2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Just had my fourth service since new, and the first one not covered by the "free" maintenance. I maintain the car by the book from the selling dealer, Uftring Chevy-Saab in Washington, IL. Dealer performance continues to be excellent -- high quality, competent work at fair prices. Here's the rest of the story:
43K required only standard service, and was approx $185; more than my wife's Honda service, less than Audi / BMW / Mercedes. No faults found with car. Over time, auto trans shifting performance has actually improved, either because it has "learned" my driving style or because the dealer flashed in software improvements at some point -- or both.
Car has had few warranty items: window pinch-point adjustment when fairly new, brake pressure tube (twice), radiator surge tank, battery. No failures of HID headlights, other bulbs, radio, ECUs, or other components.
I replaced the original tires, Contis, at about 23K, and reported at that time on the Yokohama Avid W4s that I chose. They have slightly wider tread width than the Contis, and offered excellent all-season performance, including driving in deep snow (rare). At the 20K mark, they appear to have lost some of their grip, especially in the wet. The outer tread blocks are slightly feathered, generating a high level of road noise. Whether this is due to the wider tread or my driving style (moderately spirited), I'm not sure. I use nitrogen and rotate the tires front-to-back about every 8K; tread wear is even. Looks like the tires are good for another 10K. I will likely replace with something else, possibly upgraded Contis. The originals had good wet and dry driving characteristics and were relatively quiet; just didn't last very long.
Summary: Car continues with nearly faultless performance, showing little wear in four years and 43K. Power remains as strong as new; shocks and suspension components still tight. Still probably my first choice among peer competitors, even if some are more refined. Drone of the Aero exhaust on long trips is the only irritant -- sometimes becomes intrusiive, especially with tire noise. Future Aeros could use slightly more subtle exhaust note. Saab personality is a plus, and some features are absolutely superior to competition. Depending on what happens with Saab, I will likely keep for a long time unless I buy the new 9-5 when it arrives.
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