SAAB 9-3 1.9 clutch problem?

[NST]

the wifes new (3 month old 5000miles) SAAB 9-3 vector sport 1.9 120bhp decided to fry its clutch on the A2.

SAAB dealer is saying that the car has been abused and the clutch had been riden for at least 2 miles at speed..

First thing i should point out is that she doesn't ride the clutch in traffic or when crawling along let alone at speed. she hadn't even driven 2miles from the house! the A2 was stop start most of the way, but she is 100% certain that she didn't ride clutch and she made it quite clear that used the hand break each time (which i know she does).

question: is there a known fault with the clutch mechanism that can cause the clutch to not fully engage?

any help greatful!

[NiceCupOfTea]

Sounds like a typical dealer response - blame somebody else!

Just had a quick look on Saabscene / Saabcentral. Can't see anything pertinent, but might be worth asking if it sounds familiar there?

>> Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Friday 15th July 01:06

[NST]

thanks for the reply, i'll check it out.

[Prof Beard]

The dealers attitude is just not good enough - don't put up with it. Take it up with Saab UK if neccessary. Quality of dealerships is supposed to be a selling point with Saabs. I've been very impressed with my local dealers service quality.

Prof Beard

[NST]

Wife is angry with SAAB.. she phoned up SAAB to find out what the problem is yesterday, the SAAB dealer is refusing to fix the problem under warranty.

what SAAB didn't tell my wife was that the Flywheel is completely 'toasted' and has to be replaced along with the clutch (i'm sure other bits and bobs as well).

anyway she only found out about the flywheel from the fleet department at her work place.

so a brand new SAAB 9-3 1.9 with 5000miles has a buggered flywheel and clutch.

are engine/clutch/gearbox problems common on the 9-3?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Nope, at least not as far as I have heard.

My suggestion - have a chat with the manager explaining that you don't think you should be liable for a clutch & bits on a 5k mile car. Keep calm.

Failing that, letter to SAAB UK cc'd to Dealer, followed up with phone call to SAAB UK.

DIsgraceful behaviour.

[Prof Beard]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Nope, at least not as far as I have heard. My suggestion - have a chat with the manager explaining that you don't think you should be liable for a clutch & bits on a 5k mile car. Keep calm. Failing that, letter to SAAB UK cc'd to Dealer, followed up with phone call to SAAB UK. DIsgraceful behaviour.

NiceCupOfTea is exactly right here. Keeping calm is paramount - this about what the touchy feely types call being "assertive". Stick to your guns, keep your temper - they are in the wrong - go as far to the top as you can reach. Also try emailing one of the broadsheet paper consumer/car pages - I got very good results from the Guardian on a similar but non-car issue, but I'm sure any of the quality press would do just as well. If your complaint interests them they usually take it up big time..

Prof Beard

[NST]

thanks for the information! Wifey is letting the fleet department sort it out, and it seems like it is going up to Vauxhall to get them to sort out the problem. i'll pass on the info and keep you posted!