Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 20:49:36 -0800 From: "Douglas Swank" <dswanknopsamlwebSPAM.com> Subject: Re: Newbie shopping for 9000
Mark wrote: > >1. To turbo or not to turbo? I'm familiar with other turbos (Audi etc.) and >their problems. Is there a common thread with the 9000t for turbo failure? Is >there a specific item for Saab like the HKS turbo timer that will allow proper >cooldown? If replacement is necessary, who is reputable for >Used/Aftermarket/rebuilt parts? 5-speed Turbo! It much more fun to drive, and not generally a maintenance item as long as you get an '87+ with a water cooled turbo. Warm up and cool down *are* definitely necessary ~30 seconds with a turbo. I don't think a turbo timer is worth the expense. Regular oil changes are a *must*, synthetics are preferred by most. If you go with a 90+, the 2.3L has decent power in NA form, but a 2.3 turbo *hauls*. The 2.0 turbo (which I have the most experience with) is a bit laggy, but still a good drive. >2. Any recurring problems requiring servicing/parts replacement. I have heard >that power steering racks and alternators cause problems on Saabs, any truth to >it? Motor mounts usually need replacement at 100-150K miles in a pre-1990. Heater core, A/C compressor, and steering racks are some of the more common problems. Rear springs tend to sag a bit over time. Also, chances are an early model will have at least one window regulator that has seen better days. On pre -89's, automatic trannies did not generally last beyond about 120K. They are also not the smoothest autos around. DI cassettes have been a bit of trouble for some of the 2.3's, and they are fairly pricey. >3.Mileage. How long can a Saab go with reasonably regular maintenance? I've >seen 9000S here in PA with an average of 120-140K on them. Are they good for >more or are people dumping them at this mileage before the big problems start? > Realize I'm used to getting at least 200k out of a Honda or Audi, so maybe I'm >a bit expectant. I do know Volvos can go forever, so.....Any Saab stories? >(bad pun I'm sure you've all heard) I have an '86 9KT 5-speed with 136K miles and an '89 9000CD auto with 150K miles. Both are going strong. I had the misfortune of wrecking my parents' '88 9KT with 190K on the odo, but it was running very well at the time. High mileage Saabs are very common. >4.If you could ask a seller five questions, what would they be??? I don't think 5 questions would suffice to get all the info I wanted, but things I would pay particular attention to would be service intervals, where it was serviced, what has been replaced. Be on the lookout for electical items not working and vacuum leaks. >Sorry if this is a little too wordy, but I'm trying to get as much feedback as >possible. I'm calling on a 9000 tomorrow that seems like a killer deal, but I >don't want to get screwed either. Any information will help. If it sounds like a really good deal, I'd be a bit wary. I have spent a lot of time looking for 9000's, and have found that they fit generally into two categories: Either the car is very well maintained and in nice shape or it's in very poor shape because the owner didn't know what he or she had and didn't know how to properly care for a Saab. There is not much in between, interestingly enough. Be aware that no matter how good a shape it may appear to be in that you will likely need to sink at least $500 worth of repairs into a pre -'90 to address a few nagging minor problems that are bound to crop up. If you consider yourself a weekend mechanic, then they are fairly accessible to work on. If not, I would highly suggest finding a Saab *specialist* in the area and not trust the car to any old mechanic. Saabs *will* last forever, given the right care and maintenance. Good luck, -Doug
