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Old 12-27-2006, 06:28 PM   #1
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Is anyone using a 2004 or newer Saturn Vue with 3.5L V-6 (Honda engine & Transmission) for a tow vehicle? If so, are satisfied with it? We have a Scamp 16 front bath.
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Old 12-29-2006, 01:21 AM   #2
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Is anyone using a 2004 or newer Saturn Vue with 3.5L V-6 (Honda engine & Transmission) for a tow vehicle? If so, are satisfied with it? We have a Scamp 16 front bath.

I'm looking at the same auto. The specs say the automatic will tow 3500lbs and has an option for the tow package $500 dealer installed. It includes the hitch and engine cooler.

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Old 12-29-2006, 05:47 AM   #3
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For what it's worth, Consumers Reports rates the Saturn Vue as "much worse that average" in its reliability records section. In the 2006-2007 models section of the 'Buying Guide' the entry for the Saturn says " The Vue has light steering and AWD system is slow to engage, interior fit and finish are subpar, and the front and rear seats lack support. A Poor in IIHS side-crash test without the optional curtain air bags and tip-ups in government rollover tests are negatives. Oct 2004."

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Old 12-29-2006, 07:01 AM   #4
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I ownd Honda Pilot with same drivetrain engine /transmission. I pull a Casita 17SD and while the Honda engine is capable the transmission is not. The tranny was constantly searching for the proper gear and that is while towing in D3. The transmisson fluid required changing after towing in the mountains ( due to overheating). Honda transimission must be flushed because you can only drain three quarts leaving a majority of the overheated fluid in the tranny. Flushing is an expensive service. Installing the Honda/Vue recommended towing equipement ( trans cooler - pwr steer cooler and wiring and class iii recvr) will cost over a thousand dollars. Buy a vehicle with a factory tow package - save money and have a better tug to start.
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Old 12-29-2006, 12:49 PM   #5
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I ownd Honda Pilot with same drivetrain engine /transmission. I pull a Casita 17SD and while the Honda engine is capable the transmission is not. The tranny was constantly searching for the proper gear and that is while towing in D3. The transmisson fluid required changing after towing in the mountains ( due to overheating). Honda transimission must be flushed because you can only drain three quarts leaving a majority of the overheated fluid in the tranny. Flushing is an expensive service. Installing the Honda/Vue recommended towing equipement ( trans cooler - pwr steer cooler and wiring and class iii recvr) will cost over a thousand dollars. Buy a vehicle with a factory tow package - save money and have a better tug to start.
I installed a U-Haul transmission cooler myself. It was relatively easy, taking a total of 90 minutes from the time I jacked up the Element to do the installation to the time I was taking her out for a test run.

Total cost: $50 for the trans cooler and a quart of Honda transmission fluid.

I've towed at my capacity (1,500 lbs) for two years now on some steep grades through the mountains and haven't had any problem at all.
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Old 01-01-2007, 01:25 AM   #6
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Look at the Consumer Reports website and you can find their organizational history and survey procedures. They defend their polls as scientific, but I don't think they meet the standard.

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Old 01-02-2007, 05:46 AM   #7
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I have removed several posts from this thread. It began to degenerate into a "Big-Three-Honda-Toyota" tow vehicle is junk discussion.

The topic was whether or not the Saturn Vue is a reasonable tow vehicle, and asked for Saturn Vue owner comment. Let's keep it on topic, folks.

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