2008 VUE price analysis - not as pricey as it first appears

[mkaresh]

I just entered pricing for the 2008 VUE into my site's price comparison database. Sorry I didn't enter it sooner, but somehow I didn't notice it had been released.

My initial reactions to the specs and pricing:

1. this thing is heavy, about 500 pounds heavier than the old VUE; all powertrains will be slower

2. this thing is pricey, with base prices up 1,700 to 2,700.

Nothing to do about #1. But #2 can be misleading.

Many formerly optional features have become standard, such as side curtain airbags, satellite radio, roof rails (on the XR), floormats (XR, maybe on all).

As a result, load up a 2007 V6 AWD and a 2008 XR AWD, and the 2008 MSRP is about $600 higher.

Of course, there's currently a $3,000 rebate on the 2007, widening the gap to about $3,600. Huge difference, right?

But many features on the 2008 weren't even available for 2007: automatic climate control, front side airbags, stability control, tire pressure monitor, MP3 player input jack, illuminated vanity mirrors (not on 2007?), power recline for the driver's seat, and so forth.

Using TrueDelta's default values for these features, they add up to about $1,800 worth of stuff.

So, even including the $3,000 rebate on the 2007, the 2008 ends up only about $1,800 more expensive.

Do the same exercise with a 2007 Base FWD auto equipped up to 2008 XE levels, and the MSRPs end up virtually identical. Add in the rebate and the $1,100 of extras on the 2008 and you get a difference of $1,900.

When you figure that the current rebate is larger than usual to clear out the 2007s before the 2008s arrive (the rebate hasn't been $3,000 or even $2,000 for long) it appears that the price is much the same as a few months ago (before GM started piling on the incentives) once you adjust for feature differences.

[BobbyP]

I just entered pricing for the 2008 VUE into my site's price comparison database. Sorry I didn't enter it sooner, but somehow I didn't notice it had been released.

My initial reactions to the specs and pricing:

1. this thing is heavy, about 500 pounds heavier than the old VUE; all powertrains will be slower

2. this thing is pricey, with base prices up 1,700 to 2,700.

Nothing to do about #1. But #2 can be misleading.

Many formerly optional features have become standard, such as side curtain airbags, satellite radio, roof rails (on the XR), floormats (XR, maybe on all).

As a result, load up a 2007 V6 AWD and a 2008 XR AWD, and the 2008 MSRP is about $600 higher.

Of course, there's currently a $3,000 rebate on the 2007, widening the gap to about $3,600. Huge difference, right?

But many features on the 2008 weren't even available for 2007: automatic climate control, front side airbags, stability control, tire pressure monitor, MP3 player input jack, illuminated vanity mirrors (not on 2007?), power recline for the driver's seat, and so forth.



The MP3 player input jack has been around for several years... I think 2005 was the first year of the Panasonic made radio with the large knob in the center.

Many of the added features have added weight and cost are federally mandated. Many of them are not. These are cheap garish additions to convince the weak minded that the 2008 VUE is an up to date, competitive platform.

Unfortunately you don't have the choice to get a VUE without them. I'm sure the majority of the price increases was for the federally mandated upgrades.

One feature that had a useful benefit, the cabin air filter, is rapidly being removed from GM platforms. IMO seats with power recline is a waste of money.

[KrgION03]

These are cheap garish additions to convince the weak minded that the 2008 VUE is an up to date, competitive platform.
Unfortunately you don't have the choice to get a VUE without them. I'm sure the majority of the price increases was for the federally mandated upgrades.

Like what? Side and curtain airbags? Those aren't cheap, garish additions..

IMO seats with power recline is a waste of money.

I agree. I dont really like power seats.

[mkaresh]

Thanks for the heads-up on the input jack. GM didn't list it among features last year, but looking at photos of the radio it's definitely there.

Adjust all above prices by $100 in favor of the 2007.

I must agree that those seeking a barebones vehicle will find one increasingly hard to find.

