1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
1. The mechanics found that the ball joints need to be replaced- this they are doing for free, since it is a safety issue and wouldve been caught prior to sale. Are there any other standard safety issues that might need to be addressed asap?
>>>Have them check the lower control arms on both front sides for cracks. This is a safety issue too but won't be covered if found later, unless someone starts a class action suit or NHTSA forces GM/Saab to do it. You're fortunate to be able to get it done on the nused car. Also have them check the boots on the CV joints...if torn you can argue it's also a safety issue because they can lock up w/o lubricant (takes a long time but I guess it could happen). Also if the steering happens to be very slow or sticky when cold...indicative of dying steering rack or sticking knuckle in steering column. Make sure the abs test light goes on before you hit the starter as the key goes to 'on,' if it doesn't light, indicating the light is functional, someone may have removed the bulb and the abs may not be working...assuming your car HAS abs. Another check is to, ummm, 'exercise' your abs on a deserted stretch of wet or snowy or dirt road...if it doesn't work now, now is the time to howl!
2. All of the gaskets are leaking. The service manager claims that they are not a critical problem and are typical at this stage of the car's life. Replacing them now is not recommended. If this is true, how should I deal with them in the future? Should I replace them sequentially, and in the meantime constantly add oil to be safe? The gaskets would not be covered under the 30 day limited powertrain warranty since they are not critical and not causing the motor to malfunction (yet).
This is a judgement call....if the vehicle is severely leaking they should be fixed NOW. If the leaks are front or rear main seal and they are severe, they are arguably causing unreasonable (use the word 'unreasonable') wear and tear on the motor of the vehicle you have just bought from them! Now is also the time to have their service guys run an exhaust gas sniffer over an open coolant reservoir to check for combustion chamber gases indicative of headgasket leaks, not unusual on your car at this age/mileage. A headgasket leak IS a severe malfunction and, unless specifically excluded by your warranty, should be covered.
3. The passenger side seat does not heat. I stopped the service manager from servicing this because it was not covered under the warranty, but I would like to fix it myself at some point. Any ideas? There is a little sliding switch on the side of the seat, I'm not even sure what position it should be in for the heat to work and I don't see it in the manual.
???I thought they were automatic, thermostat operated, and enabled by a pax weight on the seat. See the FAQ on seat heaters.
4. They are replacing a seal that is torn- the technical term escapes me- I believe it is the CV boot but it apparently covers the axle and is an 'external part' of the trans. This will cost between $250-300. What is it and why is it important? Is this price reasonable?
>>>seems a little high to me...for that cost they should be replacing the entire CV joint. Yes it is external to the transmission, but it shouldn't involve more than one to 1.5 hours of labor and whatever the boot costs. Tell them it's worth that much labor and parts only unless they propose replacing the entire CV joint. And don't let them replace the CV joint unless it's 'clicking' at full lock or they can show you definite rotational play in the joint.
5. Can anyone suggest an honest reliable mechanic in Philadelphia, PA. I saw on this site a list of a few in PA, NJ, and DE, but no one centrally located near Center City Philly. Also any rules of thumb in dealing with Saab repairs will be much appreciated- thats probably a big can of worms to open though.
>>>dunno about Philly, but in general the more you know about your vehicle, if only the vocabulary and location of parts and systems, the better deal you generally get from the service guys. Some of them like a knowledgeable customer because said customer may want things done right and appreciate having them catch something. Said customer may not want to do certain dirty jobs himself and may be in denial....I (oops, said customer) may want to have them do it rather than me. OTOH, maybe they don't like knowledgeable consumers second guessing or quality checking their jobs. Waddever.
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