Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 23:01:52 +0100 From: "david adams" <4ncnopsamm.net> Subject: Re: Re Saab 900i 1987
Hi Lee I drive a 900i 1987 8v 5DR - It has 110 000 miles on the clock. I have driven 900's with 275 000 miles showing - still on the original engine. I have owned this one for the last 5 years - and loved it most of the time. It is my 2nd 900i. All the problems I have ever had with my 900i's have been with the brakes & the fuel injection system. Minor probs have been heater valve in the dash and electric window motors. The brake problems are reasonably easy to solve once you study them yourself - or find a trustworthy mechanic - watch kwik-fit type brake places as they can ruin your calipers. Go for a new seal kit instead of a recon caliper if needed. You'll need the special tool for winding back the cylinder when replacing pads. I lost trust in a garage when the mechanic got in my 900 and did not know where to put the key! Difficult to comment on the price - in the UK price for an '87 900 varies roughly between £500 and £2000 depending on miles, condition and garage / private sale. How rare are Saab's in Australia? Would used spares be a problem for you? Comparing interior's of Saab & BMW - for me the Saab wins - feel the quality and weight of door furniture for example - the BMW has acres of black plastic - bet that gets hot in Australia! If you are unfortunate to have a crash- Saab is better to be in - our family has written off 2 900's - and the driver survived with only bruising from the seatbelt both times. One last comment - Saab is front wheel drive & BMW is rear - you won't be able to power slide the tail out in the wet! hope this helps Dave A