[09XRFWDOWNER]

Hi folks,

I've posted this on the Traverse forum but thought those here who are driving the AWD version could provide some insight on the reliability/worthwhileness of this system on the 07's through 10's Saturns. Realize there might be running changes to the AWD system between a '07 and a '10 Saturn, but since all these Lambdas were made at one place (Lansing), the reliability would be common among all the Lambdas made. Appreciate any insight/experience you AWD owners have had with your Saturn.

The below has been posted up on the Traverse forum.

Been a lurker here as well as the other Lambda forums. Am the owner of an '09 Saturn Outlook (bought it new) that's pretty well loaded up (see sig). Overall I'm very pleased with this vehicle. Thankfully GM has stepped up on the steering rack as well as the water pump. Mine now has 65K miles on her and I'm still on the original brakes. Plan on replacing the fronts this spring. I know the wave plate issue might loom its ugly head...has not as of yet as well as the timing chain replace. I knock on wood 'cause I tow with mine every year. GM has extended the wave plate and timing chain for 10 years or 120,000 miles so that is comforting.

My question for you folks is this. My son is interested in getting a low mile used Traverse. I've suggested to go after an 2011 or newer. Is there any significant difference between these 2 model years. As far as factory equipment goes, I suggested he go after an AWD version (he's in northwest Indiana and they get all the lake effect snow from Lake Michigan). Also suggested he be sure to get the factory trailer towing package (V92).

Beyond that is it safe to say the timing chain and transmission wave plate are non issues for these 2 years?

Also, does he have to get into an LTZ in order to get fog lamps? Apparently this question has been answered on the Traverse forum (it's a no).

Appreciate any and all insight on the basic differences/tendencies for repairs between these 2 years...AWD versions. Realize mpg on average will suffer at least 1 mpg.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Jim
In God We Trust!

 

[09XRFWDOWNER]

I stand corrected. GM has NOT extended the warranty on the transmission because of wave plate failure. Sorry to misinform here. Just got off the phone with the service manager at Moran Chevrolet in Clinton Township, MI.

Jim
In God We Trust!

 

[SenordrummeR2]

I've got an '08 XE with AWD. I live in Utah, and while we had a pretty mild winter this year, we haven't experienced any problems slipping or sliding in the snow. My wife is the main driver of the XE and she absolutely loves it. We bought the XE last September as it was time to upgrade from the '98 Lumina (220,000 miles) due to our second baby on the way. Each winter we've had problems slipping or sliding in our other cars, but the XE handled everything just fine. We don't have the towing package, so I can't comment on that. We're also running Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia tires. The only thing I wish is that there was a button to activate the AWD instead of waiting for the computer to recognize it needs to be activated.

 

[09XRFWDOWNER]

SenordrummeR2,

Thanks for responding! Good to hear your AWD has been trouble free and a +. Can you post up how many miles are on your '08 that you put on her?

Thanks again!

Regards,

Jim
In God We Trust!

 

[SenordrummeR2]

SenordrummeR2,

Thanks for responding! Good to hear your AWD has been trouble free and a +. Can you post up how many miles are on your '08 that you put on her?

Thanks again!

Regards,

Jim
In God We Trust!

We bought the '08 XE with around 110,000 miles, and we've probable put 5k-6k on it since then. I'll double check tonight. Most of my wife's driving is around town so she doesn't put as many miles on. I, on the other hand, work construction and put around 30k per year on my Corolla. Good thing the XE isn't my commuter!

-Nate

 

[h2oskierc]

The only thing I wish is that there was a button to activate the AWD instead of waiting for the computer to recognize it needs to be activated.

That would be 4wd. The AWD is always active. If memory serves Me correctly, the rear wheels always do 10% of the driving and the computer can transfer more power to the rear. Want to say it was up to either 35 or 40%. Those numbers could be off.

 

[SenordrummeR2]

That would be 4wd. The AWD is always active. If memory serves Me correctly, the rear wheels always do 10% of the driving and the computer can transfer more power to the rear. Want to say it was up to either 35 or 40%. Those numbers could be off.

Yep, that's the same info I remember reading. If I remember right, the AWD maxes out at a 60/40 split between the front and rear axles. I don't remember what the standard operating split is, but 80/20 sticks out for some reason. The manual on the my.GM.com site has changed and doesn't list this info anymore. I'll check my manual when I get home.