Date: Fri, 28 Nov 1997 23:25:06 GMT From: dspeednopsamrns.com (Dave Speed) Subject: Help with value/desirability of 85 turbo
Greetings ! I'm a long time SAAB owner who (for various reasons) is now without one. I have the opportunity to haggle for a "stray" which is sitting in a small car lot here with parts sitting in the trunk. It is a black 3 door 16 valve Turbo with maroon interior. It does *not* run. It is slightly dented and needs paint. The interior is at best fair. I see 237k miles on the odometer. There are decent Firestone tires on alloy rims (whicn means almost nothing to me). The history is that it was overheated and blew a head gasket. A hamfisted effort to replace the head gasket resulted in a few bent valves. I am told the head was shaved (no specs) I am *told* that all parts needed (and some more including another turbo unit) are included in the deal. I had a 84 900 which served us well (and is still serving my Dad well). But I know they varied a lot from year to year. Was this a good or bad year ? Hou much could you mill the head before getting into problems ? What other problems should I look at associated with an overheat (besides the thermostat)? Edmunds only goes back to 87 and it tells me that an 8900 Turbo with 125k is worth $4300 in average condition. RETAIL and $2500 wholesale. Is it worth say $1200 as a project car for some high-speed whoring around here in SE New Mexico ? Some new seats/seatcovers and a paint job while I tear the power unit down and inspect/repair could put me in a decent vehicle for around $4k (not including my labor). Am I crazy ? Dave