Think this is a good buy?

[Chaddc]

I am considering buying a 2002 3.0 vue with 132k miles for $500. Water pump leaks, exhaust flex pipe is leaking and has Throttle Body codes (p02176,p0121 and p0221). Apears to be in great physical shape inside and out. Decent tires as well.

So I figured a new water pump, timing belt, plugs and valve cover gaskets are in order. I have read about the TB issues and that it could need a new TB or possibly a repair of the wire harness. Is there anything else that typically should be replaced when doing all of this other work while I am there? What other mechanical issues do these routinely have that I am not taking into consideration?

What does the collective think about this vehicle? I have read this engine is a bear to work on, normally I am not afraid to do the work myself but I am looking for insight from those familiar with this configuration. Tt would be a starter car for my teenage daughter, so it won't be an everyday driver that I would heavily rely on. Think this would be a good buy or should I run away and only consider a 2004-2007 with a 3.5?

[rb6667]

IF...... You are able to do the work yourself, this could be a good buy based on your description.

Yes, the 3.0 is a challenge to work on but doable for someone like yourself. Not an easy engine to work on for sure.

[Chaddc]

Ok, so I went ahead and bought this vue for $500. I got rid of the TB codes I mentioned in my original thread by performing a calibration/relearn of the TB and TPS. Once I did that it ran much better. It appears to have a miss though. I am hoping it is either a bad plug or maybe an oil soaked plug from leaking valve covers.

SES light is still on after performing the calibration/relearn. I'll have to clear the codes and then read what may come back. I would assume it has to have a misfire code considering the miss/flat spot I hear.

It has a water leak above the front exhaust manifold. I am hoping that is a leaking upper radiator hose or maybe the extension pipe coming off the TStat.

I have been reading a ton of the articles posted here on how to replace the plugs and valve cover gaskets, as well as water pump and timing belt. It sure would be AWESOME for new guys like me if we could get those added to the HOW TO section, or even just make them stickies!

I do have a question about the valve cover gaskets. Why do some of the sets I see have 4 gaskets and some have two?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the knowledge base that has been built up here!

[SL2 Ride]

Originally Posted by Chaddc

Ok, so I went ahead and bought this vue for $500. I got rid of the TB codes I mentioned in my original thread by performing a calibration/relearn of the TB and TPS. Once I did that it ran much better. It appears to have a miss though. I am hoping it is either a bad plug or maybe an oil soaked plug from leaking valve covers.

SES light is still on after performing the calibration/relearn. I'll have to clear the codes and then read what may come back. I would assume it has to have a misfire code considering the miss/flat spot I hear.

It has a water leak above the front exhaust manifold. I am hoping that is a leaking upper radiator hose or maybe the extension pipe coming off the TStat.

I have been reading a ton of the articles posted here on how to replace the plugs and valve cover gaskets, as well as water pump and timing belt. It sure would be AWESOME for new guys like me if we could get those added to the HOW TO section, or even just make them stickies!

I do have a question about the valve cover gaskets. Why do some of the sets I see have 4 gaskets and some have two?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the knowledge base that has been built up here!

Are you talking about 4 full sized gaskets?

[Chaddc]

Sorry for the long delay checking on this post. Been working on the vue! I see now that there are TWO gaskets per cam cover (two cams per side) and that is why the kits contain FOUR gaskets!

[Cavell]

lifting the intake is actually easy. remove the 5 bolts and lift up and support with sling. support motor with jack and remove pass side motor mount and remove timing cover and remove WP. its messy and does take a bit of effort but its mostly picky stuff. i fixed a botched timing belt 3.0 this spring. pulled heads. found another one last week. owner wants $200 for it.