[steiner5]

Hi everyone,
Joined this forum because I would really like some opinions on purchasing a Saturn Outlook. I have been researching and have found there are people who have had good luck and some that have had not so good luck with these vehicles. The Saturn we are thinking about purchasing is an "07" XR with 86,xxx miles on it. The power train warranty will expire Jan. of 2012, so there is not much warranty left. The car-fax is clean and I really like the vehicle- just have never purchased a vehicle with so many miles. I would love to get something with fewer miles, but this is in our price range and with 3 kids we need the roomier vehicle! Of course the dealer says this car was well maintained and was driven by an older couple who traveled so most of the miles are highway( but isn't that what every salesman wants you to think???) Sooo... what are your opinions on the higher mileage Outlooks??? Thanks for any help!

 

[rbarrios]

Get the VIN # of that vehicle...
then go to the Acadia forum (the Traverse, Acadia,Enclave,Outlook) are cousins- and share platform.
and ask about your VIN being run... member GEOHAWK can run your VIN and tell you what has been done to this vehicle at the dealer.
You can then find out if any major work was done. (did it have leaky sunroof, etc etc)

 

[salguod]

2007 was the first year and has more trouble than newer ones. Your odds for a trouble free vehicle go up when you move away from the introduction year. I'd look for a newer XE model, 2009 if you can swing it. Trade less equipment for resolved problems.

You didn't say what your budget is. I've seen 2010 XEs here in central Ohio in the $23K-$24K range. What do they want for that '07 XR?

 

[steiner5]

They were asking $19,995, got them to come down to $18,350...this was the only one within 200 miles of us that I could find in our price range($18-20) and with the captains chairs in the 2nd row- didn't want the bench seat. Thank you for the suggestion re the VIN number, I'm going to do that now!

 

[salguod]

If it were me, (heresy alert) I'd be looking at used Pilots, even if it meant more mileage. I'm just not confident in a 1st year Lambda, starting at that mileage. True Delta's data on the Oulook vs. the Pilot backs that up.

If all you need is space, a minivan is a better deal and more spacious. I understand that a lot of folks just don't want a van, though.

Another option is a new Mazda5. Those little things are awesome, fun to drive, versatile and better MPG than a SUV. Yeah, it's a van, but it's a different kind of van - good looking, spunky, fun to drive and affordable. Drive one before you dismiss it. Besides, now you're talking new, right around $20K.

 

[6Sixathome]

They were asking $19,995, got them to come down to $18,350...this was the only one within 200 miles of us that I could find in our price range($18-20) and with the captains chairs in the 2nd row- didn't want the bench seat. Thank you for the suggestion re the VIN number, I'm going to do that now!

Run as fast as you can!, that's waaaaaaaaaaay too much for the car with that many miles on it. Look for an '09 or '10 XE if you can do without some options. Dont get me wrong it an awsome vehicle it's just that they want too much $$ for it. Check ebay.

 

[medicrxdoc]

Does it have a sunroof?

 

[sailfish]

As a former 07 Outlook owner I have to agree with 6Sixathome do NOT purchase this year Outlook.

Then as for medicrxdoc my comment is DO NOT get one with a sunroof/moonroof.

I had way too many problems with leaks the last 11 months I owned the Outlook. Then of course there was the timing chain which resulted in the engine dropped for the replacement of the chains and...well **** again to have more work on the engine.

If you only have that much money to spend this is not the vehicle you should get into...sorry folks...but they should get into one no older than an 09.
Which of course unfortunately that leaves only a few 10's that were built.

 

[6Sixathome]

steiner5, I also forgot to mention that I too along with Sailfish had an '07 XR, it was bought back by GM and I was given my current '09 in it's place.

 

[steiner5]

Thank you again everyone, I'm seriously going to reconsider purchasing this vehicle....I had read about all the leaky sunroof issues, so this one did not have one! Looking at some other options that are in our price range. Money is just tight and I dont want to be stuck with a vehicle that needs repairs all the time... so glad I found this forum site!

 

[salguod]

I'm a bit sad that we may have talked you out of an Outlook, but I think that you'll be better off with something more reliable.

We had a Honda Odyssey that was mostly fantastic up until we traded it on the Outlook at 203K miles. Really impressed with it's reliability. If the Pilot had been roomier and had better tow ratings, we'd have one (and if we didn't need to tow, we'd have another Odyssey, or a Mazda5). The Lambdas are a great design, roomy for an SUV (but not compared to a van), decent mileage and good towing. The fact that the new Durango and Explorer are carbon copies of the Lambda layout is testimony that GM got the design right.

I read about the issues with the '07s and to a lesser extant, the '08s, so I knew I wanted an '09 or '10. I was pleased with the deal we got on our '10. So far so good, but she's just broken in. I'm crossing my fingers that she doesn't turn into a money pit as the miles rack up. I plan on having her another 9 years, which is about 180K miles!

 

[sailfish]

steiner5 Okay I need to say this....I really really did like my Outlook it was just the 11 months that gave me a pain. There are many owners who do not experience any problems.

I say find another one, 09 or 10 without many miles.

I mean look at me I went out and purchased an Enclave, same platform as the Outlook, heck runs down the same manufacturing line as the Outlook did in Lansing. Although I did not get a sunroof/moonroof and a few other options which were on my 07 XR but so far....totally happy.

Just that you need to be aware of the issues many of us had and are still having.

 

[6Sixathome]

Thank you again everyone, I'm seriously going to reconsider purchasing this vehicle....I had read about all the leaky sunroof issues, so this one did not have one! Looking at some other options that are in our price range. Money is just tight and I dont want to be stuck with a vehicle that needs repairs all the time... so glad I found this forum site!

Keep looking, you'll find a good deal and with less miles too

 

[steiner5]

No worries, I definitely still want to own one someday...just need to wait until I can purchase a newer model with fewer miles!

 

[sailfish]

No worries, I definitely still want to own one someday...just need to wait until I can purchase a newer model with fewer miles!

:thumb: You will find the perfect one! ;D

 

[GM Customer Service]

Dear steiner5,

I have been reading through the thread about you possibly purchasing an Outlook. You have been provided with valuable information from the members of the forum and that is awesome.

All in all, you have to do what you feel is best for you and your family.

Don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

Sincerely,
Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[salguod]

There are 3 '09 Outlooks on eBay now under $19K, 2 of them have 50K or less on the odometer.