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...
YES, but does someone make a $50,000 car that you dont see on the roads everyday or every week? I have yet to see another 05/06 Saleen in my area. I paid for the exclusitivity. All the other cars were starting to look 'bland' to me. I could have easily waited for next year M3 to be released but I chose the Saleen. Even the new M3 was not looking that appealing.
Well I'll be more happier with my car when it sees the road...right now it has seen the road for 3 weeks..only two of those 3 it had all the parts on the car...It has seen....17 weeks of shop time sine purchasing in July
4 months to get minor things right seems excessive not to mention losing another $1200 in insurance payments from not driving the car....
Unfortunetly, that is the problem. It is the fact that your Ford dealership has to get approval for all the Saleen stuff before they can do any work. I am trying to get that approval now too.
I know all of you guys and Gals hope and pray that something about customer service will improve but it will not and has been this way from the beginning. You say, "I want a Saleen Mustang" and that's that. Those of us that have been around from the beginnning and know that this is true and prefer to purchase and deal with bug and issues that like have been described earlier in the thread are common for all specialty low production spots cars. Sorry for the run on's. The age of the internet here and all of the new messageboards have only given a voice to all of the "new school" Saleen Mustang owners able to vent about what we have known since 1987 and that's a fact.
I agree the stakes are higher now since a loaded S281 S/C car out the door is upwards of $60k. 10 years ago the S351 R Code was the top shelf Saleen and hovered around the same price. The E car out the door is considerabley more. I guess all I'm trying to say is that all of these issues customers are complaining about are par for the course and have always been there. Nothing will change that other than Saleen going out of business all togther.
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....
So, 06Saleen1246, part of the 17 weeks in the shop is due to putting in an engine upgrade and a new hood that had to be painted? Just curious.
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...
YES, but does someone make a $50,000 car that you dont see on the roads everyday or every week? I have yet to see another 05/06 Saleen in my area. I paid for the exclusitivity. All the other cars were starting to look 'bland' to me. I could have easily waited for next year M3 to be released but I chose the Saleen. Even the new M3 was not looking that appealing.
Well- You do see them quite a bit, but damn they still look good, and dollar for dollar I don't think it can be beat. That is the 07 Vettes.
I spent 2 days in one before buying the Saleen, and it was WORLDS better than the 01 I had. Very impressed with just about everything on it from the handling to the motor to the paint.
But..I had ALREADY had a Vette..never had the Saleen. So, the Saleen is in the driveway for now.
Here is what happened It took 3-4weeks to fix my cruise control...Saleen didn't program that my car had cruise in the computer...My question find a 2006 GT that don't have cruise? So that took a month getting the computer straight they had to get 3 computers from Saleen before that was fixed...also there was a paint chip fairly bad on top of the rear spoiler it had to go to the paint shop that ford picked...When I got my car back the paint was a differen color yellow (lighter) And they had white paint all over my drivers seat :( So i didn't take it like that....So after another 3 week ordeal I got my car back...Paint still not match...had a scratch in the corner spoiler a chip in the deck lid and mirror cover was chipped......seats were cleaned except for where the seats are darker now from the cleaner they used...Anyway my hood I had ordered from Haney which had been at another paint shop for nearly two months I decided to go ahead and get it painted while i had my car and let them look at the damage....When they looked at it they told me there is no way a car like that would have left their shop in that kinda condition...so i got on the phone and told them I had a shop to fix it....Ford place said go ahead and get them to to send an estimate.......I got to drive my car a week in between while they prepped my hood...Brought my car in...The first paint on the hood didn't match...so it took 4 days of phone calling back and fourth to Saleen to get the paint brand...after that Hood was painted within two days....they proceeded to fix my spoiler that Ford said send an estimate...Ford said they wouldn't pay for nothing but the middle spoiler that i'd have to show them the damage...so I drove my car back to the ford dealership 90 miles away to see what they've seen before...got the ok then straight to the paint shop...after painting the rear spoiler it was discovered why one of the pieces didn't fit...it was broke on the inside...so another trip to the dealership bringing the broke corner piece to them...I was told if i brought it back i could drive the car till the new one arrived...but the ford place kept it...well Friday the new piece came in...guess what the clips i need to attach it or on the piece 90 miles away...i'm headed there today...to get the clips if they still have my piece...if not i'm sure another week of waiting for 4 little metal clips from Saleen...The ford place never returned my call Friday after this was discovered....So If they have the piece at the Ford place I;ll finally get to drive my Saleen home ...Since purchasing it brand new July 11th....
Well reading this thread, I am happier I went the way I did then [purchased a new 06 GT and then had the suspension kit, short shifter, pedals, HIDs and Series VI installed by Saleen....]
Sad that they have decent to great products and product line but keep dropping the ball before crossing the goal line...
