PRESS-RELEASE SPNA Saab Secure Program

56 thoughts on “PRESS-RELEASE SPNA Saab Secure Program”

1. Promising. I can’t wait to see the details regarding the “menu of Saab Secure vehicle service contracts that provide extended coverage levels and terms at affordable prices.” I checked saab.com but didn’t see any additional details, but I did register as an owner.

   Does anyone have any information about this “BG” company? I’m not familiar with them…

   • Also, any information about “Pablo Creek Services, Inc”

     • It’s part of Allstate Car Care and is a service contract package.

   • I would also like to see the coverage levels and pricing as well. I hope that this means there will be future parts available for my 11 NG 9-5.

     • “The company has been working hard to build an infrastructure for the future. It’s great that we are now able to launch these new programs, providing added support to Saab owners and the Saab service network. We want to keep Saab cars and owners on the road well into the future” Colbeck concluded.

   • BG is currently the best additives company, including fluids and machinery to change the fluids—-of anyone in the automotive world. They are the best out there, bar none. Last week, I just had a BG automatic transmission fluid flush for my 9-5. According to the shop—-if I recall correctly—-the capacity of the AT is 9 quarts and they used 16 quarts total—-to flush the old dirty fluid out until it was running clean through the machine—-then filled up to capacity. So in affect, if this is accurate—-they used 7 quarts of this expensive fluid just to make sure everything—-torque converter included—-was clean (now I’m wondering if it was quarts or pints???). Auto tech experts I’ve heard say that the BG machine is the best available. Also, BG 44K to clean your fuel system is the best product—-at least among the ones I’ve tried (and that’s quite a few different products over about 33 years of driving.). Depending on the age of your car, mileage and the condition of your fuel system—-you might actually feel a difference after using a bottle of 44K and see better fuel economy too. Like they say, “Grease is cheaper than steel.” If you are good with fluid changes/flushes—-you might head off expensive car repairs by keeping those systems in good, clean, well lubricated condition.

   • BG, as Angelo states, is a very reputable company and the best in the industry at what they do. If you begin using their products prior to 30k miles and use it every time my other half’s experience is that they will cover the engine on any make car every time. (He is a service writer at a Ford store for 10+ years plus a tech prior to that for 20+ yrs.). I do not know who Pablo creek services are though and will be equally interested to see the options and pricing available for other coverAges as well as who the actual administrator of the contacts will be as that is the more important part when it comes to actually obtaining the coverage.

   • I have a 2011 9-4X and live in Texas, I called a local dealer from Saab’s list for warranty work and a oil change, they do not service Saab’s but are on the service list. I have a feeling this will be a long road.

2. Here is some info from their company site http://www.bgprod.com/company.html

3. Hmm Wonder if I can cancel my Third Party warranty and go go this, I currently have mine thru warrantech

   • Depends, if you paid for it and have not used it, most companies will allow a cancellation but I’d check first when all info is out if they cover the same things. You may want to keep your extended as well.

     • Yeapo haven’t used it yet (no matter how many times I try I just end up paying for it because its not “covered”). Yeapo will check out all the info!

       • How many problems have you had?!

         • Sun Roof Leak (Common on SRX/9-4x)
           Front suspension top hats need replacing (Again Common Issue amongst Caddy SRX)
           I think a few other things I can’t remember right now

           • I have a 2011 9-4X with 15,000 miles on it, I live in Texas and it rained for two days and the passenger side floor board filled with water, are you saying it might be from my sun roof ?

             • Yes is the answer to your question, Ruff. This is a known issue with the 2010 and 2011 SRX and 9-4x models.

           • I am unsure here at home without my paperwork whether the Warrantech policy can be cancelled or what kind of pro-rated refund you would get. But I will check on it for you tomorrow and let you know, kanundrum.

             • I can always count on you Julie! 🙂

               • I try.
                 You can cancel the Warrantech contract and will lose just an administrative fee as well as maybe a slight dollar amount for the pro-rated time. But that should all be quite minimal.
                 I am awaiting information from someone on the details for the new SAAB Secure program since absolutely nothing has been provided to us yet. I sent emails to 2 contacts at SPNA this afternoon. As soon as more info is made available I will be happy to pass it along to all here. 🙂

4. Tim Colbeck, though he hasn’t been with Saab that long, has worked tirelessly on our behalf as owners and enthusiasts. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with him at a few Saab get togethers and he is the genuine deal. We’re lucky we have him as an advocate.

