[ashimashi]

Hi,
After some back experiences with Saab dealers/specialists and good experience with local mechanic I'm contemplating getting my local mechanic to do the next service. I have to say I'm lucky to have a very good, competent and well priced local mechanics happy enough to do what I ask him and be privded with the parts (and only charge labour).

So, I want to compile a checklist and get him to do all the stuff that Saab would've done, properly. Apart from the manual, what do you recommend getting done as part of the service. The car in question is a 2000 Saab 93, 76k miles, 2.0 LPT.

Here's what I'm thinking of getting done so far:
- Change Spark Plugs
- Change Oil (to Synthetic - any recomendations?)
- Change Oil Filter
- Cabin Air Filter
- Air Filter
- Front Wipers
- Retorque Head Gasket bolts
- Check all fluid levels

Question1: Do I need to change Fuel Filter? It's cheap, might as well change that as part of service...

Question2: Is it worth getting him to flush the MT oil and put fresh Mt0063 in as well?

Have I missed anything?

 

[earthworm]

You have covered most things.

The miles or annual service consists of the thorough inspection of the entire car - that is the way VW did things back in the 60s. ... ..and in 1.5 hours ! For the same thing a helicopter may take 15 hours; a Saab 3 to 4 hours or so..

Exacting records must be kept of EVERYTHING that is done and replaced.
Plugs every 30K
Fuel filter every 60K
New serpentine belt, pulleys at 60K
New brake fluid , coolant ,and MTF every 60K..
Cabin filter every other year
New battery every 4 years ???
New engine oil/filter every 3 to 6 months
all of this from memory

There is no sense in doing things twice as often as necessary..

People forget the spare, its too hidden away.

A good man will do all these things, read the Saab recommendations and know cars in general..but he will not be cheap...as there seems to be so few good mechanics..

 

[ashimashi]

thanks earthworm.
He's good alright, but hasn't much experience with Saab. He's a general back-lane garage sort of guy. But he knows cars very well in general. I think I'll give it a go, and sacrifice my "FULL SAAB SERVICE HISTORY"

 

[CleveSaab]

FULL SAAB SERVICE HISTORY does NOT mean serviced at a dealer ONLY. Just means you followed the recommended maint schedule. If the 60K service was done, then hold off on the fuel filter until the 120K service. If your 60K was done, honestly, I would hold off on most of the stuff you listed. It should have been done then. If you don't know then I would do the 60 and start your own schedule of every 30K-35K major service from here on out.

 

[ashimashi]

FULL SAAB SERVICE HISTORY does NOT mean serviced at a dealer ONLY. Just means you followed the recommended maint schedule. If the 60K service was done, then hold off on the fuel filter until the 120K service. If your 60K was done, honestly, I would hold off on most of the stuff you listed. It should have been done then. If you don't know then I would do the 60 and start your own schedule of every 30K-35K major service from here on out.

Thanks for the advice.
I had a "full" service done (at great cost: 680 euros!) at a main dealer when I bought the car with 58K, I presume they would have done the 60K then. They did change the fuel filter then alright, so I won't need that!

btw, in Ireland (and the UK) "full saab service history" means full service histroy from a main dealer or at least Saab specialist, as opposed to "full service history", which can be done at any garage.

 

[CleveSaab]

I'm sure they did the major service then.
Shouldn't need filters or plugs, either. But plugs are never a bad idea and they are cheap...