I'm usually not a fan of power seats myself, but power recline does at least permit continous adjustment vs. the steps of a manual lever.

I suspect they're deleting the pollen filters because they found that people rarely replaced them when they got dirty. Just a hunch. Many people probably never knew the filter was there.

Yet at the same time many European cars come with more sophisticated electronic and/or charcoal-based filters. These will even automatically go into recirc when outside pollution is detected.

[cdp326]

The MP3 player input jack has been around for several years... I think 2005 was the first year of the Panasonic made radio with the large knob in the center.

Many of the added features have added weight and cost are federally mandated. Many of them are not. These are cheap garish additions to convince the weak minded that the 2008 VUE is an up to date, competitive platform.

Unfortunately you don't have the choice to get a VUE without them. I'm sure the majority of the price increases was for the federally mandated upgrades.

One feature that had a useful benefit, the cabin air filter, is rapidly being removed from GM platforms. IMO seats with power recline is a waste of money.
Stability control hardly adds weight.
Whether or not you or I like the added safety features (personally, I like them--ESC, front side airbags, active front seat headrests, etc.), the public expects them. The only one I can think of that is federally mandated is the tire pressure monitor (though ESC will be required soon). It is mandated, however, by the public. Do you want Saturn to compete or do you want Saturn to offer a cheap vehicle? Nobody is going to care if the vehicle is $3000 cheaper yet has no side airbags, ABS, or stability control (the latter two something Toyota's SUVs have had standard for a few years now).
Besides, your VUE is nearly loaded, is it not?

No power seat recliner but having a power height/front-back adjustment looks cheap. Personally, I find the power recliner is the best part of a power adjusting seat.

If we're going to compare, the two most important competitors in the compact SUV segment are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. They have standard front seat side and side curtain airbags and stability control. The Honda also features active front headrests, the RAV4 Limited has an 8-way power driver's seat. The VUE can be pretty closely equipped to RAV4 Base and Limited models, with only the Base V6 not having a competitor.

Alloy wheels are now standard on the '08 VUE, IIRC.

The XE model is pretty much priced as an '07 with the optional equipment that the '08 has standard. The V6 (XR) models are up in price as well, but it has more features than the previous V6--side curtain airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel (was made only available with the leather upholstery for 2007), automatic air conditioning, etc.

[mkaresh]

I must admit to a personal bias on the matter of power recline.

A few weeks ago I actually posted a blog entry about it, titled Why doesn't Detroit like power recline? (http://www.truedelta.com/blog/?p=11)

If anything should be power on the seat, it should be the recliner. Yet for decades Detroit was fixated on the six-way. Why?

Glad to see they're finally getting over it.

And yet the Impala LS and LT for 2008 revert from 8-way to 6-way.

[BobbyP]

[QUOTE=KrgION03;1044874]Like what? Side and curtain airbags? Those aren't cheap, garish additions.. QUOTE]

I made a mistake the garish additions like the preheated washers, home-link, and rain sensing wipers cost you more money...

Saturn should offer an entry level vehicle, and allow the buyer to decide what level of safety equipment beyond what is federally mandated. The buyer should have the freedom of choice and not allow the goverment to dictate to you the level of equipment in your car.

For many years I was quite happy not having an explosive device in my steering wheel. Now these devices are going to be in every quadrant of the vehicle.

[mkaresh]

[QUOTE=KrgION03;1044874]Like what? Side and curtain airbags? Those aren't cheap, garish additions.. QUOTE]

I made a mistake the garish additions like the preheated washers, home-link, and rain sensing wipers cost you more money...

Saturn should offer an entry level vehicle, and allow the buyer to decide what level of safety equipment beyond what is federally mandated. The buyer should have the freedom of choice and not allow the goverment to dictate to you the level of equipment in your car.

For many years I was quite happy not having an explosive device in my steering wheel. Now these devices are going to be in every quadrant of the vehicle.

