Date: 16 Aug 1999 08:15:08 GMT From: "Luc TINTILLIER" <equipe.systemenopsamir.be> Subject: Re: Should I buy '96 900SE??
This V6 Opel Ecotec engine is the 2498cc that develops 170hp 4200rpm. It has 2 DOHC, one per cylinder bank. This engine is also used in Opel Vectra 1st and 2d generation, and in Isuzu (I don't know which). The weak point of this engine is that the 2 DOHC are belt-carried (no chain, such as Saab 2.0 and 2.3 engines). The belt has to be changed every 35,000 miles. In US, it is replaced by Saab 3 times for free, at 35K, 70K and 105K miles. I think that in America (US and Canada) the 900 V6 was only available in auto (in Europe it was available also in manual). Note that the auto Aisin-Warner tranny is very reliable and you don't have to worry about it. It is used in all auto Saab NG900, 9-3 and 9-5, but also in Opel, Toyota, Lexus and some Volvo, without significant problems. About the price, considering the Belgian base price (30,000 USD) and a 25% a year value loss, the theoretical value of this car is 13,000 USD. Hope this helps. Luc 1999 9-3S 2.0t 154hp Auto "Saabine"