I’m going to tell you how I got 300,000 miles out of my 2007 Saturn Hybrid Vue and avoided years of monthly $500 car payments for a new vehicle.
Hey, most folks will get rid of their vehicle once it reaches 100,000 miles or more. Not me. I don’t want anymore $500 monthly car payments. OK, let’s get started. Here’s a photo of my 15-year old Saturn Vue Hybrid.
–
–
–
2007 Saturn Hybrid Vue Stats
–
Type: Saturn Vue Front Wheel Dive – Hybrid, 4 Door
Purchase Date: 20 December 2006
Purchase Price: $26,000
Monthly Payments: $493.34
Colors: Exterior – Black / Interior – Grey
Engine: 04 Cylinder / 2.4 liter / 170-horsepower
Assist Motor: Electric Batteries 36 Volt
Cylinders: 04
Drive: Front Wheel Drive
Transmission: Automatic Transaxle Operation
Batteries: 12 volt and 36 volt (engine assist)
Re-Charge Hybrid Batteries: Regenerative Braking & Regenerative Coasting
Driver & Passengers: 05
Current Mileage: 300,609 miles (25 Dec. 2021 – Sat)
Saturn Vue Amenities:
- OnStar Emergency Services
- Car Phone
- XM Satellite Radio Service (SiriusXM)
- Climate Control
- Reclining & Moveable Bucket Seats
- Heated Bucket Seats
- Center Console Storage Compartments (02)
- Collapsible Rear Bench Seat
- Rear Cargo Space
- AM / FM Radio
- CD Player
- Military 24-Hour Clock
- Vehicle Auto Stop (engine turns off temporarily at stop lights to save fuel)
- Power Windows
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Anti-Theft Systems (Doors, Windows,…)
- Traction Control System
- Electric Power Steering
- Electric Driver Seat Adjustment
- Heated Rear Window
- Front & Rear Windshield Wipers
- Multiple Electric Plug-Ins
- Multiple Surround Sound Speakers
- Tinted Windows
- Tire Inflator Kit
- Remote Vehicle Lock, Unlock & Emergency Alarm
- Vehicle Maintenance Warning Light
- Multiple Warning Icons & Alarms
–
–
09 Simple Steps To Reaching 300,000 Miles
–
Here are the simple Steps I’ve been doing to reach 300,000 miles on my Saturn Vue Hybrid.
STEP 01: I NEVER conducted any maintenance on the vehicle myself. I am not a trained mechanic. All vehicle maintenance is conducted by a Saturn mechanic and other professional mechanics (General Motors).
Note: Saturn Dealership went out of business in October 2009 when they stopped making Saturn vehicles.
–
STEP 02: Oil Change is critical. Oil change is conducted every 3,000 miles. Have been using ‘high mileage oil’ starting at 100,000 miles.
–
STEP 03: I NEVER Raced the motor. Adhered to speed limits.
–
STEP 04: AVOIDED roads / routes that are poorly maintained. Roads with multiple depressions, potholes, debris,… can damage tires, suspension,… I chose alternate routes.
–
STEP 05: Responded to 02 recalls
- Replaced Wire Harness of Vehicle
- Replaced 36 Volt Batteries
–
STEP 06: Adhered to all other minor and major scheduled maintenance requirements for the vehicle
–
STEP 07: Non-scheduled minor and major maintenance problems were immediately addressed by qualified mechanics.
–
STEP 08: Other minor and major maintenance conducted from the advice / warnings from the professional mechanics who found potential mechanical problems.
–
STEP 09: I always park my 2007 Saturn Vue in my carport to protect it from the elements. The constant sun, wind, rain, snow,… can slowly bring wear & tear on any vehicle and age the vehicle prematurely.
Note: A garage is more protective than a carport.
–
–
No Monthly Car Payments Since 2012!
–
As a result of taking care of my Saturn Vue, I haven’t had any monthly $493.34 car payments since 2012 (108 months). I hope to reach 400,000 miles and avoid purchasing another vehicle, thus AVOIDING monthly car payments.
And if I do purchase another vehicle, it won’t be a new vehicle. It will be a low mileage used vehicle (with a warranty) from a reputable car dealership so to save at least several thousand dollars.
–
–
–
IRISAP Copyright 2021 – All Rights Reserved