Sorry ao many of you have been put through the ringer with these problems...
And I was wondering about the financial sitaution myself - I find it curious to possibly be in 'dire straights' financially and open a RETAIL store in CA......
Well reading this thread, I am happier I went the way I did then [purchased a new 06 GT and then had the suspension kit, short shifter, pedals, HIDs and Series VI installed by Saleen....]
Sad that they have decent to great products and product line but keep dropping the ball before crossing the goal line...
Sorry ao many of you have been put through the ringer with these problems...
And I was wondering about the financial sitaution myself - I find it curious to possibly be in 'dire straights' financially and open a RETAIL store in CA......
I doubt the dire financial straits BS. But I don't doubt that with the competition AND opening a new store that cash flow is pretty tight.
Here is what happened It took 3-4weeks to fix my cruise control...Saleen didn't program that my car had cruise in the computer...My question find a 2006 GT that don't have cruise? So that took a month getting the computer straight they had to get 3 computers from Saleen before that was fixed...also there was a paint chip fairly bad on top of the rear spoiler it had to go to the paint shop that ford picked...When I got my car back the paint was a differen color yellow (lighter) And they had white paint all over my drivers seat :( So i didn't take it like that....So after another 3 week ordeal I got my car back...Paint still not match...had a scratch in the corner spoiler a chip in the deck lid and mirror cover was chipped......seats were cleaned except for where the seats are darker now from the cleaner they used...Anyway my hood I had ordered from Haney which had been at another paint shop for nearly two months I decided to go ahead and get it painted while i had my car and let them look at the damage....When they looked at it they told me there is no way a car like that would have left their shop in that kinda condition...so i got on the phone and told them I had a shop to fix it....Ford place said go ahead and get them to to send an estimate.......I got to drive my car a week in between while they prepped my hood...Brought my car in...The first paint on the hood didn't match...so it took 4 days of phone calling back and fourth to Saleen to get the paint brand...after that Hood was painted within two days....they proceeded to fix my spoiler that Ford said send an estimate...Ford said they wouldn't pay for nothing but the middle spoiler that i'd have to show them the damage...so I drove my car back to the ford dealership 90 miles away to see what they've seen before...got the ok then straight to the paint shop...after painting the rear spoiler it was discovered why one of the pieces didn't fit...it was broke on the inside...so another trip to the dealership bringing the broke corner piece to them...I was told if i brought it back i could drive the car till the new one arrived...but the ford place kept it...well Friday the new piece came in...guess what the clips i need to attach it or on the piece 90 miles away...i'm headed there today...to get the clips if they still have my piece...if not i'm sure another week of waiting for 4 little metal clips from Saleen...The ford place never returned my call Friday after this was discovered....So If they have the piece at the Ford place I;ll finally get to drive my Saleen home ...Since purchasing it brand new July 11th....
Wow. That is incredible.
I don't know how you have kept your composure. I'd have made them put in new seats, I would have probably called the BBB, or threatened legal action.
Posts: 895
Joined: 8/5/2006 From: Alameda, CA Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: 06SALEEN1246
Here is what happened It took 3-4weeks to fix my cruise control...Saleen didn't program that my car had cruise in the computer...My question find a 2006 GT that don't have cruise? So that took a month getting the computer straight they had to get 3 computers from Saleen before that was fixed...also there was a paint chip fairly bad on top of the rear spoiler it had to go to the paint shop that ford picked...When I got my car back the paint was a differen color yellow (lighter) And they had white paint all over my drivers seat :( So i didn't take it like that....So after another 3 week ordeal I got my car back...Paint still not match...had a scratch in the corner spoiler a chip in the deck lid and mirror cover was chipped......seats were cleaned except for where the seats are darker now from the cleaner they used...Anyway my hood I had ordered from Haney which had been at another paint shop for nearly two months I decided to go ahead and get it painted while i had my car and let them look at the damage....When they looked at it they told me there is no way a car like that would have left their shop in that kinda condition...so i got on the phone and told them I had a shop to fix it....Ford place said go ahead and get them to to send an estimate.......I got to drive my car a week in between while they prepped my hood...Brought my car in...The first paint on the hood didn't match...so it took 4 days of phone calling back and fourth to Saleen to get the paint brand...after that Hood was painted within two days....they proceeded to fix my spoiler that Ford said send an estimate...Ford said they wouldn't pay for nothing but the middle spoiler that i'd have to show them the damage...so I drove my car back to the ford dealership 90 miles away to see what they've seen before...got the ok then straight to the paint shop...after painting the rear spoiler it was discovered why one of the pieces didn't fit...it was broke on the inside...so another trip to the dealership bringing the broke corner piece to them...I was told if i brought it back i could drive the car till the new one arrived...but the ford place kept it...well Friday the new piece came in...guess what the clips i need to attach it or on the piece 90 miles away...i'm headed there today...to get the clips if they still have my piece...if not i'm sure another week of waiting for 4 little metal clips from Saleen...The ford place never returned my call Friday after this was discovered....So If they have the piece at the Ford place I;ll finally get to drive my Saleen home ...Since purchasing it brand new July 11th....
