ctann

Hi all,

I am looking at buying a 2008 S302E, and was doing some research on comparable models. Well, one obvious comparison would be the the 2009 S302E - However, aside from details on the "Dark Horse", I can find almost nothing about 2009 Saleens listed anywhere. I found one article from august mentioning that Saleen was starting a "Pinnacle" campaign for 2009, and reducing their output. They also mention an "S302 Supercharged with 580HP". Thats about all I can find. With all the noise and rumour about Saleen, did they perhaps scale their production wayyyyy back - like to almost nothing?

Also, I read a lot of complaints about warranty service, and following the history it looks like things may have turned around - what is the current state of play? Anyone currently dealing with warranty issues and having problems?

I guess in this market, and with the big "for sale" sign at Saleen, I'm a little worried I'll pay the premium for a new car, only to lose all the benefits of warranty and parts if they don't make it...

I'll probably sell or trade my '98 S281 if I decide to make the jump to the S302E... but the jury is still out.

Chris.

Legion5

I wouldn't be worried about warranties saleen won't go out of business just become less efficient. They have a lot of things going for them and are one of the only currently profitable auto companies. They recently moved facilities so their entire PR department as well as production department has come to a stand still while they rebuild in their new more efficient building which is now next to Ford's facilities..

The 2009 Saleen E is exactly the same as the 2008, only there are a lot of cosmetic differences. I can look up the info for you if you PM me. Power is the same for both years, it's claimed at around 600 ie 580 620 etc but all of those cars actually use the same engine and produce closer to 680hp which was a fact backed up by multiple magazines that dyno'ed that car.

jdivad

Legion5 will help you out.

I've been meaning to scan the 2009 sales brochure and archive it online, but haven't. Outside of Racecraft, the 2009 Saleen line seem to be far and few. Looking over the internet, I've seen one 2009 E, a Rainbow Speedster.

Seat trim is new for 2009, and the halo headrests are no more. New decals as well.

The 302Es seem to be fairly uncommon regardless of year.

If you have the space, consider keeping the '98 S281, at the moment the market is fairly weak on those.

ctann

Thanks for the help guys. I got the answer from the horses mouth about 2008's - 32 produced "so far". I didn't ask directly about the '09s, but I'm guessing that number is going to be tiny...


I am trying to decide between a BlackJack, a GT500, or the S302E. If I picked up one of the cheaper cars, I would definitely keep the S281, but the E is enough more bucks that it gets a little tight. The dealer is offering me $10k as a trade - which isn't fantastic, but as you point out, the market is soft, and right now that doesn't sound too bad. The E is 1000 miles away as well, so we're thinking of putting together a road-trip - S281 there, S302E back... But I agree, I do love the S281, and I just know I will regret it down the road if I let her go now - I just don't want to be too greedy in the car stakes! :-> Well, lets be honest, I regret every single car I sold, but I would need a pretty large warehouse if I'd kept them all!

Thanks,
Chris.

jdivad

I don't know if the Ford Dealer sold it, but there use to be a new Speedlab Yellow 2008 (I think) E coupe listed on the Saleen Locating Service website.

32 units. Good to know.