Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 19:22:48 GMT From: Paul Halliday <pjghnospamyonder.co.uk> Subject: Re: Saab 9-5 main beam relay fails. Dealer charges 90 UKP to 'locate fault'.
in article EvOdnaJu7IMmVf7enZ2dnUVZ8qKdnZ2dnospamhtview.co.uk, John Hudson at mypcnospam.com wrote on 29/10/2005 20:07: > > "David Tong" <gz30nospamternet.invalid> wrote in message > news:dk025g$4aj$1nospammz01.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com... >> After a brief stop last monday evening both main beams on my Saab 9-5 (new >> mid-1999) failed to work even though they'd worked fine previously. Each >> beam has own fuse, and very unlikely both would fail together, so sounded >> like the main beam relay. By phone the service guy at Saab main dealer >> agreed this seemed likely, so I booked it in for collection, repair, and > for >> two new tyres at the same time. >> >> When car delivered back the invoice shows over 400 UK pounds. Worse, one >> item is 90 UKP for 'tracing fault in electrical system and localising to >> main beam relay'. (Relay itself another 39 UKP). The garage service >> department justified it by saying the 'engineer' spent '2.49' hours on the >> whole job (including tyre fitting and balancing) at 79 pounds per hour. >> Said they had to go through a 'structured fault-finding scheme' to locate >> the relay problem. To me it's an exorbitant charge for proving the > obvious. >> >> Two years ago I got suspicious when I collected a replacement remote > control >> key unit I'd ordered. The guy at the desk went in the back and I > overheard >> a muttered exchange: 'What should I charge for it?'. Answer: 'Hmm, what >> about 150 quid?' >> >> I'd intended to buy a new 9-5 from this same dealer when the new version >> comes out (making it my fourth new Saab from them over the years) but the >> way I feel right now, they're the last ones I want to buy from. Snag is >> they're the nearest dealer and I'm not sure if others would collect and >> deliver for servicing. Maybe it's time to forget Saab... >> >> I'd appreciate second opinions on this. I expect to pay a reasonable >> premium for good service if they're honest with it, but this > 'fault-finding' >> charge makes me feel I've been taken for a mug once too often. >> >> --- >> David Tong > I don't like the idea of using a main dealer if one is running a 6 year old > car unless you have your own business ( unlikely with a 6 year old car) or > have an expense account. Write the bill off to experience and either do the > work yourself or find a small outfit that specialises in Saabs. I am sorry > you have been caught but someone has to pay for the nice showroom and the > smartly dressed staff. I hope you used the coffee machine. I'd echo that sentiment - sounds like you need a specialist, rather than using the main st^H^Hdealer. I'm sure if you posted where in the UK? you are, recommendations will be forthcoming. Paul 1989 900 Turbo S http://saab.go.dyndns.org/
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