We had the trans replaced in March or April. After MANY conversations with Saturn, they would only pay for the part. We had to pay for labor. Our original quote for labor was $1500.00. I thought that to be outragous and obnoxious (more like being ripped off). I phone a friend who owns a shop and asked what the labor hours to replace the trans assy. It was in the area of 7.5 hours. I multiplied 7.5 times the $115.00 labor rate and got $862.50. So I called the dealer (the writer) back and he insisted it was $1500.00. So I asked him how many labor hours he was charging me and he said hold on, let me look. He came back and agreed they were wrong. After talking to the service manager to see if he would split the labor cost with us he said no. After a heated discussion with him he finally said we were welcome to tow the car out and to a different dealer. That brought us to the owner. VERY long story short we ended up paying around $400.00. They think they have you when the bill will be $5000.00 and you only have to pay $1500.00. Be careful out there and never let your guard down.
Now for those who are still reading this, it gets better. I brought this same 2003 vue back to the dealer on 10/30/08 for a noise I suspected was in the trans Again. Guess what? You got, they replaced the trans AGAIN. This time all parts and labor was paid for by Saturn (because it was within the 12 months or 12,000 mile parts warranty).
So far the score is five new transmissions (including the original) have been installed in this vehicle. We figure Saturn has put over $20,000 just in transmissions in this beauty. Oh well, it's got almosst 170,000 miles on it and not a spot of rust (HAHA).
I hope you have enjoyed the saga so far. I am sure there will be more.