   • Couldn’t agree with you more. Anytime I have a question, he is as quick as can be to get back to me. This press-release if you search, had not been sent out yet when I posted. He wanted us to all know before it hit other media. This speaks to our community here as well (all of you) and that this is where most Saab owners communicate and he wants to reach the Saab owners. If there was an award for what he does, he certainly deserves it….. twice because he has never ran when most would have, he feels a connection with the Saab owners and continues to work for us all.

     • Off topic—-but if you tie GM to Saab’s woes, sort of on topic: Did you see where GM has said “Opel is not for sale?” Knowing GM—-that means they’re going to put Opel up for sale awful damn quick! Filchy liars.

   • Ditto….In addition to Saab-related gatherings, I’ve found Tim at industry events. It starts out with, hey, that guy looks familiar to hey, that’s Tim! And recall that Tim started as head of Saab Cars, NA just around the time the 2011 problems at Saab surfaced. Given where he is today and what he’s accomplished, he clearly can handle challenges and doesn’t give up.

     • you’re exactly right Steve, he came in right when the 9-4X was coming out and the problems began. I think his first week or two he was attending events with the 9-4X and attended a couple of the We Are Many events as well. When Saab was headed for bankruptcy I had asked him if he was sticking around and he said he would not leave with things the way they were. He had a commitment to the Saab owners and that may sound like I’m kissing butt, but it is not a lie, he wants to fix the problems that came out of bankruptcy and feels a deep commitment to the Saab customers. When he moved from SCNA to SPNA I think it filled him with passion to go from winding something down to building something up and building something up is what he does best.

       • +1
         Well said, Jason. I am proud to have met Tim and couldn’t be more pleased that he is the man that will lead SPNA into the future. I hope I have many more opportunities to work with him.

5. Well, this is good news. I wonder how “limited” the warranty is? Curious to know about the cost and exclusions of the other plans. Hopefully they will be better than what was offered in the UK and I can afford it. I will miss going to my great, convenient indy shop, but I guess peace of mind is worth it.

6. The tie up to BG is not something I’d have ever expected but they do make good products. Colbeck is a standup guy, he answered his cell phone a while back when I called him about this very topic I was impressed with that. He seemed genuine in the conversation. I know Saab falling apart isn’t his doing. That said I do wish there would have been better communication the past year, either online or a courtesy card but it is what it is. I’ll get excited (or not) about this when I see what can be covered and at what price. The sting of having to now buy back a warranty I actually paid for with the car purchase will be long lasting but getting fair coverage at a reasonable price would go a long way to give some
   peace of mind.

   • remember that this is Saab Parts working to get anything to us, this is not Spyker or the old Saab Cars, this is Saab parts. I’m just glad that someone has stepped up and done anything.

     • I realize that but Colbeck was running SCNA under the old regime before, during and after the collapse. I stand by my thinking the communication about the future of warranties could have been better especially to the 2010-2011 owners. I’m glad someone stepped up and is doing something now but I have yet to see exactly what they have in mind in terms of what it will cost so how glad I am is impossible to say. Business is business, SPNA is in it for the money just like any other company, they aren’t doing it purely out of the kindness of their hearts but hopefully the plan will be at least fair.

   • Well overall this is very good news. I, too, just purchased an extended warranty a few months ago however it can be cancelled. We’ll have to see what type of plans they offer and price.
     I’m also skeptical of this BG thing “limited lifetime warranty”. If we have to abide by their schedule, and not Saab’s, it could be a joke. Such as changing the oil every 5,000 mi. and adding some expensive questionable additive which it sounds like. Keep in mind the Saab manual, and just about every other makes manuals, say specifically NOT to use any oil additives at all. Again I hope this isn’t one of those scam snake oil deals. BG also promotes those tranny fluid exchange machines which Saab in the past has sent out bulletins to dealers to NOT use these machines.
     Should be interesting how this all pans out. Also I’m guessing all of us owners that bought pre-10′ models that were owned/sold by Spyker will be covered and eligible for all this stuff.

     • Cosmic: The most highly regarded auto technicians where I live swear by BG products. Regarding the tranny flush—-I had one on my Saab recently. I’m not sure why having one would be discouraged by Saab—-but in my opinion, getting contaminated fluid out of the torque converter and the entire transmission seems to make sense. That can’t be accomplished by draining and refilling—-i.e., mixing old fluid and new fluid. If you believe that the fluid is good for the life of the car and never has to be changed—-good luck with that. If you think the fluid SHOULD be changed—-wouldn’t you want to change it all instead of a portion? By the way, you mentioned abiding by a schedule that you consider silly—-changing oil every 5000 miles??? What interval do you recommend? I use synthetic and I’ll go a year or 6000 miles, whichever comes first—-so 5000 miles doesn’t sound unreasonable to me. Grease is cheaper than steel.

