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25-02-2006, 09:49pm
Bill.... I own a SAAB. Please don't tell anyone. If you are ever considering buying one.... seek therapy.... or speak to a SAAB owner. Theres a saying amongst SAAB drivers "Buying a SAAB is something you'll only ever do once."
As a car (CS Anniversary 9000 2.3 Turbo) it's actually a real pleasure to drive - when it runs. All parts must be made of stirling silver, because they cost a bomb. I've paid for the bastard again in the costs of parts and servicing in the last 5 years. In the past 10 months, I've replaced a turbo (blown seals) $1695, Fuel Pump $1250 and Water Pump $980. Thats just 10 months worth.
The most consistent niggle is all the electrics gremlins. Had to replace 3 of the 4 door locks (not responding to key or keypad) about 2 years ago ($1750). It has an oil leak that requires the engine and gearbox to be removed to fix. Once they are out, it takes about 10 seconds to replace whatever part it is. Even the guys who service it reckon I shouldn't bother. Just top up the oil every 1000kms and ignore the smell. Mind you, they also reckon I got a GOOD one !! Some of the horror stories they've told me happened to other SAAB's would make you cry. And from day one, SAAB Australia totally ignores you. Theres only 2 dealers in Sydney Metro and they openly collude - if one gives you a quote on some work, when you call the other one for a second quote they just say - "We'll do it at the same price they will... we can see their quote here on our screen".
It owes me too much to sell it. With what I've spent on this car over the past few years, I could own 2 busa's.
It seems to have settled down these days and to be honest, I still like driving it so its no biggie to keep it. Beautiful car to drive, but far too expensive to own. I'd never own one again.
The older I get, the better I was. Regards.... Rob (Astro)
As a car (CS Anniversary 9000 2.3 Turbo) it's actually a real pleasure to drive - when it runs. All parts must be made of stirling silver, because they cost a bomb. I've paid for the bastard again in the costs of parts and servicing in the last 5 years. In the past 10 months, I've replaced a turbo (blown seals) $1695, Fuel Pump $1250 and Water Pump $980. Thats just 10 months worth.
The most consistent niggle is all the electrics gremlins. Had to replace 3 of the 4 door locks (not responding to key or keypad) about 2 years ago ($1750). It has an oil leak that requires the engine and gearbox to be removed to fix. Once they are out, it takes about 10 seconds to replace whatever part it is. Even the guys who service it reckon I shouldn't bother. Just top up the oil every 1000kms and ignore the smell. Mind you, they also reckon I got a GOOD one !! Some of the horror stories they've told me happened to other SAAB's would make you cry. And from day one, SAAB Australia totally ignores you. Theres only 2 dealers in Sydney Metro and they openly collude - if one gives you a quote on some work, when you call the other one for a second quote they just say - "We'll do it at the same price they will... we can see their quote here on our screen".
It owes me too much to sell it. With what I've spent on this car over the past few years, I could own 2 busa's.
It seems to have settled down these days and to be honest, I still like driving it so its no biggie to keep it. Beautiful car to drive, but far too expensive to own. I'd never own one again.
The older I get, the better I was. Regards.... Rob (Astro)