Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 14:43:37 -0800 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet> Subject: Re: 91 900S any good?
RobFilms wrote: > > Looking at buying my first Saab, a 91 900s 3 door w/67k miles. It's an > automatic w/ sunroof and grey leather. It looks very clean and I am interested > but... > > ...but what are the headaches these models exhibit? The largest headache you are likely to deal with on a '91 900S is the engine... I believe it was 1991 when Saab enlarged the displacement to 2.1l, making 140hp. The 2.1l engine had some serious heat-related problems that can caused massive, and very expensive, engine damage. The thing to be SURE of is that there are *two* electric cooling fans up front, and that both come on when engine temp increases - this was a safety measure recommended by Saab to reduce if not eliminate the overheating problems... > I've heard different things about the auto trans on Saabs. Usually these less > than polite remarks are saved for the 9000 but does the 900 have the same > trans? The auto trans in a 900 really has always been fairly reliable, but the problem is that it's a 3-speed and totally inadequate... they compromised both performane and economy in getting the gear ratios down, so you get neither... The 9000, OTOH, does have a 4-speed automatic which, aside from its reliability, is quite tractable and pleasant to drive.... (And don't let people confuse you on what "reliable" means - a well cared-for 9000 auto will see 150k to 175k on the tranny - but NO more) > The "s" has the 16v engine which appears to be a long runner. But I thought > the power was just adequate. Does anyone think I should hold out for a Turbo? Yes. Not only will you get more power, but you'll also get the very reliable 2.0l engine... > I always heard that the electrics on a Saab are funky especially the heating/ac > and electric windows. Comments? Never heard such a thing. My '85 900T had 190k on the car and the windows work as well as they did when they were new... The heater problem you've heard is actually the heater control valve, which is mechanical and breaks every 100k or so. > This car would be the 2nd car in the family and I would hope to use it as my > daily driver with 75% city and 25% hiway. You may not have all that much fun in it. The ATX is a boring car, and the manual shift can be unpleasant in traffic. As long as you stick with a 1990 or newer turbo, though, it'll be just dandy. 1990 got some transmission improvements which make them quite nice to drive - it's noticable over earlier trannies. > By the way, they're asking $5400. Good price. Maybe a little too good. -Justin
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