1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Welcome back to Ithaca! I've been here now, off and on, for almost 8 years (MUST LEAVE). I haven't found a good mechanic here yet for a Saab, though Patterson's garage (bottom of Buffalo Street below Collegetown) has been good to me in the past for performing diagnoses on other cars... very honest.
My car is going off of warranty in 100 miles or 7 days, whichever comes first, and I've been getting my warranty work done at Sports Car Centre in Syracuse. They've been nice, with loaners, free wash and vacuum etc, but I'm sure they are pricey if you have to pay for it. I've done all my service/maintenance items on my own, as well as a few repairs, to save me the trip.
Forno's Saab dealer is in Endicott, and is a bit smaller and closer. I haven't had much luck scheduling appointments there to suit my schedule, so haven't used them yet. I swung by, and they seemed nice enough, but I didn't note their prices... I'm sure they're stealership level.
I've heard mixed things about Pelligrino's -- he is supposedly knowledgable about the classic 900's and 9000's, but I'm not sure about the newer models. And, to quote a local resident car nut and former Saab owner "that guy is a crook". This opinion is heard often, though your mileage may vary.
All the other garages around here are sort of hit or miss, as I'm sure you remember. I've had some bad experiences, both as an undergrad and now, and am staying away from Ithaca mechanics as much as possible. Bill Cooke's Imports (Bill Crook's) is a total rip-off in my and my friends' experiences, regardless of your make, model, etc, though I've heard if you dress slutty and flash a little cleavage, the service and prices improve. All the old people seem to like them too, so it may just be a personal thing.
Volvos and Subaru's are definitely the norm here; I had great luck with Volvo mechanics when I spent a summer here with an aging 240.
I may try out Geneva Foreign and Sports for my next major repair; Dan is an indie mechanic who specializes in Saab's and Volvos, and has some neat cars poking around his shop. Again, this is over an hour away.
For now, I'm relying on my own determination and deadly force of my torx and socket sets to keep my Saab going. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful; if you find an indie you like, I'd be eager to hear about it!
Best,
Lutfisk
posted by 24.59.101...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
