Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 22:07:04 +0000 (UTC) From: "Martin" <duffnopsaml.address> Subject: Re: SAAB & dealers - who is responsible?
"Louis Cornelio" <cornelionopsamrr.com> wrote in message news:Pwtp9.72589$X9.13596873nopsamter.socal.rr.com... > > > I have a tale of woe that I will make brief: > > Avehicle ('95 900 SE) I bought 2nd hand was taken in for 35,000 > maintenance & it seems the dealer at the time did NOT replace the timing > belt as recommended/required/warrantied. > > Guess what - as a result it failed & wrecked the engine. But the dealer > who messed up is dealer no more - franchise transferred to another local > dealer. So both p[ast & present dealers are claiming "not my > fault/problem" and SAAB is saying "nothing we can do." > > Should SAAB have to make good on this? Their dealer messed up > (authorized dealer stamp is in the booklet for 35,000) - owner claims to > have sold to me on good faith of good condition based on dealer > maintenance I bought at 51,000) but as result of apparent dealer > negligence I get stuck w/ $6,000 repair?!? > > Anyone have any tips on how to deal w/ SAAB, stories of good or ill, > insights or experience to share? Addresses of SAAB big-wigs to whom I > might petition? right now it seems is all I have is small claims court > since everyone is balking..... > > 'screwed in san diego" I don't want to appear stupid, but I thought all Saabs (apart from those with the GM V6) had timing chains rather than belts? And even then is the belt change interval really as low as 35000 miles? I thought they tended to be around 60k these days? My own view is that if the belt should have been changed but wasn't, then the liability is with the dealer - having gone to the wall, I would hope that Saab would offer a goodwill payment. If the belt should have been changed and was, then Saab should be liable as you have clearly followed the servicing guidelines. I still can't understand any timeing belt going at such a low mileage unless there is some premature failure...