Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 04:24:50 GMT From: "Walt Kienzle" <wkienzlenospam.com> Subject: Re: Extended Warranty
"Jonathan Kaplan" <insure10nospamo.com> wrote in message news:B7ydnScWCfcLoYvZRVn-hgnospamast.com... [snip] > This being said, non-dealer SAAB mechanics charge virtually the same > hourly rate as the dealer. > > I thought I would save money with my Volvo 850 by going to an independent > Volvo mechanic. It ended up costing the same as the dealer. > > There are even fewer SAAB mechanics than Volvo ones. I chalk all this up > to the outrageous cost of living in NJ or NY. [snip] I agree with your comments on the cost of living in NY and NJ. Have you tried Swedish Connection in Bergenfield? (www.swedishsales.com) I was very satisfied with their work and pricing when they fixed the exhaust system on my 9000. Since I was out of town on a work assignment, they met all my unreasonable scheduling demands and provided me with a free loaner car from the Thrifty agency across the street. They work on Saabs and Volvos, and the owner told me that he would consider working on Subaru's even if they aren't marked "9-2X". On the Extended Warranty topic: I consider them a waste of money that could be put toward actual repairs if they are needed. The last new car I bought, the F&I guy told me I was crazy not to by the extra warranty because of "all the complicated parts in these new cars." The car in question hasn't yet had a repair that would have been covered by that warranty. The car is now 16 years old. My Saab needed a new transmission after 6 years of my ownership at 130K miles. I was able to install a rebuilt transmission, clutch, pressure plate, slave cylinder and replace a few other parts for US$2000. How much does that extended warranty cost, and what is the deductible? Hopefully the warranty company won't try to weasel out of paying by claiming driver negligence or abuse - that assumes they are still in business when you need them. Remember, not all warranties sold by dealers are backed by the factory or any other credible entity. Walt Kienzle 1991 9000T 1990 Ford Taurus SHO
