02 4cyl 5 speed with 200K+ miles

[Midnight13]

I have a coworker looking for a vehicle to replace his current 98 Mazda.

He found an ad on CL for a Vue. It's in the same small town I live in. He emailed and asked about it, still awaiting the results.

The Vue is the 2.2 5 speed. It has over 200k miles. The town I live in, is farm country. This Vue has a hitch on it, and looks like a "made" end for it too. I know first hand, that alot of the farmers will just use anything to pull hay wagons and such around. I couldn't imagine the strain it's put on the clutch or motor by now. However being over 200K i'm sure it's been maintained throughout it's life.

I may go with him, or just end up checking it out myself.

I'd like to know what to look for. I mean, I know about the Honda Vues, and the 100k services being needed,I know all about the Vues creaks, and rattles and the cheap GM parts,loL! What do I need to ask for that should of been done to this one already.

The asking price is only $1100!! Sounds like it could be just a parts car at that price! I do like Vues, and it's something I already recommended to him to look for. I actually found him a 2003 2.2 5sp with 178k for 2k. I don't want him to just keep looking cheaper and end up having problems.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[pdough]

I have a 2006 that has over 200k miles. And there isn't much that you need to ask him if its been done as far as maintenance. Clutch may or may not have been replaced depending on how its been driven. There is no timing belt so it doesn't need replacing. If its burning oil, its probably normal...

At 200k for $1100, it sounds like a steel so probably needs some work. A used motor will run $750, clutch could be 1500-2000.

Timing chain oilers are the only thing I can think of on earlier models that needed replacing. Since it has 200,000, I'm guessing its been done, or the motor has been replaced.

Hell, for 1,100, I'd buy it even if it didn't run. Buy a motor, clutch and your under 4,000 for a car that'll roll for many years...

[RedGeminiPA]

Is there a way to tell if a 2.2 has been updated with the timing chain oil squirter? I noticed a neighbor down the road recently purchased an L100. I thought about stopping by to inquire about it. If there's a way to check the squirter, it would be a nice tip to tell him.

My ex had an '02 Grand Am with the 2.2. It ran great until the chain snapped at 84k. It needed the engine replaced after that.

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by RedGeminiPA

Is there a way to tell if a 2.2 has been updated with the timing chain oil squirter? I noticed a neighbor down the road recently purchased an L100. I thought about stopping by to inquire about it. If there's a way to check the squirter, it would be a nice tip to tell him.

My ex had an '02 Grand Am with the 2.2. It ran great until the chain snapped at 84k. It needed the engine replaced after that.

The 2.2 oiler service bulletin is too large to post but I'll email if you PM an address.

I don't see a simple way to visually determine if SB's been completed - but in a perfect world - a GM dealer could run VIN to determine if 03-06-01-017 - Jun 9, 2003 had been complied with.

I've pasted data from the subject/models/purpose blocks from SB - it appears since no VIN's are listed - all vehicles in model year are affected:

Subject: Service Information -- Timing Chain Design Change and Revised Service Procedures

Models: 2000-2003 Saturn L-Series with 2.2L Engine (VIN F -- RPO L61)
2002-2003 Saturn VUE with 2.2L Engine (VIN D -- RPO L61)
2003 Saturn ION Vehicles

Purpose: The purpose of this bulletin is to communicate updated service procedures to the timing chain and timing chain oiling nozzle due to design changes that have been made to both components. All timing chain kits now available in service will include the oiler nozzle. This new nozzle has higher flow rate characteristics that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low RPM operating conditions. Whenever replacing a timing chain, it is important to replace the oiler nozzle.

[Midnight13]

Originally Posted by pdough

I have a 2006 that has over 200k miles. And there isn't much that you need to ask him if its been done as far as maintenance. Clutch may or may not have been replaced depending on how its been driven. There is no timing belt so it doesn't need replacing. If its burning oil, its probably normal...

At 200k for $1100, it sounds like a steel so probably needs some work. A used motor will run $750, clutch could be 1500-2000.

Timing chain oilers are the only thing I can think of on earlier models that needed replacing. Since it has 200,000, I'm guessing its been done, or the motor has been replaced.

Hell, for 1,100, I'd buy it even if it didn't run. Buy a motor, clutch and your under 4,000 for a car that'll roll for many years...

06 with over 200k is impressive.

However for this 02, with this many miles, the KBB average, is only $2100-$2200.

Your figures for motor and clutch seem a bit off.

Clutches can be done for about $500-$700 if taken somewhere, and about $200 for the parts to do yourself.

The motor may be about $750 like you said for a used motor, but that would be just doing it yourself. We paid for a JY motor to be put in our Subaru wagon a few years ago, and it was $1450 to have it done, $600 motor, plus labor.

Figuring the highest prices for repairs, it puts this Vue way above bluebook, therefor making it not worth it.

I'm sure this co-worker is just looking for cheapest transportation, as he always gets cheap vehicles and runs them into the ground. He knows he could just get it, drive it til it dies then sell it to me for a few hundred for parts for mine

The ads been removed and haven't heard anymore from him about it. Thanks for the insight already though.

[Tom92SCm]

Originally Posted by Midnight13

Clutches can be done for about $500-$700 if taken somewhere, and about $200 for the parts to do yourself.

The beauty of the 2.2L clutch job is that the engine and transmission need to be physically removed from the VUE in order to seperate the transmission from the engine.

There in lies the additional cost. Plus you'll want to replace the clutch hydrualics while you're in there.

But I don't know if anyone has tried it. I did an S-series clutch by removing the left side suspension and lifting the transmission into the wheel well area.

[hoffman_BMX89]

i have an 05 2.2l with a 5spd going at 172000miles all i have done is wheel bearings and front brakes i tow 2 sleds in a double enclosed trailer in the winter months and i literally beat the squat out of this car i drive 400-800miles a week but i am on top of the maintanece. its indestructable and i love it

[emsvitil]

Originally Posted by Midnight13

06 with over 200k is impressive.

Clutches can be done for about $500-$700 if taken somewhere, and about $200 for the parts to do yourself.

Sorry, more like $400 for the kit......... (lower rockauto, higher locally)