Dash peel and other issues

[mazza]

04 vector 93 2.2TiD.

The rubbery coating on the dash has started to peel away at the centre, just above the air outlets and also the fan switches on the aircon unit have lost the coating as well as the electric window switch pack on the door. They are being replaced by the dealer under the warranty - but thats not the issue. I have paid a lot of money for this vehicle and expected a more rugged interior. I am sorry to say that I took an audi A4 out for a test drive yesterday whose interior finish was first class. Don't get me wrong, I would dearly love to buy another 93, but at the moment I am having my doubts. Other issue the vehicle has been in for;

1. Rythmic knocking noise from the rear pass wheel at slow speeds (sports suspension) - dealer cannot find anything wrong with it ( even though he has acknowledged the noise ).

2. Automatic volume level on stereo not functioning ( Tested with TechII and dealer assures me it has been fixed - twice - but still no change in volume when speed increases. ( Yes it is set in the configuration). Possible wheel speed missing message into the ICE or update bit error.

3. Carpet securing tabs came away after 3 weeks of purchase - I will need a new carpet as they cannot replace the tabs!!!

4. Rattle from engine bay at low speed - I believe this to be a protective heat plate - which they cannot find.

I will look again at the 93 in '06 / '07 very closely and compare it to the usual suspects very closely, it will not be a case of purchasing another one - as I did last time.

Anyhow, rant over. I just needed to get it off my chest!!!

Mazza

[Lulu]

I know exactly how you feel! I've got a 53 2.0 Vector Convertible and it's just been in to repair 10 faults!!

Driver Door Door not locking from key fob (reported at 3 services)
Driver Door Window not opening
Roof Faded
Roof Squeaky noise on opening
Roof Recall
Door Handles Faded
On tick over Engine noisy when idel
Shock Absorbers Rattles/squeaks when going over road humps, even at slowest speed
Passenger door handle inside coming apart
Interior Lights Not working

But that's not been all.

Following day after delivery the handbrake wouldn't work so the car had to be recovered and the handbrake replaced.(2 days off the road)

I've had a recall for the seat (couldn't use the car for almost two weeks as they didn't have the part in stock)

The fuel pump had to be replaced (another 2 days off the road)

I'm sure there have been other issues, but I'm trying to block out the nightmare of owning a car that cost me almost 30k!! I replace my car every three years and even though I remind them of this they have never ever apologised for selling me such an unreliable car. Would I buy another one? I bet you can guess my answer!

[mazza]

[ QUOTE ]
Would I buy another one? I bet you can guess my answer!

[/ QUOTE ]


I think more and more people are beginning to come to the same conclusion, which is a shame really as the car is great to look at - if only they sorted the build issues! Mind you - it keeps the dealers busy!

[75 to 93]

Rattles, new door handles fitted and poor build quality aside...it is still a good car, but (as I have said before) it could be SOOOOOOOOO much better!!!

[mazza]

Totally agree 75 to 93.

[cmsaliu]

[ QUOTE ]
Rattles, new door handles fitted and poor build quality aside...it is still a good car, but (as I have said before) it could be SOOOOOOOOO much better!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

When I asked to get the door handles changed at the local dealer, first they said to me that there werent any in stock and had to order me some, a week later I phone back for some warranty work, I mentioned this they said "oh yes they are in stock and we'll change them for you when your car gets repaired this afternoon". Get car back and they are not changed, they said to me that they phoned SAAB UK and they said that there was no recall for handles on my vehicle so did not change them. So they are telling me in order to get something repaired/changed there has to be a Saab official recall? BULLSH*T!!! They just cant be bothered changeing them under warranty as they'll have something extra to cliam back from SAAB UK!!! I remember there was a door handle recall a while back. What are your views on this guys?

[Lulu]

I'm an absolute novice really and fortunately have a dealer who whilst they never apologise, have never argued either. Surely there doesn't have to be a general recall for a warranty claim to be valid? Can you try another dealership....like I said I'm not really 'up' on cars but the handles on my car were clearly faded and I was encouraged by other people on here reporting the same.

My roof was very faded and initially the dealer did try to suggest that it was because the roof had been lowered whilst wet (thought it was supposed to be an all weather convertible!!) but when I pointed out the same problem on the convertible demonstrater they did agree other people had complained and had their roof restored.

I can't see your dealer can refuse when other dealers are happy to fix

[NedLudd]

Yep, it's straightfwd: while not all cars may have been affected by the handles recall, any car affected with the problem under warranty should have have them replaced no questions asked, esp given how well established a problem it is/was. The dealer deserves an earful.

[cmsaliu]

i knw they should change it no questions asked, but I've asked so many times and they just seem to not bother with me!! I live in Liverpool but I think I may have to take it to chester/manchester to get sorted.

[mazza]

Andy93aero

The dealer is replacing my entire dash which has not been subject to a recall! Ask them to do it again under your warranty, if you have no success take it to another dealer.

[210Aero]

I'm having my entire dash replaced under warranty once its in stock to go with the gear stick, gear lever surround and glovebox button which i've already had done....

[75 to 93]

Re: Door handles, The local Saab tried to pass them off as being "marked by wax" and offered to "give them a clean". It was only when I insisted that they be replcaed that they reluctantly got around to re-ordering them!
Disgraceful lack of QA and customer care IMHO

My car is less than 6 months old and, although it drives well, the poor quality of materials, "dim witted" SatNav and poor service is already making me contemplate the competition.

SAAB.....YOU HAVE TO EARN CUSTOMER LOYALTY!!!

[jrogula]

I had the dash peel, rattles, rusty wheel nuts and software going haywire issues, which ruined my experience with the 93SS so I switched to another marque unfortunately.

[mazza]

What marque did you change to Roly93 ?

[welshwizard]

I have just looked outside and checked that my car is a 9-3 and it has NONE of these issues,

door handles are black,
wheel nuts are not eroded even though the wheels do come off regularly to swap winter/summer tyres (yes, even the Dutch put salt on the roads).
nothing is peeling
service from Lookers Liverpool and Dutch/German IDS guys has been satisfactory.
SatNav sometimes has an off-moment but remember your 1000 pound PC at home sometimes crashes too!

Mine did have a dodgy handbrake lever but that was sorted out at PDI.

I'd buy another 9-3 but I am perfectly happy with what I have