Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 15:42:33 -0400 From: 'nuther Bob <none1nopsam.com> Subject: Re: Starting to shop
On Thu, 22 May 2003 08:57:33 -0400, "Kenneth S." <nimrodnopsams.com> wrote: > My >experience has not been altogether satisfactory, because several things >were wrong with the car when I bought it and other things have gone >wrong in the intervening period. We know you don't like your Saab much. I'm still not sure why you don't sell it. >By contrast, my other car, a Mazda >Miata, has been extremely reliable during the five years I have owned Japanese cars _are_ the most reliable on a day to day basis, although longevity is an issue. Their warranty coverage tends to suck though: they dodge every claim they can (MHE). >Repairs seem to be much more expensive than other cars, partly because >it seems desirable to have Saabs fixed at a Saab specialist. European cars cost a little more to have fixed. However, the difference is not much. My Nissan dealer charges $75/hour, my Saab dealer $80. One difference is that the Saab dealer is scrupulously honest and tries to cover anything they can under warranty, and they hire people with a clue at the Service Desk who don't hesitate to go talk to a mechanic immediately when you confer to make sure things get fixed right. My Nissan dealer hires cute just-out-of-school girls and guys who can't tell a spark plug from a radiator plug and don't seem to know where the shop door even is. >Parts seem >to be MUCH more expensive than other cars I have owned. Not true, IMHE. First, most of the stuff you eventually need is available via the aftermarket: plugs, batteries, fluids. My DI Cassette was $400 at the dealer (I got it for $275 on the 'net). Four coils plus the module for $400. My Nissan uses 4 coils at $75 each, plus a module at $125. Roughly the same cost. My Saab serp belt was $34, my idler pulley $38. The kit to reinforce my tonneau cover was $8. Not much for dealer parts. A radiator for my Nissan at the dealer was $550 - even the dealer parts guy told me to go elsewhere. The cam position sensor for my Nissan was $400. Muffler systems for my Nissan run $370 at the dealer, I got a *stainless* sport model for my Saab for $400 direct from Saab. >The electronics appear to be a weak point on my car. Not really. I know you have some issue with a ground wire. It's not the most common thing and costs nil to repair once found (no parts). >The turbo four-cylinder engine is >not particularly smooth or quiet, Your opinion. No, it's not a Honda motor. Then again, Honda's don't last as long or produce as much torque. The Saab motor is actually fairly smooth when running correctly (i.e., is yours well tuned ?) The also routinely go 300K miles. Show me a Honda with 300K miles on it. I won't even mention Mazda. >I find the latter characteristic somewhat annoying in a car that >is supposed to be entry-level luxury, Your opinion. It is an I4, not a V6. But, mine is smooth. I accidentally run 2nd gear up to 6000 rpm (way to often) when I have the radio on masking the (little that there) is engine noise. My Saab is much quieter and smoother all the way to the redline than my Nissan was anywhere past 4500RPM. It's a nice, solid, aggressive, fun to drive motor. >and has all kinds of marginally useful electronic gadgets. Your opinion. I like my gadgets and find them very useful. >To me, the central element of luxury is a smooth, quiet engine. Your opinion. Mine rocks. See above. You want a V6 or V8, buy one. You want an I4 with 100HP/liter ? Buy a Saab. Again, perhaps you bought the wrong car. Every car has a personality. Engine, suspension, interior, exterior, they all make up a package. The Saab is sport-luxury in a traditional package for people who like to drive and know there's a car there. You seem to have been looking for something else. Bob PS. You forgot to complain about the key location this time.
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