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My 2003 Aero sedan is 2 months shy of 10 years old and rolled over 180k on the way to work this morning. I have kept detailed records of all the maintenance and service it's required over the years, most of which I've done myself, some of which I've had done at Viking Automotive in Gaithersburg, MD. Here are some factoids:
32 oil changes, approximately every 5k, usually with Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck totalling about $1,000.
tires - the original Pirelli P-Zero Rosso summer tires lasted ~26k. I rotate every 5k. I then went through 3 sets of Kumho Ecsta ASX all seasons (~$460 per set, average life ~37k). A set of Continental DWSs followed ($620), two of which wore down quickly due to an alignment problem. Eventually all were replaced and I'm now running a pair of DWSs and a pair of Kumho 4Xs (replaced the ASX). About $2,700 total to date, the current set should last another 15k or so.
Repairs needed:
- sunroof wind deflector 3x (!) while under warranty - they got it right the last time and it's been fine since.
- window rollers - once under warranty (don't recall which window) and once on the front passenger window at 148k.
- thermostat (and coolant temp sensor for good measure) at 67k and 127k.
- coolant bypass valve at 123k
- power steering fluid leak repaired under warranty at 35k, no problems since
- DIC at 102k, $275 installed by mechanic
- front suspension clunk fixed by mechanic, some part was loose 115k
- rear shocks at 123k, $260
- SID repair at 126k, Guy Senesac $75
- fuel pump at 138k, $673 by mechanic. This was the only time the car has failed me on the road.
- throttle body at 150k, $433 by mechanic
- AC compressor at 152k, $974 by mechanic. The most expensive repair the car has required. I believe this was caused by driving through some very deep water during a ridiculous storm.
- brake booster at 168k, $215 for parts and tools. My most challenging DIY job.
I've also done all the typical maintenance items (belt and pulley every 60k, various fluids replacements, filters, spark plugs, 2 batteries, etc). Notably, I've only replaced the front brake pads twice, front rotors once, and the rear breaks are original. The entire exhaust is original, as is the clutch, turbo, and all the cooling bits aside from the thermostat, temp sensor, and bypass valve.
In total, not including some crash damage repairs, I've spent about $10,600 maintaining and repairing this car since it was new. $2,600 on tires, $1,000 on oil changes, about $4,200 on actual repairs, and the remaining $2,800 on maintenance and wear items.
For comparison, the other two cars I've maintained and kept records for are my wife's old 2000 Honda Civic (my records date from when we got married to when we sold it, 90k-188k) and our current 2006 Accord, which we bought about 4 years ago with 21k. It now has 75k. The Civic required $6,800 in maintenance vs $8,500 for the Saab over a similar timeframe, and the Accord needed $1,800 vs $2,200 for the Saab. The difference in both cases is attributed to the Saab's faster wearing tires, and for the Civic comparo the AC compressor. Overall though I'd say the Saab's maintenance & repair history compares very well to both of the Hondas. It's certainly a more fun and interesting car than either.
jeff
, Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:15:17
, Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:09:18
, Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:11:10
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