The preheated washer fluid, Homelink, and rain-sensing wipers are bundled with remote start in a "Convenience Package" optional on all 2008 VUEs. (Well, "Comfort and Convenience" that also includes the contents of the "Preferred Package" on the GL.) None of these is standard. Sounds like they know their customer fairly well.

[BobbyP]

mkaresh your price analysis is very accurate. IMO the 2008 VUE will be as sucessful as the Aura. It seems to be following the same direction in value and content.

I'm pleased the Aura is still getting good press, but many of the diehard auto critics refuse to support it. They keep touting Accord, Camry and the new Altima.

I'm driving a 2007 Accord this week and I'd rather be driving an Aura. The ride is jolting imperfect roads. But I do say it handles well, the 4-cyl has as good of pep as the GM 3.5L V6, the brakes are too light, and the irregular feel in the hydraulic power steering is poor, the integrated radio ac controls are poorly executed.

I wonder what Melissam will send me when Saturn doesn't sell 200k units in 2007...?

[cdp326]

Many people want Homelink. It's been around for long enough that many people have tried it.
The other features are optional as well, as mkaresh detailed.

[quote]Saturn should offer an entry level vehicle, and allow the buyer to decide what level of safety equipment beyond what is federally mandated. The buyer should have the freedom of choice and not allow the goverment to dictate to you the level of equipment in your car.
Like I said before, the only thing that is really federall mandated for the time being would be the tire pressure monitor. They aren't required to have 6 standard airbags and stability control. Do you know why they do it, then? Because that's what is expected in the market. They are listening to the market.

[Jerome10]

The problem with not making some items standard, even when they're not REQUIRED is that the customer cares. Lets say Saturn leaves off side airbags, and they are a $500 option. Now lets say that Toyota makes side airbags standard. For comparison purposes, say EVERYTHING else between the two cars is the same, except the sticker price on the Toyota is $500 higher (meaning if you equip the VUE with the airbags it will cost the same as the Toyota with the standard side airbags). The difference is that even though it would cost the consumer exactly the same if they chose to equip the VUE with airbags, Toyota gets a huge marketing advantage because they are standard equipment. Even if they are available as options, I think the evidence is starting to show that making safety features standard goes a lot further with the consumer than giving them the option to have those safety features. Even at the same cost, people like the idea that they are getting more content standard, they don't get stoked about having to "pay for extras that should be standard".

Just my opinion. I like that Saturn is putting this stuff standard.

[mkaresh]

They also can't risk a poor score in the IIHS side impact test. Unless side airbags are standard, IIHS doesn't include them on the test vehicle. A number of cars have gotten burnt by the results.

Stability control started to become standard on pretty much every SUV when the rollover ratings were created, in the aftermath of the Explorer mess. Ford was among the first to go this route, again because of the Explorer mess.

[BobbyP]

They also can't risk a poor score in the IIHS side impact test. Unless side airbags are standard, IIHS doesn't include them on the test vehicle. A number of cars have gotten burnt by the results.

Stability control started to become standard on pretty much every SUV when the rollover ratings were created, in the aftermath of the Explorer mess. Ford was among the first to go this route, again because of the Explorer mess.

I feel everyone is right. A poor crash test result could hurt sales. Nothing is fair in marketing or sales. IMO the VUE did not need to have all these air bags standard to be a fair competitor.

I still believe the consumer should have the freedom to decide the level of protection they desire. If you're right the new VUE will be a runaway sucess, I don't think it will. Safety doesn't affect sales the way one would think.

It doesn't make much difference, once the new VUE hits the market we'll all be making similar posts like why the Aura hasn't been a sales hit... A 4-cylinder engine won't be the answer... :|

[mkaresh]

Two problems I note with the new VUE:

--500 pounds heavier than the old one, but with similar horsepower

--looks smaller than it is, and perhaps a bit pudgy

But it could surprise with the level of refinement? We'll see.

