The rumor on the streets is yes the new badge is metal and stays on alot better, but I yet to confirm this. My badge is slowly pealing I am just beyond the one year mark of ownership, and I think the problem is based on heat cycles not necessary the glue. Basically the old badge stretches and contracts under heat, therefore it begins to lift over time. I think a metal badge might be the trick if the rumor is true.
Posts: 563
Joined: 9/13/2006 From: Manhattan Beach, CA Status: offline
I know I'll regret posting this, but no problems so far. Mine has 3,500 miles on her. My Saleen's not supposed to be my daily driver, but it's been warm and dry for the past few weeks so I can't help but drive her into work each day with the top down.
As for cash problems, I had heard from someone on the inside that a private equity firm had invested heavily in Saleen and solved its cash flow problems (thus no more bounced checks to vendors and employees). I could be mistaken. But hey, most of us have voided our Saleen warranties with mods anyway, right? And if '07 WERE the last year of Saleen (heaven forbid), then we'd really have some collectors on our hands, huh? Just a thought...
Also, I have to agree with ncponygirl's comment ("If you want a factory-made car with most of the production kinks worked out, get a car that they made millions of last year"). I have a few friends who own extremely low production vehicles (mostly overpriced British and Italian jobs), and they deal with just as many if not more problems than what I read about on these boards. Of course, they get far better service from the dealership and really, really nice loaner cars, but they also paid 2 to 4x what our Saleens cost. I'll take my Saleen with her imperfections here and there if it means I don't have to drive an equally fast (but painfully soulless and boring) Porsche, Vette, or BMW. Of course, I know it's easy for me to say this since I have not had to deal with endless repairs and/or clueless dealers, as many of you unfortunately have.
< Message edited by elburrito99 -- 11/2/2006 2:08:40 AM >
ORIGINAL: elburrito99 I'll take my Saleen with her imperfections here and there if it means I don't have to drive an equally fast (but painfully soulless and boring) Porsche, Vette, or BMW.
Posts: 996
Joined: 2/15/2006 From: Fullerton, CA Status: offline
Finally, some sanity on this subject. Our cars may be imperfect in a strict sense but that IS perfection to me. If everything was perfect life would be a bore.
Posts: 895
Joined: 8/5/2006 From: Alameda, CA Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Jonsey
Finally, some sanity on this subject. Our cars may be imperfect in a strict sense but that IS perfection to me. If everything was perfect life would be a bore.
Spoken like someone whose car has spent more time on the road than in the shop!
Everything is ready to go as soon as I get the corner piece in from Saleen...and the paint shop can paint it....It had a poor patch job on the inside from the factory from when it was put on...It made it stick out off the car leaving a big gap...They were suppose to ship the new piece this week...My dealership kept the damaged part or I could be driving my car right now...
Well today the corner piece arrived from Saleen to the paint shop...They got it painted and said everything looked good...but guess what I have to drive another 180 mille round trip to my dealership to get 4 little clips off the piece they wouldn't let me bring back.....for the screws to fit...maybe by next week my car will be home...I hope
Posts: 173
Joined: 10/7/2006 From: Salisbury, MD, USA Status: offline
I feel your pain. It really is frustrating to have these little PIA things interferring with the fun of driving what are, overall, really nice cars. Reminds me of my then new 1989 Jaguar XJS and 1995 Lotus Esprit. When they worked, they were really fun.
< Message edited by walc -- 11/3/2006 8:37:05 PM >
Most of the posts in this thread are with 05+ cars. Let me tell you that Saleen's problems clearly date back to at least my 02 E and probably before that. Frankly, I'm disgusted with Saleen. Their so-called QC is non-existent as is their warranty and parts departments and probably others. I have had zero resolution on any of my car's issues from the small to the big problems. My latest problem found is clearly a Saleen issue that cost me over $600 and Saleen has ignored me. While Ford and the dealers are probably at fault on some of mine and ya'lls simple problems, ultimately Saleen took in the cars and retrofitted them to become Saleens. I don't care if it's "not my job", but if you see the bolt is not tight (for example) then tighten the darn thing! How can a Saleen leave the factory missing parts, etc? Come on....some of you are/were missing engine plaques.
The answer is simple. Saleen has schedules to keep. If something isn't right then it becomes the dealer's and your issue. It's cheaper in the long run. Take Saleen out of the equation and the same is true for any regular car or for any manufactured product. Get it out there and deal with the problems later. Face it, the days of customer service and quality is long gone. Part of any price you pay has already been taken into account that there will be problems or returns. We've all said this..."for this kind of money, I expect more..." Think again.
Okay, now that everyone is fuming at me.......Yes, the car is fun to drive, gets lots of looks, yada yada. But, to me, the problems and lack of care from Saleens standpoint clearly outweigh the cool-ness factor. Oh, and yes I've experienced the "surge of attention/care" when someone at Saleen is new or is in a good mood or whatever.....only to let the surge die down and I'm left frustrated again. And have you ever tried to order a part or even a shirt? What about all the excuses we've all been told?
After reading all the different subject posts along with my experience with Saleen has made me conclude that I'd gladly give up this car, but I owe too much. For sure, I'll never buy another one. I'd rather buy a stock vehicle (Ford of course) and then do whatever I want to. If you think this is harsh, I agree but my frustration level has peaked. Look at any given thread here and someone will inevitably bring up a problem.
