[kaisen]

Wayne-

I should mention that I ran the used car operations for a dealer group (Rydell) that owned five Saturn dealerships. I have more experience buying (and driving) VUEs than you can shake a stick at (whatever that means).

By 2006 Vues were pretty well screwed together. There weren't many issues. About the only two issues I can think of are the intermediate steering shaft and the torque converter. The shaft will develop play around the joint which feels clunky. They can either repack it (TSB kit) or replace it. Not a biggie, but you'd feel it. The TC (Honda/Aisin) can make that low rpm flutter. Again, Honda/Aisin/GM's fix was an updated heavier duty TC as used in the 2008-up Ridgeland and Odyssey. But I wouldn't fret, worry, or plan for a transmission or TC failure. They were just plain rare on the lightweight VUE.

On that note, any 2007 Saturn (not 2006) would have GM's 5 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It might be worth checking out the price difference to move up a year.

Either way, a 2006 or 2007 VUE V6 AWD is a fantastic CUV for the money. You'll love it.