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Possible ways to save some money on the repairs Posted by Bill Homer [Email]  (#3427) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Bill Homer) on Thu, 29 Dec 2005 09:02:38
In Reply to: Re: 9000 versus a Cavalier?, macbarbie, Thu, 29 Dec 2005 06:37:47 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
For the following, I am assuming that you do not want to do your own repairs, but plan on having someone do it for you. Some shops will install parts that you provide - this may or may not include the mechanic that suggested the purchase of a Cavalier.
Exhaust: I have never had a problem finding an independent exhaust shop that wouldn't install my parts on some of my other cars for a fee. The 9000 exhaust (for the three parts in back of the catalytic converter) is incredibly easy to install once the old one is out - it just bolts in and is hung by four rubber hangers. I would suggest replacing the entire rear system all at once, chances are that the still-intact parts are also on their last leg and will need replacing soon - might as well get it done correctly now. If you decide to buy the parts, post which model car you have, turbo or not, and someone can give you the part numbers that you require. Then you can buy them from a site sponsor for half or less then your mechanic will charge you, bring them somewhere and have them installed.
Rear brakes: assuming that you need pads and rotors only, this is also a cheap fix, the parts are in the $100 - $125 range from a site sponsor, again about double that from a mechanic. Note, however, that the rear brakes on a 9000 require specialized knowledge on how to install the new pads; done the "normal" way, an installer will ruin the parking/emergency brake function in the rear calipers (the "clamping" part of the brake) - there is a hidden screw which must be adjusted to retract the caliper's mechanism to allow room to install the new pads. Will your mechanic use your parts? Does he even know the secret of the 9000 brakes? Some mechanics will not use customer parts for brakes, citing liability concerns and/or wishing to avoid return visits for noises eminating from parts that they did not supply.
Other suggestions: I do not know how your car has been maintained, but as a preventive measure, you may wish to have some of the fluids changed to promote longevity of key (expensive) systems:
1. When you have the brakes done, have the brake fluid flushed. SAAB's recommendation for this is every two years.
2. Transmission - if you have an automatic transmission, this is the Achilles' Heel of the 9000 and a failure will probably cause you to scrap the car due to the $3000+ replacement cost. Many here will advise you that it is prudent to change the automatic transmission fluid, despite no official recommendation from SAAB. There are a few ways to do this, if interested, either do a search on this site or ask.
3. Antifreeze/Coolant - coolant degrades over time, which can lead to expensive repairs. Have the coolant flushed every other year, it should be cheap.
PS, last year I rented an almost new Cavalier, it already had a leaking heater core with less than 10,000 miles on the car!!!
posted by 69.209.72...
, Wed, 28 Dec 2005 16:26:44, Thu, 29 Dec 2005 09:02:38 <-- Viewing This Message
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