How to Find a Saab Mechanic

As any Saab enthusiast will tell you, finding a good Saab mechanic can be difficult. Dealership mechanics can be expensive and have long waiting lists. Independent mechanics are usually preferable, but can be hard to find in certain areas. However, you can't let just any mechanic work on your Saab.

Instructions

1. Call a dealership. Find the closest Saab dealership and ask the service manager some questions about their rates and schedule. Let him know that his location is not convenient to you and find out if he knows of any independent Saab mechanics in your area. Also, ask if any of his mechanics work on cars on the side.

2. Contact a local Saab club. Saab enthusiasts tend to band together, and many of them work on their own cars. Find out when and where they're getting together next in your area. Stop by to admire their Saabs and ask a few questions. If you drive up in a Saab, they'll automatically accept you and ask how long you've owned Saabs. If it's your first, the Saab enthusiasts probably will help you get as much pleasure out of your car as they got out of their first.

3. Talk to other people who drive European cars. In certain parts of the country, Saabs are rare, so you may not find a certified Saab mechanic. Often in these areas, a German-car mechanic who works mainly on Volkswagens and Porsches can help you. If you have a newer model Saab, talk to the local GM mechanic. If he's familiar with the specs for new Saabs in the back of the GM mechanics book, he can probably work on your car.

4. Visit used-car dealers. Find a dealer with Saabs on the lot and ask if he knows a local Saab mechanic. Chances are, he has a mechanic he takes the Saabs to; otherwise he probably wouldn't sell them.

Tips & Warnings

• A Saab-certified mechanic will know that the car has to be in reverse to take the key out of the ignition.

• Don't leave your classic Saab with a mechanic who doesn't know how to open the hood. Anyone who works on Saabs is familiar with the old forward-hood design.

• Don't take your prized vehicle to a mechanic who has never worked on a Saab before.

Resources

• Saab Cars on RSportsCars.com