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Registration is coming up in August for my Ford Explorer. I need to replace my Missouri plates with Maryland plates. And I’m not sure if the SUV will pass or how much it will cost to make it pass. I’ve been very good about keeping my SUV maintained. Valvoline Instant Oil Change loves me I’m sure. But now with the Cash for Clunkers program out there, I’ve been forced into making a quick decision.

Cash for Clunkers is a government program designed for consumers to receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount off their trade-in vehicle when purchasing or leasing a new one. It runs until the government runs out of the $1 billion set aside for the program. There are lots of restrictions, such as having a trade-in with low MPG, must own and insure it for at least a year, and you have to purchase a vehicle with a higher MPG. The program kicked off a few days ago and has been such a success, the government has already dried up the money and have revised their plans, now allotting $2 billion more.

This was my chance to get rid of my “clunker”, a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport with 143,900 miles on it, and trade in for a new vehicle. Lucky for me the trade-in the government is offering is higher than Kelley Blue Book standards.

I stopped by my nearest Saturn dealership in Gaithersburg, MD, since I have been looking at the Saturn Vue for quite some time. I also researched the Buick Enclave, but it’s just too pricey. I really like practical vehicles with a hint of modern conveniences (like satellite radio, tire pressure indicators, sunroof, bluetooth). By purchasing a Vue with a V6 (gotta have the power of a V6), my SUV would qualify for a $3,500 rebate. Since the average MPG on the Vue is 19 and my Explorer is 15, I don’t qualify for the larger $4,500 rebate, which is only good for vehicles with more than a 5 MPG difference. Dang, I missed it by 1 MPG!

So after a speaking with sales consultant Tim Bennett, taking a couple test drives, reviewing the offer of 0% financing + employee price discount + instant Maryland registration and plates, I’m a proud new owner of a 2009 Saturn Vue.

Oh yeah, one more thing….I MUST find my title and registration. If I don’t have it to the dealership by Monday morning, I have to return the car and take my clunker back. Today = a day in storage searching boxes for 2 little pieces of paper.

8/2 UPDATE: I found my title and registration! It was in the first box I checked in storage–whew!

8/5 UPDATE: I also posted this blog on IMSaturn.com, Saturn’s network for Saturn drivers, employees, fans and enthusiasts.