My '97 sse is at 141500 right now. I realize it'* a little ways away, but with little money opportunities lately, I'd like to start putting away a little at a time. What should i look into doing when I hit 150000 miles? I bought the car with 134000 in September; it'* the first car and I'd like to keep it lasting for a while.

Just looking at what I should do at 150000 so I can start planning. Thanks!

(Sorry if this is the wrong place.)

Moved to 1992-1999.

If you have the skills, I would say change the timing chain and tensioner. You should be able to do it in 6 or 7 hours. Swapping out the LIM gaskets and UIM gaskets. The oil pan gasket might be a good idea.

Good call on the UIM and LIM gaskets. Those are the two weak points of the 3800 Series II motor.

Mine just rolled past 150,000 a few months ago; aside from the recommended maintenance in the manual, there'* not too much to do. Tell us what you've done to the engine (maintenance and mods), what you know the last owner did, and how it'* doing now.

I've been friends with the previous owner for the past 5 years.
Regular oil/plug/filter changes.
New fuel pump in December.
New ignition coil pack in October.

Replaced a belt or chain a few years back; I'll check tomorrow to see all we've done for sure.
Car runs like a dream though.

Vents don't work(heat and a/c do come out of the vents up by the windshield, just not on the ones facing the seats), some small leaks, etc.

Your venting issue is probably a disconnected or broken blower motor house. It may also be an actuator behind the dash. Hopefully the former; it'* much easier.

The advice I was given is just to fix things quickly after they break, and to stay on top of maintenance. Watch out for rust, too.

If you gonna replace the timing chain ya might as well throw a performance cam in there while you have it all torn down

a little never hurts

I am about due for this myself

I recently performed the timing chain maintenance at 151K. When the timing cover was removed, I was surprised to find that there was only 1/4" of slack in the chain (1" is allowed). So, went ahead and replaced the timing chain, cam gear, crank sprocket, chain damper, timing cover gasket/oil seal, harmonic balancer, and crankshaft position sensor. Parts cost was $175.

Also plan on replacing the seasonal tire air. lol jk

No really, I would also replace the brake fluid and power steering fluid to @150.000 miles

Fuel filter, air filter, transmission fluid.
check all coolant hoses.
Check suspension and steering parts. I.E Ball Joints, Tie Rod ends, Shocks and mounts, Wheel bearings.
Check the tank filler tubes where they are rubber.