The good points; brutal acceleration, brutal stop-light torque, the best exhaust note I've ever heard, excellent brakes, beautiful looks. The more I drive it, the more its winning me over from my Viper. Haven't put it on the track yet but hope to soon.
The bad points: Well, custom service is a work in progress at Saleen. That burnt alternator wire I found and I fixed myself, Saleen wanted photos, etc. and was to send me a replacement boot for the alternator; nothing yet. That's three week ago and haven't heard a word from anyone. Glad I could fix it and not let the car burn to the ground (R.I.P. #59). Another sour note, that d#mn sticker on the steering wheel...heard alot talk about it peeling and, yes, mine is peeling. Saleen should get the message that this is a vital SYMBOL of who made the car and its looked at EVERYDAY by the driver. My Viper has a beautiful snakehead staring right back at me and that makes one "feel good" to be driving it. Point is, re-engineer the darn logo on the steering wheel and get rid of a "paste-on" sticker! That's it, no other complaints. The car is in a league by itself and just driving the sucker is pure enjoyment!
Thanks for the update! It is really appreciated by those of us who must live through you vicariously--reading your posts is probably as close as I will ever get to owning an Extreme!
Sounds like a great experience overall. Don't sweat the steering wheel sticker, why not just gently peel it off and re-secure it now; mine seems fine but after reading of others' issues I think I'll just proactively re-glue it. I agree completely with your thoughts about it being one of the cues for feelings of pride about the car, ought to be secured better. Did you get the name of the person you spoke with about the alternator boot? I haven't had any problems with Saleen, but in any situation like that I ask the person's name and then follow up with them personally if I have problems. Just a thought, and thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.
Congrats, and enjoy that wonderful car!
_____________________________
Satin Silver 2005 Saleen S281 SC Convertible HP upgrade kit, 14" brakes, Chrome Wheels and HID headlights
Will attempt to reglue the "sticker" (they really need to rethink that one) back on myself.
For those of you who would rather LOOK at your beautiful car than RIDE in your beautiful car, remember, yesterday is the past, tomorrow the future, and today is a gift; that why its called the PRESENT. Live for today or I'll personally drive your car when you're gone.....:)))
As for 0-60 times, the Viper gets to 62mph out of 1st gear in a reported 3.8 secs. I'd have to shift the Saleen before that, I believe. I think the Saleen just feels quicker at the start but neck-n-neck if you were to run'em hard.
The good points; brutal acceleration, brutal stop-light torque, the best exhaust note I've ever heard, excellent brakes, beautiful looks. The more I drive it, the more its winning me over from my Viper. Haven't put it on the track yet but hope to soon.
The bad points: Well, custom service is a work in progress at Saleen. That burnt alternator wire I found and I fixed myself, Saleen wanted photos, etc. and was to send me a replacement boot for the alternator; nothing yet. That's three week ago and haven't heard a word from anyone. Glad I could fix it and not let the car burn to the ground (R.I.P. #59). Another sour note, that d#mn sticker on the steering wheel...heard alot talk about it peeling and, yes, mine is peeling. Saleen should get the message that this is a vital SYMBOL of who made the car and its looked at EVERYDAY by the driver. My Viper has a beautiful snakehead staring right back at me and that makes one "feel good" to be driving it. Point is, re-engineer the darn logo on the steering wheel and get rid of a "paste-on" sticker! That's it, no other complaints. The car is in a league by itself and just driving the sucker is pure enjoyment!
Thats what's impressing me the most about your post. Better exhaust note than a V10 Viper. NICE!!
On that whole sticker thing. Mine is still A-OK after taking polkthugs recommendation and cutting out the Ford pony emblem (tin logo). Saleen sent me 2 free logos for me to install myself. I wish Saleen did their emblem like the pony one, 'cause it was a b#tch to remove. The other option is to go with the Pony emblem. Just get all the Saleen sticky stuff off.
Man, I couldn't agree more. Saleen has come through for me, but I had to be a dick to get things done. That steering wheel "sticker" over the original insert sucks. Dealer already replaced mine once...it peeled off a week after I took delivery. No problems from the replacement...yet.
