Recent experience in Watford/Slough/Reading?

[Ben38]

Just wondered if anyone has any recent experience with servicing in any of the above areas, or a recommendation of where to take my 9-3 which I think is pretty much due its 54k service - I live in High Wycombe.

It's a company owned car and I think as such they prefer it to be dealt with by an official dealer as opposed to a specialist. As a result the cost isn't too much of a big deal as they'll be covering it either way.

Can anyone recommend a good garage?

Thanks in advance

[sgould]

Viking in Watford are a longstanding Saab dealer. Always been good. Recently bought out by Ballards of Finchley on the retirement of the original owner.

Reading Saab, not used them, but also been around a long time.

Haymill in Farnham Common, Beaconsfield. Said to be the first Saab dealer in the UK. Not been there recently. I think they are selling others makes as well these days.

Independents are BPV in Slough. DCA in Thatcham.

[BertieBentnose]

Although I live in Northumberland, My car (9000 Aero) has been serviced by Viking, BPV and DCA by previous owners

It's now on 203k so these places must have done something right in the past.

Bertie

[Ben38]

Thanks for the replies, chaps. Visited the one in Farnham Common and they seem ok - but because of my schedule I'm having to get the service done in another part of the country. The goon who last had the car drove it right up to 54900miles without telling anyone it was due so I'm having to rush it in to a garage while I'm away.
Anyway I got a good vibe in Haymill so will probably use them next time - will let you guys know how it goes

[Paul Taylor]

Hi,

As your in High Wycombe, you need to visit Clive at CJ Saab Services, Located in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

CJ Saab Services,
Manor Farm estate,
Henley on Thames.

07811 963 042

Clive is a Saab Master Technician who used to work at Reading Saab for 13yrs.

[Ben38]

Cool, thanks. I've made a note

[Mark B]

Haymill were the first Saab importer, before there was such a thing as an official Saab dealer. I have never used them for servicing, but they have been very good at getting me parts, cups of tea and odd bits of advice. Unfortunately they have been taken over by Hughes, the Mercedes shop in Beaconsfield who, I think it's fair to say, do not inspire confidence. Let's just say that some years ago I had to have discussion with the Trading Standards Officer about them, and then I got my money back. As part of the buy out (or amalgamation) Hughes's Mazda operation went to join Saab at Haymill in Farnham Common because Hughes were obliged to have a Chrylser dealership (think Daimler Chrysler rather than Mercedes Benz) in Beaconsfield.

If you want a local recommendation, you could ask Ben Berry at www.saaben.co.uk who has been in the business a long time and is quite local.

[alfa_aficionado]

As you say it's now Hughes Saab (they also have Mazda on site!)

I was there last week to have my Abbott Racing ECU "married" to my car and I was very impressed with their service - they fitted me in the same day and a tech (Mark) was very helpful and really went out of his way to help. Ended up having to go back to the original ECU but that's a different story. I'd definitely use them again.

[Paul Taylor]

Looks like CJ Saab Services now have their own website.

www.cjsaabservices.co.uk

[NedLudd]

Looks like CJ Saab Services now have their own website.

www.cjsaabservices.co.uk[/b]

Not to gainsay their good reputation - on which basis I shall probably take my ageing 9-5 there later this summer - but their new site opens with a false claim, viz: "CJ Saab Services is the only Independent Saab Specialist located in Berkshire and Oxfordshire." Shouldn't think that the long-established Belsyre Saab in Oxford are too pleased about that:

http://www.saaboxford.co.uk/

[hi flyer]

Popped in to see Clive today following a bit of a hiccup with my soft top the other day. What a pleasant and helpful chap. Was working on his tod today but still made time to take a good look at my car and give me a couple of pointers on other bits and pieces. Fortunately, the soft top is not terminal...and I shall be making tracks to Peppard Common when the next service is due. Thanks for the top tip as ever.

[Paul Taylor]

CJ Saab Services is alive and kicking. Very busy in fact. Clive is working his socks off !.

Clive has no internet at the moment and i am handling all his website based email.
Unfortuately due to the metal contsruction of his new workshop there is no mobile signal inside, so he only gets his messages when he comes outside.
Please just leave a message on his Mobile and he will get back to you in the order of calls recieved.

www.cjsaabservices.com

CJ SAAB Services.
(Near Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire).

Regards,
Paul Taylor.

[captainscapegoat]

Is CJ Saab Services still going? I called and left a message and sent an email from the website too but no reply.

[NedLudd]

Is CJ Saab Services still going? I called and left a message and sent an email from the website too but no reply.[/b]

I think that's fairly typical tbh. Clive is great, and the fact that he's always busy is a recommendation in itself, but communication is always a titanic struggle and generally defeats me.

[hi flyer]

Clive is most definitely alive and kicking. Just collected my 9-3 vert having had the sump dropped and cleaned plus a new turbo bypass valve fitted. He was going to take a look at my sticking soft-top but I'll need to rebook as he's snowed under at the moment; something of a victim of his own success!

He did ask me to steer any fellow Saab owners his way though and is allegedly getting a landline in the not too distant....

I have to say I've been meaning to let him loose on my car for some time now but circumstances have always precluded it until now. What he lacks in returning your calls he more than makes up for in knowledge, enthusiasm, customer service and value for money (labour at £50 an hour!). I would advocate keep calling him until he answers - you won't regret it.