       • Hi Angelo,
         Well it seems like one of those proprietary service/products that just generates protected profits for shops. Why would BG products be any better than other quality products on the market? It’s a system designed to generate profits for shops which isn’t bad in itself as long as customers realize that.
         Are the techs near where you live shop owners or just hourly techs?
         And Saab’s interval on the 9-3 SS/SC have been up to 18,000 miles. I’m on my 3rd SS/SC in 9 years and have put a total over 270,000 miles between the 3. I’ve also done several used oil analysis and using the proper long life oil it can easily go up to 18,000 mi. So, again, having an increased interval, like Valvoline also does for their warranty, is ludicrous. You should only have to follow the manufactures service schedule.
         To the tranny: Simple drain and fills are less disruptive to the internals of the trannys vs. flushes. When you hook up those machines the velocity can dislodge built up gunk and lodge in areas then clog things like solenoids. Some trannys are designed to have the clutch material mixed within the fluid to provide proper friction. There are a few schools of thought here and I don’t mean to get off topic.

     • When I purchased my new 2011 Saab 93 XWD, Just Saab of Dayton salesman, recommended I change oil every 5,000 miles if I intend to keep the car. I have used BG Products in the past but not on this Saab.

       I have done that using Amsoil Motor oil in it.

       Am wondering if we will be getting anything in the mail about this warranty?
       Garry

7. I love to get some feedback on vehicle software and firmware updates. Is Saab parts also actively updating the cars onboard computers?

   • I’ll ask, what is wrong with yours or do you just mean if updates come out?

     • Nav updates for example. Also, imagine a new OS update for iPhone that the infotainment system does not recognize. Also, for the NG 9-5, I’d image there could be updates for the traffic sign display (in the center speedometer display) so it picks up more signs (I believe its GPS based).

8. Any chance for something like this for older (say..first generation 9-3?) cars? 😀

   (..Only somewhat kidding..)

9. As far as updates go I am actually in process right now of email exchange with the newly created TAC for a customer with the old navi/clock issues which had been addressed previously by GM bulletin P0185C since that update is no longer able to be done through the GM TIS2WEB as previous. Will be happy to post here when I get a response from them-hopefully tomorrow. 🙂

10. I also have asked Tim previously (but can remind him) that we wanted to know about the ability to actually update Nav data and he had passed that question along to TAC…

11. By the way Julie and to the folks at SPNA, what happens when a recall comes out? For instance there are a lot of recalls out on the SRX but 0 on the 9-4x assuming they are the same entity almost since it was the same plant and parts for the most part.

    Just some food for thought that’s all

    • I wonder what happens if there is a safety recall? It’s hard to imagine that owners would be on the hook to pay for a mandatory safety recall. There should be a fund set up for that—-regardless of if the company tanks.

      • I have wondered the same thing. I know the SRX had a fuel tank recall to address the strange noises that come from the fuel tank. I have the noises, but no support or recall.

        • You know, in a very technical legal sense—-since some of the Saabs are based so closely on GM products and also using GM components—-I would think GM might have a vested interest in staying on top of safety issues in the sister cars—-even if they aren’t GMs. If someone was dramatically injured in an accident involving a Saab—-the victim’s lawyer is going to look to the source with the most money who could be tied to the accident. Couldn’t a case be made that since Saab went out of business and the 9-4 is basically a Cadillac SRX—-and ESPECIALLY because GM was the party responsible for not allowing Saab to continue with GM technology—-that GM might ultimtely be responsible? I don’t see this as a big stretch at all and in fact, I would encourage those in the Saab community with Muller era GM derived Saabs to put a scare in the demons at GM. Go ahead and rattle them a little.

          • In fact—perhaps some of this should be brought up during the court proceedings between Muller and GM.

    • I agree and would like to know of any bulletins that come out on our 9-4X.

      That said, for those reading this blog and have raised an eyebrow at the number issues mentioned here with the 9-4X, we have nearly 25K miles on our 9-4X Premium and have not experienced the leaking from the sunroof (or elsewhere) or the fuel tank knocking others have experienced.

