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I need some advice. About a month ago, I went to the SAAB dealership (VOB SAAB in Rockville, MD) to program a new key fob on my 5-speed 97 Turbo Convertible. Since it had been awhile, I also had them rotate and balance the wheels. Because the car had 76K miles ( now it has 77K), I asked them to look at the clutch and anything else that may need replacing. I bought the car less than 2 years ago with 54k miles and have no idea if I have driving with the orginal clutch.
Within 24 hours of drop off, the service department called me and said I had a leaking flexpipe that needed to be replaced and that the ENTIRE CLUTCH AND CLUTCH CABLE SYSTEM IS WORN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VOB SAAB OF ROCKVILLE, MD THEN QUOTED ME $2,100 FOR A NEW CLUTCH AND CLUTCH CABLE SYSTEM.
My clutch seems very strong with no indication it is worn, in need of replacement, and is on its last leg. I friend of mine recommended an honest indie mechanic (but not a SAAB specialist) he uses so I took the car back.
The indie mechanic drove the car, and said the cluch is strong and there does not seems to be anything that would indicate the cluch system needs replacing. He did not, however, inspect the entire clutch cable system. He said it is very time consuming to do so and that there was no need considering how strong the clutch felt. The indie mechantic did confirm that flexpipe was leaking so I had it replaced.
I am moving to Seattle next week and am having the my car shipped there. I read about several recommended indie SAAB mechanics in Seattle area on this site. Scanwest seems to be the most highly recommended. Besides replacing the flexpipe for under $150, I have had no problems with this car and have spent nothing other than regular maintenace costs and normal wear: 65K tune up: all fluids replaced and topped off, air filter, cabin filter, brake pads and rotors also replaced at that time. Other than that car has been problem free. I have changed the oil with Mobil 1 synthetic every 3-4k miles miles since I bought it at 54k miles.
The clutch continues to feel strong with no indication that it is beginning to fail. This is my first SAAB, but my 5th car with a manual transmission.
Do you think the dealer was out to screw me? Should I get a 3rd opinion once the car is shipped to Seattle? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
posted by 69.138.179...
, Thu, 29 Sep 2005 08:54:50
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