Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 10:32:18 -0000 From: "Andrew" <alanbnopsamb.swinternet.co.uk> Subject: A terrible lesson I have learnt
I bought a 1989 turbo eight months ago at a rather cheap price. I thought I'd got a bargain, but I hadn't. This is the story of how I got it badly wrong. On the test drive the sheer power of the car (compared to anything I had owned previously) clouded all judgement. So I just had to buy it. On the way home numerous problems came to light. £300 ($450) later the car was fixed. A week later the drive-shaft popped out of the transmission. I took it to my local garage (not Saab specialist) £250 and three weeks later the car was 'fixed'. A week later and the driveshaft came out again. This time I took it to a non-franchise Saab specialist. One week and £200 later the car was 'fixed'. One day later the driveshaft came out again. This time I ordered secondhand parts and fixed it myself (£100). I noticed that the driveshaft seemed too short but couldn't explain why. So I drove the car 100 miles to another Saab specialist. They diagnosed a broken engine mount. One afternoon off work and £150 and I thought my problems were over. However, on the way back the turbo blew. I spent that weekend fitting a secondhand turbo bought for £150. All quiet for a few months (apart from numerous small faults) until this xmas when the driveshaft came out yet again. After two weeks of trying to fix it myself I finally took it to the franchise Saab dealer. Unlike any of the other places I had been to they diagnosed the problems: engine, cylinder head and gearbox had all been changed at some time. The gearbox is from a 900 injection, the block from a 16 valve and the head an 8v turbo. As a result of the changed gearbox the driveshaft is too short. They also diagnosed that the other engine mount and bracket had gone. Cost for all of this work? £670. When I get the car back next week I know this will not be the end of it. For example, the clutch is on its way out and the car runs very hot. Many of you will be shaking your head, muttering 'silly person'. I now realise that I was. The reason why I am telling you this story is that I have learnt two lessons in the hardest way possible. As a person who likes to save money, I never thought I would say this but: Lesson 1: Always buy a car with a full service record and preferably from the main dealer. Also, it is well worth getting it inspected. Lesson 2: With something like a Saab, except for routine work, never chance it with any other garage than a franchised Saab garage. In my case they figured out what had alluded a number of independent Saab specialists for months. Perhaps a third lesson that I have yet to learn is that I should cut my losses and sell it. Alan.
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