      So while this is certainly frustrating for all of us, there are those who so far have not experienced these significants issues. (And I’ve probably just jinxed myself …)

      Have a great weekend everyone.

12. Jason (or any other member of the SU Crew),

    I wanted to ask this question publicly in case there are others in this boat. I have 2008 Turbo X SC. This car originally had the GM warranty. I purchased it CPO in October 2010 just after Spyker purchased SAAB. Since the Spyker bankruptcy I have been told that even though the car was pre-Spyker the CPO warranty was issued during the Spyker era and that my car would be treated as a 2010 or 2011 SAAB.

    So where do I (and others like me) fit? Do I fit into the previous warranty services agreement since my car was made under the GM umbrella? Or do I fit into the SAAB Secure agreement as if my car was a true Spyker Era SAAB?

    Thanks for your time.

    Nate

    • Nate, your car should be covered with the GM 5 year/100,000 powertrain warranty. Whatever the CPO warranty was it is now void just like a regular Spyker warranty afik.

      I don’t know what the he** is going on with the bankruptcy in the US and I wish somebody here on SU would follow the thing.
      There is plenty of money and once the secured creditors are paid there should be a warranty trust fund established to cover all of our warranties–this whole situation is pathetic! GM and Chrysler took care of in days.

      So why isn’t anybody covering the bankruptcy of SCNA?

      • Go to http://www.donlinrecano.com/saab for current and complete information regarding SCNA’s bankruptcy.

        • Great find Clay and thanks.

      • Cosmic, I hate to disagree with you but Nates car may NOT be covered under the P/T coverage as his car may not have had it. The way to know for sure is to provide me the VIN#, Nate, and allow me to look in the system.
        Nate, as far as th CPO portion goes though, you are correct in that only CPO purchased prior to 2/23/10 still have valid CPO coverage. If your issue is one that would be covered by P/T then you may or may not be in luck. PM me your VIN please so I can check for you!
        I will also ask the question about CPO cars to Tim Colbeck as this is a valid question and one that requires answers.
        We have also been told, both in the 12/21 press release and in the one dated yesterday that a CAC has been established but no # has been provided for that either so I am trying to get that number for ya’ll.
        Probably will be next week until I have more answers but I will be sure to post as soon as i have them.

        • Julie I’m assuming the car was purchased while under GM ownership before 2-23-10. That would determine it correct? When I purchased in Aug. 10 I do know there were a couple TX’s still around, one being in Atlanta the other in West Texas.

        • Julie –

          Thanks so much for the kind offer! I will get this to you tomorrow (Saturday). For now, it’s off to bed!

          Thanks again,

          Nate

13. I also sent off the question about recalls to see if we can get any answers on that. : )

14. “Program makes available a Limited Lifetime Protection Plan on internal engine components for 2010 and 2011 Model Year Saab owners for no initial cost.”

    Do we have any idea if this is only for the engine and turbo or does this also include the entire powertrain?

    • Another good question.
      From BG’s website it says “only for components covered by their fluids”. So maybe the 5 speed tranny, not the 6 speed as it needs a special fluid most likely.
      And definitely not the Haldex 4 system as that uses 3 different proprietary fluids.
      Also, under their published program the limit is $4000 for engine and $1000 for tranny. We all know that is nothing. The 9-3 SS V6 is over $10,000 and the tranny is over $6,000.
      Now I’m hoping that Saab worked out a special plan just for our vehicles and not the generic program BG offers.
      We’ll all find out shortly I’m sure.

15. I received a response today to my inquiries of Friday from one of the men who works in promotions side of things SPNA:

    In terms of Saab Secure, we are working on the support documents and should have those out to you in the next week or so. The BG Limited Lifetime Protection Plan (oil change portion) is something that can be started as soon as you’ve visited with the local BG distributor to get program details. The VSC portion is something we are targeting Feb. 1 to start selling; just waiting on a few more states to approve.

    The Customer Assistance Center will go live shortly. We will send out an email with the number to you and post it to Saab.com, Facebook, Twitter, etc. The number will be the same 800 # that is found I the owner’s manuals. It is not yet live, so we did not publish it yet.

    Great to hear customers are interested and chomping at the bit to get in. Promise, it’s all coming very soon.

    SO- Be patient, ya’ll. Details will be forthcoming and I will be sure to post as soon as available. My service director is off today so when he returns I will speak to him about contacting the BG Rep for more information on that portion.

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