_____________________________
65 GT convertible twilight turquoise 85 GT black/chromavision street legal 9s 92 LX dark blue 04 Mystichrome cobra 06 S281E screaming yellow
Posts: 3
Joined: 5/14/2006 From: Northern Virginia Status: offline
New to the forum. Interesting to read your comments on Saleen's service. I have had a very difficult time getting the Extreme and updates on delivery that I ordered. I ordered a black Extreme on 4/26/06 and was told it would take 6-8 weeks. I did not think this was realistic but it has now been almost 13 weeks. Obviously I am very disappointed with the length of time it is taking but more so in their communication of what the delay has been. I have heard all kinds of excuses but finally today they indicated that apparently the delay was with the Michelin tire upgrade (apparently these tires are having performance problems). Anyway, they have now promised a shipping date of 8/10/06 or the shipping will be free. I hope their service will improve through time.
Is anyone here in the Northern Virginia area? I live near Dulles Airport in a community called South Riding.
The vendor delays are normally "out of their (Saleen) control" and had a few similar delays when I was waiting on mine (ordered in Feb. and got it in June). I asked for photos of my vehicle during production and Danny Prosser with Saleen sent some nice shop-floor photos of my build; certainly helped with the waiting game when I could actually see my car under construction.
Other than the "gremlins" that come with owning a new vehicle of limited production, the wait will be worth it in the end......as for free shipping; wish they had offered that on mine. I paid $1500 for delivery and the vehicle was SUPPOSED to be shipped in an enclosed trailer; it was off-loaded somewhere in Alabama onto an open trailer and arrived in Raleigh, NC in "dirty, bug-spotted non-glorified condition" and I received it in this condition! Should have complained BIG TIME but just wanted to get'er home in Virginia as quick as possible. Good luck with your new toy!
$1,500 for shipping is really fun when you get your car from a dealer about 10 miles south of Irvine. You'd think they could take the profit in shipping from my vehicle and at least run the hose over your E
< Message edited by dotbomb -- 7/31/2006 7:38:36 PM >
_____________________________
1968 GT/CS Sold 2006 S281 SC #469
475 HP kit (more like 465), 3.73 Gears, "E" Panhard & Lower Control Arms
How 'bout this, I live 15 minutes from the Saleen Irvine facility in Ca.I Bought my car from a dealer in Louisiana because at the time (Dec. '04) there wasnt many '05 Saleens to be found out there. So, not only did i pay Saleen $ 1200 for destination (included in the sticker price) I paid $1200 to have it shipped back to Ca. (total cost for shipping $2400) I guess thats the price to pay you you want something really bad and dont want to wait. Plus its one of the first models of '05. That makes me feel just a bit better.
I feel your pain, I've had a car on order since February and have been very patient. Many promised completion dates have come and gone with many excuses, the last being today. Now it's another 3-4 weeks go figure. Best wishes to you when your day does come.
quote:
ORIGINAL: exxtreme1
New to the forum. Interesting to read your comments on Saleen's service. I have had a very difficult time getting the Extreme and updates on delivery that I ordered. I ordered a black Extreme on 4/26/06 and was told it would take 6-8 weeks. I did not think this was realistic but it has now been almost 13 weeks. Obviously I am very disappointed with the length of time it is taking but more so in their communication of what the delay has been. I have heard all kinds of excuses but finally today they indicated that apparently the delay was with the Michelin tire upgrade (apparently these tires are having performance problems). Anyway, they have now promised a shipping date of 8/10/06 or the shipping will be free. I hope their service will improve through time.
Is anyone here in the Northern Virginia area? I live near Dulles Airport in a community called South Riding.
What dealer did you order from, what color and model, and what bumper # if you know?
quote:
ORIGINAL: Pony on
I feel your pain, I've had a car on order since February and have been very patient. Many promised completion dates have come and gone with many excuses, the last being today. Now it's another 3-4 weeks go figure. Best wishes to you when your day does come.
quote:
ORIGINAL: exxtreme1
New to the forum. Interesting to read your comments on Saleen's service. I have had a very difficult time getting the Extreme and updates on delivery that I ordered. I ordered a black Extreme on 4/26/06 and was told it would take 6-8 weeks. I did not think this was realistic but it has now been almost 13 weeks. Obviously I am very disappointed with the length of time it is taking but more so in their communication of what the delay has been. I have heard all kinds of excuses but finally today they indicated that apparently the delay was with the Michelin tire upgrade (apparently these tires are having performance problems). Anyway, they have now promised a shipping date of 8/10/06 or the shipping will be free. I hope their service will improve through time.
Is anyone here in the Northern Virginia area? I live near Dulles Airport in a community called South Riding.
Printable Version
2,000 mile update on EXTREME.... - 
