On Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:16:23 -0500, "Bernie Schmitt"
<bschmitt_mn1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>This turned into a replacie the siren - with a part price of US$313.00,
plus
>labor.
eeeuroparts has the Siren for $281 so $313 is actually a good price
from the dealer. WHile that's a lot for a siren, I don't know that
it's non-typical for other manufacturers. Nothing is cheap anymore.
>In addition I had asked to have a couple of dashboard light bulbs
replaced
>(specifically for the "Econ," the "Off," the "Air Recirculation," and
the
>"Rear Window Defrost" buttons. Initial estimate had been about $50.00.
The
>dealer indicated that changing light bulbs in the center dashboard took a
>lot of labor, and requotes at $250.00. I declined.
The issue is that the dash has to be pulled to replace the lights. The
dealer is not very sharp if he didn't realize that right up front.
Considering the amount of work, it's not a lot to pay. But, this is
bad design on Saab's part. It's somewhat surprising considering their
engineering is usually very good with maintenance in mind.
>This car has been expensive to service all along. Is this the dealer, or
>just Saab?
It will cost you more to service any European car in the USA since
there are less sold vs. American or Japanese. Dealers charge more for
labor on more expensive makes. This is true of all makes - the
mechanic who works on a Lexus charges out at a higher rate at the
dealer than when he works on a Toyota (same mechanic, same car -
stamped "Toyota" in the door frame and sold in Japan as a Toyota).
All cars are expensive to repair these days, and they all have
engineering issues (I can tell you some Nissan stories if you like
:-). Luxury cars are more expensive, because dealers stick it to you
whenever they can.
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