[cdp326]

I feel everyone is right. A poor crash test result could hurt sales. Nothing is fair in marketing or sales. IMO the VUE did not need to have all these air bags standard to be a fair competitor.
It didn't at the time, since most vehicles still had optional side airbags. Now, the RAV4/CR-V/Escape/etc. all have these as standard.

I still believe the consumer should have the freedom to decide the level of protection they desire.
Like I said beforem, they have...they prefer having these features. The 2007 Toyota Camry has standard side and curtain airbags, while the 2006 (and back to 2002) model didn't...yet I don't think the Camry's sales will be hurt much by having them standard.

If you're right the new VUE will be a runaway sucess, I don't think it will. Safety doesn't affect sales the way one would think.
In a compact SUV, safety matters.

[ciciusss]

Two problems I note with the new VUE:

--500 pounds heavier than the old one, but with similar horsepower

--looks smaller than it is, and perhaps a bit pudgy

But it could surprise with the level of refinement? We'll see.

The level of refinement is better. Quality of materials and fit and finish are better. It's quieter than the old VUE.

Ride and handling is better too, with the steering being much more communicative. Overall it is a better vehicle than the old VUE.

[ciciusss]

They also can't risk a poor score in the IIHS side impact test. Unless side airbags are standard, IIHS doesn't include them on the test vehicle. A number of cars have gotten burnt by the results.

Stability control started to become standard on pretty much every SUV when the rollover ratings were created, in the aftermath of the Explorer mess. Ford was among the first to go this route, again because of the Explorer mess.

Mike,

The thing with the Explorer debacle, if I remember correctly, was it had more to do with the proper inflation of the tires than anything.

[mkaresh]

Tire blow-outs were the immediate cause. But I suspect that stability control helps keep the vehicle under control when a tire blows out. It certainly makes rollovers less likely, which is the primary safety concern with SUVs in general. The Explorer focused attention on this general risk.

[lordkosc]

The level of refinement is better. Quality of materials and fit and finish are better. It's quieter than the old VUE.

Ride and handling is better too, with the steering being much more communicative. Overall it is a better vehicle than the old VUE.

Well I got to sit in a 06 Vue at the dealer, and the interior quality was REALLY lacking... The leather seats were fine, but the dash/center console was shoddy... :no:

[John10]

The level of refinement is better. Quality of materials and fit and finish are better. It's quieter than the old VUE.

Ride and handling is better too, with the steering being much more communicative. Overall it is a better vehicle than the old VUE.

Where and when did you get to drive a 2008 VUE in order to know all of these things?

[ciciusss]

Tire blow-outs were the immediate cause. But I suspect that stability control helps keep the vehicle under control when a tire blows out. It certainly makes rollovers less likely, which is the primary safety concern with SUVs in general. The Explorer focused attention on this general risk.

Mike,

I should have been a little more thorough in my original explanation. Ford reduced the PSI tire specifications (down to 26 psi) so that it would improve the ride and handling characteristics of the Explorer. This caused the tires to overheat and cause belt and tread separation (and obviously a blowout). Because, of some of the more extreme maneuvers that we perform, we obviously make sure the tires are properly inflated.

I agree with you that ESC would help

[greyhound bus]

In a compact SUV, safety matters.

I must be in the distinct minority in car buyers. I didn't give safety a second thought when I was looking at the Vue. Even if it didn't have air bags I would still have bought it. I have absolutely zero expectations one way or another about vehicle safety. I fully realize that if you hit something hard enough, or someone hits you hard enough, you may die. It is what it is, and I don't waste any time thinking about it. I wear seat belts and drive as defensively as I can, but side curtain air bags and rollover ratings don't make me giddy. If I am going to slam into something, I would just as soon be in my Chevelle, or my 82 K20 than my Vue. I have walked away from three SERIOUS car accidents in 69', 72' and 77' vehicles, so I have no qualms about the survivabilty of cars without all the latest gadgets. All of those "Standard" safety features and their increase in price all make me LESS likely to buy something. I fully realize I'm a dinasour on this, but that's how I feel.

