miles, and under $15,000.

After test driving a few cars, I stopped by what's left of Saturn of the Mountain Empire (basically just parts/service and a used car lot for the Acura/Mazda dealership it shares a lot with) to see if they had a used Astra 5-door. As soon as I pulled onto the lot, I saw the car I wanted. It's a Black Onyx 2004 Saturn VUE Red Line. It has a Honda 3.5L V6, 5 speed automatic, AWD, and it's fully loaded.

After driving it, checking the service records, checking the carfax, and giving it a good going over, I decided to go for it. It has 91K miles on it, which is a little more than I initially wanted, but for the price I got, plus what they gave me trade on the Civic (well over KBB trade value), I couldn't pass it up. I absolutely love the car, it's got more than enough power, and I was surprised at the gas mileage. I got 20 MPG in town on the 1/2 tank I used. Definitely not too shabby.

I'll get some pics tomorrow when it's light out.

[66elwood99]

Your civic needed 3 grand in repairs and they still gave you above KBB value? You are the man (or woman). Can you go with me next time I'm purchasing a car? J/K get those pics up....

[saturnmodder]

Yeah, the dealership said they couldn't come off of their asking price, so I talked them up on the trade, so it all worked out in the end. The only problem they really knew about in it was the A/C compressor. They didn't actually drive the car, just looked it over in the parking lot, so that worked to my advantage.

But I love the VUE. 0-60 is rated at 6.58 secs, 1/4 mile time is rated at 14.86 secs @ 87.36 MPH. So it performs better than a stock EP. And I have to say, with the Red Line package, it handles very well for a small SUV. I just have to keep an eye on my speed, because I'm used to the Civic and S-series Saturns, so it's way too easy to just creep up past the speed limit and not notice.

Anyway, I'm off to go take some pictures of it.

[saturnmodder]

Well, I didn't really have time to get any good pics before I go to work, but here are a few I took using my phone...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs078.snc4/35262_411313742793_539602793_4798432_3837230_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs084.ash2/37556_411313407793_539602793_4798425_3288458_n.jpg

[Kerby]

got any interior and engine pics?
looks nice.

[Strife]

Those Saturn guys were probably desperate to get some of their cars sold. No offense, I have nothing against the Saturn brand, but I can't help but notice that people aren't busting down their doors at the dealership anymore.

Looks nice though, I just picked up something AWD myself and I've been loving it.

[white_cOmet]

Not a fan of Saturn myself but thats a nice looking SUV good buy.

[ShadowEP3]

not a Saturn fan (the cars are too big IMO) but glad to hear you picked up something that wont give you much trouble as the EP did

[powdbyrice]

Nice pick up. The redline series stuff is pretty good.

Are you going to rock a 'powered by honda' sticker? LOL

[fox]

Not a huge fan of Saturns. Didn't have good luck with the SC2 I had before I picked up my Civic. But grats.

[SkareKrow]

not a saturn fan as well i hear they are very reliable. But You Came Up! 8)

[Paul 631]

My '97 SL2, is still one of my favorite cars I've owned...

Is the black color the same as that awesome black-gold color from the late 90s? Congrats!