Dang!!! Now I feel like a real whiner after throwing a tantrum over a little ol' dealer-installed dent and 2 weeks to complete a day's worth of work! If I had gone through all you did, I'd be camped on Steve Saleen's office door AND sent letters to Ford, BBB, all local newspapers and TV stations, Motor Trend, JD Power, Ralph Nader, what's-her-head who Julia Roberts played in the flick about carcinogens getting in water, Congress, all consumer advocacy groups, etc. Furthermore I'd probably be dictating the letters from the loony bin because I'd be in a straightjacket!
I have an aunt in San Diego who had all kinds of issues with her new Caddy. So she took it to the dealer, handed the service dude the keys and said "here, you take it, I don't want it any more!" and she left. This caused all kinds of freak-out because they didn't want the liability of the car but if they sued her, all of the bad service and incompetence they displayed would be made public. So they took the car back and returned all of her money! Which is probably what the courts would have done!
bad thing about leaving the keys I only owe about $12,000 on my car I put $30,000 down payment and have already sent two $5000 payments...:( And today my usual luck I got the corner spoiler piece for the clips from the dealership...brought it to the body shop and the body shop was closed early today...Well maybe in the morning...
Posts: 570
Joined: 9/13/2006 From: Manhattan Beach, CA Status: offline
Excuse the long rant.
I spent a lot of time this weekend driving the Saleen and thought more about the comments on this post asking why a $50k+ Saleen doesn’t meet quality levels of other $50k cars. I then asked myself a few questions (I talk to myself a lot when I’m flying down the 90 Freeway at 110+ mph), like "to what other cars are we comparing the Saleen" and “what else could I get for the price of my Saleen SC Vert”?
The latter question came to mind because the Saleen quality debate reminds me of how my fellow UCLA fans complain about UCLA’s football coaches. Each November, we declare that UCLA's football coach must be fired, but nobody seems to come up with who UCLA could hire for the same $$$ (UCLA’s a public school in a quasi-socialist state, remember). Here, too, nobody seems to be offering up the magic alternative to our beloved Saleen. Maybe it’s because nobody’s asked. Maybe it’s because there’s nothing as fast/cool/whatever that costs anything close to our Saleens. I think it’s the latter.
Not wanting to engage in exhaustive research (when not thinking about the Saleen, I do actually work and spend time with my wife and kids), I went over to Automobile Magazine’s website and pulled up the page of reviews of convertibles published over the last 2+ years: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/ Not an exhaustive list of alternatives, but it probably hits just about anything I’d consider. For those with coupes, check out: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/coupes/
I generally found 3 types of cars: (1) “comfortable,” dependable, non-performance cars priced in the same price range (Volvo, BMW 3 series, Chrysler, Audi, Lexus); (2) “sporty,” dependable cars priced in roughly the same price range (BMW M3, Boxster); (3) really fast, luxurious, possibly dependable cars, that cost $100k+ (M6, AMGs, 911, Aston Martin, Jag XKR, Maserati).
There was a Lotus, which seemed to be a possibility. It looks cool, has character, is really fast, and is cheap. But I need back seats for my kids and I’m not driving a 1.8 liter Toyota engine.
So you want a $50k+ vert that is comfortable and won’t break down? Try a Lexis, BMW, or maybe even a Volvo. You want a 400hp+ vert that hits 60 in the mid 4-second range and tops out around 170mph? Write a check for $100k to $200k (and brace yourself for electrical problems and $500 tune-ups).
One last thought, how many times have you gotten into a conversation about cars with someone (fellow Saleen owner or not) solely because you have a Saleen? Last week, I came home from a jog and my wife said a guy had just pulled up to our house in an old Mustang and knocked on our door to ask about our Saleen in the driveway. He left his phone number and when I called him back, I learned that he lives a few blocks away and owns an original Shelby GT350 that he takes out on Sundays. He wanted to ask me how I liked my Saleen because he just ordered a Parnelli Jones. We talked for a while, I offered to take him out in my Saleen, and he said he’d stop by on one of his Sunday drives so I could check out the Shelby. As a car fiend and gearhead, I thought that having this gentleman knock on my door to talk cars was as cool as it gets. I wonder how often something like that happens to owners of 911s, Vettes, AMGs, M series, etc.
Just my $.02.
< Message edited by elburrito99 -- 11/7/2006 11:49:58 PM >
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RE: Saleen quality control??? - 
