I can't get a trunk strap?

[jita1]

You won't see me complaining too much on the forums but I'm a little frustrated. I just had my 3,000 mile service and I mentioned to the advisor that some of the 2008 Auras came with a trunk strap but mine didn't. I inquired about having one installed. He checked with the parts dept. and the guy said "never heard of it, it's not in the computer". I called another dealership (the one I bought the car from) and the first thing the parts adivisor says is "I don't know what you're talking about".

Saturn has only 5 current vehicles in their lineup. Is it too much to expect the dealership personnel to know their product? It seems like I know more about the cars than they do! The sales people usually have a good knowledge of the cars they sell , (I used to work at a car dealership) but why doesn't the other folk? It was like I was talking in a foreign language or something. This on top of being advised to not have a remote starter installed has me very frustrated. When I bought my Ford truck, I told the guy that I wanted a remote start and he had an OEM one installed before I drove the truck home, no questions asked. He rolled it right into my payment and didn't require a package that would bump my payment up significantly.

My car-buying experience with Saturn was top notch, best I've ever had but my service (another story that I may talk about later) and parts experience have been disappointing.

My other beef is with GM. Why do they add stuff in the middle of a production year and then don't make it available for people like myself to purchase and install? I know I didn't buy a tuner car but I like options. I would rather go OEM insead of aftermarket on some things. I'm going to contact customer service and voice my concerns.

Ok, I'm done venting for now.

[Patrick_97SC2]

You can get it but it's $100 +. The strap itself isnt available by itself but you can get the trim/trunk lid carpet for it that comes with the strap.

Give them part # 25910004

Also, the remote start option/accessory is slated for August but it seems like a TON of things are being pushed back lately in the parts world. It's been a pleasant time to work in the fixed side of the business with all the new cars all at once with limited parts availability etc.

[cverstij]

Just go to Walmart and get some bungees or a cargo net. It's the same thing.

[jita1]

Originally Posted by Patrick_97SC2

You can get it but it's $100 +. The strap itself isnt available by itself but you can get the trim/trunk lid carpet for it that comes with the strap.

Give them part # 25910004

Also, the remote start option/accessory is slated for August but it seems like a TON of things are being pushed back lately in the parts world. It's been a pleasant time to work in the fixed side of the business with all the new cars all at once with limited parts availability etc.

Thanks Patrick. My trunk already has carpet on the floor and the lid of the trunk. Does this mean that it should already have the strap?

About the remote start. I should be able to have them install an OEM one after August? Neither of the two service advisors that I spoke with mentioned anything about this. They just said that I would need to go aftermarket with one advising against it because of potential problems. Wow.

[jita1]

Originally Posted by cverstij

Just go to Walmart and get some bungees or a cargo net. It's the same thing.

You've got a point there.

[Patrick_97SC2]

Jita...The remote start is an official accessory that Saturn has slated to come out in August....but don't hold your breath. Ask your parts department in August if there is any news about it.

As for the carpet on the trunk lid, you'll need a new one if you want the strap which is the part number listed above. It's a second design (08) that has the cut outs for the strap.

[jita1]

ok..thanks for the info....

[Phaeton Driver]

Originally Posted by jita1

You won't see me complaining too much on the forums but I'm a little frustrated. I just had my 3,000 mile service and I mentioned to the advisor that some of the 2008 Auras came with a trunk strap but mine didn't. I inquired about having one installed. He checked with the parts dept. and the guy said "never heard of it, it's not in the computer". I called another dealership (the one I bought the car from) and the first thing the parts adivisor says is "I don't know what you're talking about".

My old Aura XR didn't come with a strap so I put one on myself.
Cost, just about $0 and 5 minutes work. It works great, maybe better than Saturns solution. I put this on a year ago and figured others that complained a lot about the issue would find the came solution I did. It is simply a piece of scrap nylon strap about a foot long. I folded it over and used a heated nail to put a hole in it and used a self drilling sheet metal screw with a broad collar and rubber washer to secure it to the trunk with my drill.
Like I said 5 minutes and it's worked for a year.

[bue05]

Phaetondriver, Nice job! Looks good, almost like a factory install. I will tell you.. your strap looks like its in a better spot for user interface, than that from the factory.. bue05

[Phaeton Driver]

Originally Posted by bue05

Phaetondriver, Nice job! Looks good, almost like a factory install. I will tell you.. your strap looks like its in a better spot for user interface, than that from the factory.. bue05

Thanks Bue,
The whole reason for putting it on, in the first place, and in the location I selected is so my 5'2 wife can reach it without a strain. I works the way is it supposed to and she doesn't have to pull her arm out of the way as soon or fast as the OEM strap on the 08's, from what I have read.
Pull down to a comfortably low position and then put your hand on the trunk lid above the curve, and push it closed.

