Saturn Vue or Toyota Rav4?

[gstjoker]

Which one should I get? They're both kind of in the same price range, gas mileage pretty close to each other. The Rav4 has like 3 or 4 more mpg. I'm only looking for the 2000+ model and would prefer a v6 in it, but I heard that only the 2006 model for the Rav4 came with the v6 and it has to be AWD, yea, I'm sick of FWD. Not really needed but would rather have the leathered seats. Now, for the pricing, the lower earlier model of the Vue are cheaper compared to the Rav4 and I'm probably going to have to take out a loan for either car. Toyota for all I know seems to have pretty good quality car, and that's what I need. I plan to keep which ever car I get for as long as I can. As for the Saturn Vue, don't know much about it as quality goes.

Give me your inputs on both cars and which one would you prefer to get? This will be mainly used for daily driving, traveling, etc, and for my price range, I like it to be no higher than $16k.

[turbotalon1g]

Don't be stupid get the toyota, they are freaking invincible.

[dsm95gsxer]

Ive heard the trannys in the Vue are disposable or non rebuildable.

[x-pride]

You know the V-6 vue has the same engine as the honda pilot right. That is why the are retaining their value so well.

[xveganxcowboyx]

You'll see a pretty big mileage increase with the 4 cylinder Rav 4 over the V6 Vue. The RAV is lighter so it should have ample power.

Personally, I think the toyota is probably built better, looks better, and will save you money and headaches in the long run.

I've never owned one, but my uncle got rid of his 4-runner and his land cruiser and bought a rav-4. He absolutely loves it, especially with having to commute some.

[rst95eclipse]

My godfather/uncle has a Rav4. I was really impressed riding in it. It looks quite small, but I was not at all uncomfortable in it. He had the leather seats, etc. Ride was smooth, interior was great, and acceleration was more than enough for a small SUV.

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

Get the Rav 4. Toyota has a much higher standard of quality. I've worked on a couple Saturns, and they are one of the worst constructed cars I've ever seen GM make.

[At-Least-It's-An-Evo]

Toyota.

[gstjoker]

Thanks for the inputs, looks like I'll be headed toward the Rav4 but more inputs and thoughts are welcome.

[Thor06]

My mom went through this whole deal, looking for a smaller SUV. She decided on the CRV. I dont know what the price difference is, but I know several people with them and they all like them.

[Goat Blower]

I don't know. I haven't had a VUE yet, but I know they do have the Honda sourced V6, which is why they are worth anything at all used, other Saturns aren't. I've had two RAV-4's, and while they are of good quality of course, they are tinny boxes, nothing like a mid-size SUV. If your budget is anywhere near $15K, you wouldn't believe the difference a high-mileage high end SUV makes. I've got a 99 Landcruiser that absolutely puts anything in it's price range to shame. I feel rich driving it. I'd have a hard time recommending anything American, but Grand Cherokees are a pretty decent bargain.

[cudvig]

i love my moms 5.9 liter jeep grand cherokee!

-Colin

[Kracka]

Of the two choices, Rav4; easy decision. Have you seen/felt the interiors on the Vue? Typical Saturn/GM quality (that isn't a compliment).

[JustROLLIN]

My parents have two of the AWD v6 Vues and have nothing but praise for them. The engine is the v6 basically straight from the Honda Accord, so thats a major plus. Both are 2005 models, one with 60k+ on it and the other around 25k. No problems or repairs needed other than general maintenance. The units they have are leather, heated seats, etc. Very comfy.

That being said, I would buy the Rav4 strictly cause I hate GM products. Well, mostly all domestic products for that matter. But, thats just me.

[chengsta]

Yes you are correct that the rav4 didn't come v6 until '06. I would say go with the rav4. You should of test drove one the day you came into my work place. You'll like them. Smooth ride, lots of power with the v6, and its pretty roomy inside. Body size of the '06+ rav4 are as big as the Highlanders.