outrageous major service maintenance costs for 2002 9-5 Linear Wagon

Hi everyone,

I'd like some second opinions.... It is time for my 2002 9-5 Linear Wagon 60k maintenance per manufacturer recommendations. I suspected it would be expensive, but upon calling the dealer to schedule service, I was shocked that I was quoted $1,100.00 Upon inquiring why so expensive, one of the explanations was the automatic transmission fluid was so expensive to replace, and it takes approx 15 quarts - totaling nearly 1/2 the bill.

Is this comparable to what others are spending for this type of service, or am I being gouged by the dealership?

Thanks for any input you might have

Reply to
drew
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Yes, that is comparable to dealerships in my area.

Your car is off warranty. There is no reason to continue to bring the car to the dealers. Your alternatives:

1) Buy a manual and do the work yourself. This is a double edged sword. The vast majority of items are checks and inspections which you may be able to do, but require some experience or knowledge to be completely effective. But your labor comes very cheaply (free), 2) Find a SAAB specialist in your area and ask him for a quote on the same work. You may be surprised that the price may be as much as half off the stealership's. Lower overhead, etc.
Reply to
Fred W

Yes, $1100 is a rip off. Changing the tranny fluid is not that expensive. Even at dealer prices, the fluid is just not that costly nor the procedure to flush it.

Find an indy.

Reply to
still me

Thanks for the info guys. I took the advice posted & called local Saab service specialists (non-dealers). Better pricing, but still expensive....

Again, thanks for replying.

Reply to
drew

I do regular servicing myself: Fluids, filters, plugs. Other maintenance problems get fixed when they arise, e.g. bulbs, brakes, wipers. The car is annually MOT'ed and any other items discovered get fixed. This completely bypasses the dealer service. The problem with dealer service is that you don't know what you get for your money other than the bill.

There was an older lady in UK Big Brother, she had made some money in her life and didn't avoid slipping out that she drove a black Porsche 911 as a status symbol. She then proudly boosted that she paid 2000 GB Pounds ~4000 US Dollar for the annual service LOL!

Reply to
johannes

the trans liquid for the 02 and beyond is specific and very expensive when bought through SAAB (about 18$ a quart). It is made for Aisin transmissions and is refered to as type 3309 : cheaper alternatives (fully compatible) are Mobil1 3309

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available on theweb at AVLUBE) or Toyota type IV . Do NOT use Dexron at all. I don't remember what is required for the 60K but other than the trans ATF change, you'll need to replace the accessory belt (about $30 for the belt, add $100 in parts if you change the 2 pulleys recommended). Not a very easy task due to limited access. Another thing I would do is replace the vacuum lines 9about 10 feet of 4mm vacuum lines) as they get very brittle and leak.

for parts, I recommend eeuroparts.com . The Saabsite also has a good selection but in my experience their service was so-so at best.

Where are you located ? You might be able to find people to help on SAABNET.com or recommend an independent.

Reply to
pburet

Hi everyone,

I am in the same boat with my 2001 9-5 Aero. I called my local SAAB shop (Mile Hi Body Shop in Denver), where I have been doing business off and on since 1978 and they said the service consists of changing plugs and filters, checking a number of items and flushing the brake lines and transmission. They quoted $750 and then backed off to $600 when I said I had the 5-speed manual box.

So the math says the auto tranny flush and fill is $150.

I also got a recall notice for a bracket on the gas tank. Need to go to the dealer for that.

Charles

drew wrote:

Reply to
Charles

I'm also due a 60k service on my 02 9-3, I'll have to see what they quote me.

Also, I would take that fuel tank recall seriously, which I was unaware of. Back in May of this year I was driving home from work and smelled fuel the whole way home. It couldn't possibly be my car. ;-) Sure enough I get home and I have a big puddle of fuel right under the tank.

I was panicked for the most part and was able to drive it to an independent shop nearby and they confirmed the leak. They had to drop the fuel tank and replaced the bracket. The bracket cost $12, the service $230. I plan on seeking reimbursement from SAAB

This is the third recall I've had and with expensive repairs this thing is becoming a money pit. I plan on keeping it for the rest of the year, then moving on. I've had enough. It's fun to drive, but enough.

MJ

Reply to
MJ

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