1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Walt-
What year is your car? What dealership are you taking it to?
I had the EXACT same thing happen to me. Mine was an early '99 9-5 (about number 4000 on the last digits of the VIN number). I ultimately went through FIVE gas tanks. Apparently, in mid-'99, Saab redesigned the gas tank, giving the newer cars the "thump" when stopping with 1/2 a tank. The earlier gas tanks, like mine and probably yours, tended to rub on some part on the bottom of the car. This would eventually put a small hole in the tank, and the computer would assume that you didn't put the gas cap on tight enough.
After the third tank was installed, I called Saab USA and started telling them about my problem. They were sympathetic, but didn't do anything. The customer service reps don't have a lot of power. I kept them apprised of the situation after my fourth tank as well. By the fifth tank, I started talking "lemon law". That is apparently the magic phrase to get your case escalated to the legal department. I went back and forth with a woman named Sanita Britt in the legal department (I think she was a lawyer, but I'm not sure). Ultimately, we worked out a deal between Saab USA, the dealership and me where Saab USA would give me a coupon for $3000 off my next Saab, the dealership would give me a good deal on my trade and sell me another Saab at dealer invoice.
Although it took a while, everybody at Saab USA was very nice and helpful. The sales department at my dealership, on the other hand, just flat out lied, and I had to fight very hard to get them to give me the deal they promised. I ultimately prevailed, but I won't be buying my next car at Kachina Cadillac/Saab in Scottsdale, AZ. Their service department was great in handling the problems, though, and I would recommend them. In fact, even though the Saab service advisor that I dealt with has left, there are guys who remember my car.
Your car is a bit older, and out of both warranty and lemon law range. Through some detective work, I discovered that Saab does know about this problem. You will probably have to pay to get it fixed this time, but keep good records in case it happens again.
I would suggest getting it fixed at the dealership if you can swing it. This way, the info will be in Saab's computer system in case you need it in the future.
I have been in your shoes, and I know it's frustrating. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know.
-Chris Mause
posted by 63.255.9...
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