[mellissam]

.....
One feature that had a useful benefit, the cabin air filter, is rapidly being removed from GM platforms. ......

What! I thought that was the bee's knees!!! Why are they getting rid of the filter? Are they just going to have unfiltered air into the cabin? Ugh.

I agree about the auto recliner....once i have my seat in the proper position, it stays that way for a long time.....lumbar adjustment should be standard though....

GreyHound Bus - I wouldn't be so anxious about safety features if I was driving a tank (60's or 70's large car)...because chances are you wouldn't come to a dead stop....you'd cream whatever you smashed into...thereby cushioning your deacceleration. I saw a Chevelle hit a light K-car station wagon....the K-car came to a dead stop...all occupants were killed by whiplash (horrible to see), whereas the Chevelle kept going into the ditch (all those folks survived). We aren't driving tanks anymore, so I want airbags etc. I do feel somewhat safer in my Vue than the Hyundai Pony I had before it....the extra weight comforts me....:)

[Jerome10]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070430/FREE/70430005/1530/FREE

[BobbyP]

The level of refinement is better. Quality of materials and fit and finish are better. It's quieter than the old VUE.

Ride and handling is better too, with the steering being much more communicative. Overall it is a better vehicle than the old VUE.

As with every upgrade there is always trade off's... If you ever drove a Equinox or Torrent you'll notice the improved handling, unfortunately they ride a little stiffer because of it.

[BobbyP]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070430/FREE/70430005/1530/FREE

For those that are link challenged...

Saturn's Sticker Shock
Vue bows with $3,295 price increase

By RICK KRANZ | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

AutoWeek | Updated: 04/30/07, 8:46 am et

When the 2008 Saturn Vue appears at dealerships next month, previous owners may feel some sticker shock.

The base price for the re-engineered, restyled Vue is $21,395 including shipping, a $3,295 bump over the 2007 model.

The base price of the crossover is close to that of such 2007 rivals as the Honda CR-V, at $21,195, and Toyota RAV4, at $21,595. But it is above the Ford Escape, which stickers for $19,985. All prices include shipping.

"Keep in mind that the previous model had a smaller four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission," says Robert Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer for General Motors' compact crossover vehicles. A four-speed automatic transmission and a bigger engine - a 169-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder - are standard on the 2008. A manual transmission is no longer offered.

Added standard equipment includes stability control, head curtain airbags, antilock brakes, collapsible pedals and 16-inch alloy wheels.

"They are trying to move Saturn upmarket. They really want to take it out of that kind of low end of the spectrum," says Erich Merkle, director of forecasting at IRN Inc., a consulting firm in Grand Rapids, Mich. "But the question remains: Is the market ready to make that leap with them?"

Merkle thinks that at some point after the new Vue goes on sale, Saturn could be forced to spur sales by reducing content from the base vehicle and lowering its price.

Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak would not predict Vue sales.

Last year 82,468 Vues were sold, ending the year as Saturn's No. 2 vehicle.

[montrealvue]

From a business point of view I completely agree that the extra equipment justifies the higher price. The reality is consumers want that equipment but don't want to pay for it. I wouldn't be surprised if stripped down models appreared in year #2. The majority of the Vues I see on the road today are the basic 4 cyl. variety. Those buyers will not be looking to pay more if they move to the '08 model. Time will tell but I don't expect the new model to fly off the lots any faster than the Auras and Outlooks have.

[montrealvue]

What! I thought that was the bee's knees!!!
I thought I was the only one to use that expression! :eek:

[SaturnPlanet]

I fully realize I'm a dinasour on this....

It's ok, you just keep doing your thing T. Rex, you just keep doing your thing ;)

[BobbyP]

I thought I was the only one to use that expression! :eek:

Bee's knees? :dizzy:

M - I guess you need to take me there... :)