Finally, I won't say who BUT someone at Saleen told me "....all these Mustang conversions, trucks, etc. are just the means for Steve to fund his real passion....S7" I guess I'll have to come up with 500k to buy an S7 if I "expect" quality control and customer service.
I doubt you'd find any better quality control out of an S7 either....The more I think about it in way the guys doing the clones probally have the right idea...Their cars are at least being put to get right with a passion instead of worry about slapping something together half a$$ and making a big fat profit off the consumer....
Posts: 895
Joined: 8/5/2006 From: Alameda, CA Status: offline
02Extreme21: I don't think your comments are harsh, nor am I fuming at what you wrote. Chances are there are plenty of us who have experienced at least a modicum of the frustration and disappointment you've expressed. Many theories of why the QC and other services have been sub-standard, including cash flow, manufacturing deadlines, dealer network, staff turnover, Steve Saleen's focus on other products, and plain old incompetence, have been surmised. For those of us who have endured or are currently experiencing problems with their cars, the reason is no longer as important as the solution.
Someone -- either a customer on this forum or a Saleen staffer -- should do his/her product a favor and make sure Steve and investors see all posts in this thread, most importantly yours. Those of us with newer cars are trusting things will get better. Your experience is altering that expectation, and not for the better. A company can only have so many dissatisfied customers, and only so many who are so public with their frustrations. These posts (and I've contributed several) not only hurt future sale of Saleens, they hurt the value and marketability of those we already own! Even those cars that have never had any problems, and we've read about those as well, will suffer in the eyes of the market! Is that what any of us wants? No way! It would be no surprise if there were an attorney out there reading these posts over the past few weeks/months and formulating a concept that contains three words (I won't utter them, but they rhyme with Frass Fraction Flawflute).
SALEEN: Give us a solution!
And to those whose cars have given them few or no difficulties: you are so fortunate and I hope you have been counting your blessings. Many of us wish we could be in your shoes (or your car!). Please, please continue to post your positive experiences. They give us hope and help maintain the value of the car in the eyes of the public. But also, please have compassion for those of us not so fortunate and understand we are not making things up or "just being difficult". We have serious issues with the car, the dealers, the company, etc. and we need your support and your reminders that the frustrations and disappointments will abate and it'll all be worth it one day.
Finally, how lucky we all are (happy customers, dissatisfied customers, potential customers and Saleen) to have this amazing forum that is such a source of support, enthusiasm, information, knowledge and generosity. I am so impressed with this community and so proud to be a part of it.
I'm wanting to post positive things...I promiss But When you buy a brand new car July 11th to enjoy for the summer and get to drive it a total of 3 weeks since new two weeks then...then one week a month and 3 weeks later going from one paint shop to another....and its been in the paint shop ever since...which it still is as I write...over what should have been minor issues....It is hard to be real positive...Hopefully Monday I'll have it back for a while....
Well- all of these issues are the reason I bought the base model Saleen to upgrade myself.
I couldn't justify dropping 60 grand on the S/C model with the QC issues I was reading about. I could live with the little bugs for 40 grand. I will still come out cheaper in the long run to upgrade the hood and spoiler (in progress), install the S/C and gauges, and add the front brakes. I also don't believe the hit from it not being "S/C'ed" from the factory will be much, if at all. Watching eBay over the last year has provided enough feedback o be comfortable doing my own upfit.
I also agree with the poster that said Saleen simply uses the sale of the Saleen Mustangs and F150's to fund and market his S7.
You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out.
I am still happy overall right now with my purchase, though.
Posts: 173
Joined: 10/7/2006 From: Salisbury, MD, USA Status: offline
Amy, Very well put! I doubt that Saleen cares; but, if I had been smart enough to read this forum, before buying, I would have bought something else. Like my Lotus Esprit and 1988 and 1989 Jaguars*, the PIA factor eventually exceeded the "cool" factor.
_________ * IMO, newer Jaguars, produced under Ford's ownership, are excellent cars.
Amy, Very well put! I doubt that Saleen cares; but, if I had been smart enough to read this forum, before buying, I would have bought something else. Like my Lotus Esprit and 1988 and 1989 Jaguars*, the PIA factor eventually exceeded the "cool" factor.
_________ * IMO, newer Jaguars, produced under Ford's ownership, are excellent cars.
Meto...I'm sure someone makes a $50,000 car that doesn't have all these problems...
Well- all of these issues are the reason I bought the base model Saleen to upgrade myself.
I couldn't justify dropping 60 grand on the S/C model with the QC issues I was reading about. I could live with the little bugs for 40 grand. I will still come out cheaper in the long run to upgrade the hood and spoiler (in progress), install the S/C and gauges, and add the front brakes. I also don't believe the hit from it not being "S/C'ed" from the factory will be much, if at all. Watching eBay over the last year has provided enough feedback o be comfortable doing my own upfit.
I also agree with the poster that said Saleen simply uses the sale of the Saleen Mustangs and F150's to fund and market his S7.
You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out.
I am still happy overall right now with my purchase, though.
Make sure you get the aluminum hood and not that boat anchor fiberglass thing that needs hours and hours of prep work...The few hundred more for the aluminum is well worth it...I wish I had new about the 2 different hoods before I bought my fiberglass one...but when I bought it my car was brand new...I didn't know anything about Saleen's service and products....
Printable Version
RE: Saleen quality control??? - 