[saea501]

Jita:

Kind of odd that you and I own the same car and I have the strap and you don't. I was trying to think if they're were any options that might determine if the car got it or not. Leather or cloth interior is about all I can think of. I do have leather. I can't imagine why that would make a difference. But then again, we are talking about a car company here.

[jita1]

Phaetondriver, that's a good option. Thanks for the idea. I also agree that that's a better location than stock.

saea501, I looked at my car again and noticed what looks like to be a broken piece of plastic right where the strock strap would be. I'm taking back to my original dealer to find out what the deal is. Looks like the strap was broken off. I'm usually not this anal about these small things but I want it right.

Also, I think I asked this question before here but I can't find my post. How do I determine the date on which my car was built?

[lbhskier37]

Originally Posted by Patrick_97SC2

Jita...The remote start is an official accessory that Saturn has slated to come out in August....but don't hold your breath. Ask your parts department in August if there is any news about it.

As for the carpet on the trunk lid, you'll need a new one if you want the strap which is the part number listed above. It's a second design (08) that has the cut outs for the strap.

Nice I have been calling my dealer about once a month since I bought mine in December and was told March-April probably but May at the latest. I guess it got moved back again?! Maybe I can have it by next winter

[snobrdrdan]

Originally Posted by jita1

Phaetondriver, that's a good option. Thanks for the idea. I also agree that that's a better location than stock.

saea501, I looked at my car again and noticed what looks like to be a broken piece of plastic right where the strock strap would be. I'm taking back to my original dealer to find out what the deal is. Looks like the strap was broken off. I'm usually not this anal about these small things but I want it right.

Also, I think I asked this question before here but I can't find my post. How do I determine the date on which my car was built?

The thing though too you gotta realize is that the newer (mid year) 2008's also costed ~$500 more on the MSRP

So it costed me more $$$ to get that strap & cushioned center console


Build date is on the sticker in the driver's side door or door jam (one of those)....pretty simple to find....white sticker with black text on it

[jita1]

I don't know why I thought I had to decode something in order to get the build date..wow. Thanks for the info.

Mine was built 9/07. Sounds like one of the earlier '08 models?

[beach109]

Originally Posted by jita1

I don't know why I thought I had to decode something in order to get the build date..wow. Thanks for the info.

Mine was built 9/07. Sounds like one of the earlier '08 models?

Absolutely. An earlier '08 for sure.

Yours just wasn't built after these changes--like the strap--were incorporated.

To answer a question from before, the reason you can't just get the strap even if you "already have carpet on the trunk lid" is that's how it's made--the strap is made an integral part, at least for ordering, with the trunk lid carpet. All one piece, as far as it's attached and such, so there was also a change in the trunk lid carpet at the same time of the strap, so it could be anchored.

That's "why"

[jita1]

Ok thanks for the info. I can stop belly aching now...LOL

You guys are a great resource...

[periklis65]

This on top of being advised to not have a remote starter installed has me very frustrated. When I bought my Ford truck, I told the guy that I wanted a remote start and he had an OEM one installed before I drove the truck home, no questions asked. He rolled it right into my payment and didn't require a package that would bump my payment up significantly.

Hi there...just to let you know that I have installed an aftermarket remote starter in my 07 XE (as I have done in the past in my Nissan and Mazda) and never had a problem. The "so-called" service advisors tell you do not use aftermarket, because they want to make a killing doing it in-house. Do not listen to them and go get one installed by a reputable store and you will not regret it. I am from Montreal and overhere, we first buy the remote starter and then the car..!!!! Our winters make it an absolute necessity.

Cheers!

[Patrick_97SC2]

Originally Posted by periklis65

This on top of being advised to not have a remote starter installed has me very frustrated. When I bought my Ford truck, I told the guy that I wanted a remote start and he had an OEM one installed before I drove the truck home, no questions asked. He rolled it right into my payment and didn't require a package that would bump my payment up significantly.

Hi there...just to let you know that I have installed an aftermarket remote starter in my 07 XE (as I have done in the past in my Nissan and Mazda) and never had a problem. The "so-called" service advisors tell you do not use aftermarket, because they want to make a killing doing it in-house. Do not listen to them and go get one installed by a reputable store and you will not regret it. I am from Montreal and overhere, we first buy the remote starter and then the car..!!!! Our winters make it an absolute necessity.

Cheers!

Not for nothing but advisors let you know not to do it aftermarket because when/if it fries your wiring harness, it's not covered under warranty. If you have a shop you trust and does a good job, no worries but I know I've seen at least half a dozen people bring their cars in on a flat bed because of short.