Haynes or Chilton's Guide for 2004 Saturn Vue?

[jasonkrupert]

I've looked at the manuals on Saturn's websites, but $50 a piece is really steep. I was hoping to find a Haynes or a Chilton's guide for the 2004 Vue, but I haven't had any luck. I also tried to search the forum for a "yes" or "no" answer, i.e. it does or does not exist, but I never found it (maybe I missed it).

Thanks for any details you can provide.

[wlhawk]

I've looked at the manuals on Saturn's websites, but $50 a piece is really steep. I was hoping to find a Haynes or a Chilton's guide for the 2004 Vue, but I haven't had any luck. I also tried to search the forum for a "yes" or "no" answer, i.e. it does or does not exist, but I never found it (maybe I missed it).

Thanks for any details you can provide.

I gave up on manuals and started using WWW.alldatadiy.com.:D

[KCW]

when I need to do some in-depth work on one of my saturns I go the main branch of our public library. They have all the factory manuals - very usefull, they and they are free to borrow for 3 weeks.

[Ritz]

Neither. They're both pretty bad. If you're going to do anything other than *very* routine maintenance you'll want the factory service manuals.

Cheers,

[jasonkrupert]

Ritz,

Just to clarify. "Neither" means that there is neither a Chilton's or a Haynes guide for a 2004 Saturn Vue. Bummer. :hmm: They are around $14 bucks or so, and always good for a quick look.

Thanks again for the reply.

[eRic 02sc2]

here's what you need
https://saturn-publications.com/saturn/catalogMainCategories.do
they are worth the money because you'll save that much in doing your own work or at least deciding whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have a Saturn tech do it for you.

[KCW]

...they are worth the money because you'll save that much in doing your own work ....

I have to agree. In the link the two manuals for my Vue are $50 each (i wish it explained what was in each manual).

I have nothing against saturn dealership service. They have always done excellent warranty work on all my cars, and I understand that some people are not able to do their own car repairs, in which case you can always get factory trained people at the dealership.

But I can do my own repairs and maintance for the most part, I have been collecting tools and equipment for over 30 years. In my case it is very cost effective to do my own repairs, even if I have to pay $100 to get the good manuals.

A good example, when my daughter was ready to take her drivers test with our '94 SL2, the battery went dead the morning of the test. I did not have time to fix the car before her 2PM road test, so I jumped it and drove it to the Saturn dealer.

They replaced the alternator and the battery. The bill was $350. I could have purchased those two parts for about $150 and did the work myself, if I had the time, and saved $200 right there.

[jasonkrupert]

I guess I'll be waiting for the Haynes or Chiltons manual. Car is still under warranty, and I can figure out basics like head light bulbs due to helpful posts on this site and blind guesses.

Random thoughts...
I had good luck with the Haynes in the past for some pretty complex stuff.

I may head to the library and see if they have the manuals as KCW recommended.

I'll aslo keep an eye on Ebay and Amazon for used authentic Saturn 2004 Vue manuals. $50 bucks a piece is not much for a dealer or a real enthuasist, but I am a mechanic by necessity and interest and neither dictate the need at this time vs. cost.

Thanks for all the helpful insight and guidance. Cheers! :)