1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The car has indeed spent most of its life making short trips--the first owner was a woman who lived in Hilton Head, SC--a small island and surrounding community--she never neared approach the 12,000/year limit on her 3-lease. She was a dear though--she met me for dinner and handed over all of her original receipts and maintenance records that matched everythinig the dealership there had mailed me. At minimum, I've new friends in SC thanks to my investigative trip to get the records. ;)
I've had it two years, and although I live in Atlanta, I work 5 miles from my office--a short drive to and fro through residential neighborhoods, work from home one day a week and otherwise don't drive it much distance otherwise. I have lately driven it 16 miles one-way to university in the downtown area several evenings a week--freeway, but half in rush-hour traffic. Nevertheless--the car has never once come close to overheating on me.
I'd show true ignorance in trying detail the oils used. The Hilton Head and Atlanta dealership receipts don't identify the oil in a manner that is obvious to me at any rate. Two of my oil change receipts show 'multigrade'; two show 20W50 Valvoline N and another Valvoline 5/30, if I'm even reading those correctly.
I'll ask about the head gasket seal ring areas...the head gasket was replaced by the 2nd owner shortly after he bought it--cracked and replaced under the original warranty at 42,500 miles.
I'm having the dealership here replace my short block...I'd go for long, but they aren't available new from Saab at any price. The short is $4500 and then the labor starts kicking in....
There may be cheaper options, but I'm not giving up on pursuing Saab for a defective product...no warning lights, no smoke, the csr was quietly purring up to the moment it died. I was also getting advertised mpg up until that moment.
I know of at least 3 other owners of my make/model/engine in the same situation. This is a serious safety issue when these engines fail at highway speeds on freeways.
This is my first post...female owner of a repair shop that works exclusively on Saabs (another dear--full of insight and has helped me tremendously even though I've never once been in her shop--very much out of practical towing distance) told me about this site this afternoon...just beginning to sort through the archives...phew!!
I'm crushed--I adore the car and was hoping to enjoy it for many more years...now I'm not sure if I'll be safe in it after the engine rehaul.
thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
a
PS-I did make one road-trip in it--to Orlando for a Bruce Springsteen concert. It was the most comfortable long distance drive I've ever made....8 hours of pure driving pleasure. The seats are fantastic.
posted by 67.34.22...
, Tue, 13 Sep 2005 21:26:42, Tue, 13 Sep 2005 18:43:41
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