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I've got a 1997 SET Convertible, 5-speed, 67K miles (second owner -- had 28K miles when I bought it in 2002). Last fall, I was having roof issues -- "check latches" message when top was lowered -- it lowered fine, but the latches wouldn't engage & the chimes would chime. Paid $70 to have "tonneau latch microswitch adjusted."
I managed to use the roof without incident a few more times, then the roof wouldn't lower properly (well, I decided to put it back up b/c I was afraid that it might not be able to get it back up if I got it down.) I'd already spent over $3500 in maintenance/repairs last year, so I decided to buy a new car, intending to have the Saab's roof fixed in the spring & then sell it (because the trade-in offer seemed awfully low -- now I regret not taking it).
Finally (today), I got around to getting the car to my mechanic. Diagnosis? He says the 5th bow motor must first be replaced ($740) & only then can he figure out whether anything else needs fixing, such as the tonneau motor and/or the ECU. He told me the tonneau motor repair, if needed, would be another $1600 or so. Meanwhile, he mentioned that it sounded like my timing chain will need replacing soon, to the tune of about $3700. The car looks great (perfect interior; very good exterior -- some scratches, but nothing major), lots of new parts last year, but I've put only about 1000 miles since then (new tires & rims; new muffler; new hoses; new master cylinder; new right lower control arm), & it's fast & fun to drive, but I don't need it anymore & I'm not made of cash.
My inclination is to not spend another dime & to sell it. If I knew the top would be work fine by just replacing the 5th bow motor I'd do it because I suspect a convertible will not sell for much if the top won't go down. OTOH, I don't want to spend $740 on a 5th bow motor only to find out that the top still won't drop without even more $$$.
Any idea what the odds are that both the 5th bow motor & the tonneau motor are shot? I'm appalled that I have to gamble $740, but if I had a better sense of the odds, I could evaluate the decision better. I'd be grateful for your comments and/or advice.
posted by 65.111.69...
, Fri, 14 Jul 2006 08:55:58
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