Hybrid Maintenance?

Question

I am considering buying a hybrid (specifically a Saturn Vue Green Line). I've heard rumors that the hybrids require extra maintenance and therefore you spend all the money you save in fuel on maintenance for the hybrid system. No one can give me specific information, just heresay. When I asked at the dealership, they said that there is no extra maintenance for the hybrid system, but of course, they are trying to make a sale. Can anyone with personal experience shed some light on this for me? Thanks!

Answer 1

There is no extra maintenance for the Green Line Hybrid System, only the regular, routine maintenance that you would perform on any other vehicle. You can even look in the owner's manual while you are at the dealership.

Answer 2

No 'extra' maintenance is correct. When the batteries and/or the fuel cell require replacement (in five to eight years) you better be prepared to take out a second mortgage to pay for them. While hybrids do get very good fuel mileage and are probably a step in the right direction towards putting the Arab oil cartel out of business the cold, hard fact is you will be far more money ahead by purchasing a high mileage conventional fuel vehicle. A VW Jetta diesel gets virtually the same mileage as a Toyota Prius.
Just a little bio-diesel food for thought.

Answer 3

Hybrids do not require extra maintenance.
In fact the Ford Escape Hybrid actually requires LESS maintenance.
You might, in fact, want to reconsider your hybrid vehicle choice.
The Escape Hybrid is considered a "full" hybrid, whereas the Saturn Vue Green Line is considered a "mild" hybrid system.

The federal tax break for the Ford is greater than the tax break on the Saturn because of this.

The Hybrid components on the Ford are warrantied for at least 100,000 miles too!

I cannot supply you with Saturn documents, but I can supply you with the Ford maintenance, warranty, etc info. just e-mail me .

I can also give you a website that will verify all of my statements:
http://hybridcars.com/

Pay particular attention to this page:
http://www.hybridcars.com/gas-saving-tips/maximizing-mileage-ford-escape-hybrid.html

Here is the tax incentive chart:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157557,00.html

And actually right now Ford is offering 0% financing on all the remaining Escapes, because they are releasing the 2008, redesign right now!

You can go to http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/2007escapehybrid/
for incentives & pricing, & availability in your area.

or if you're in the Chicagoland region you can contact me directly.