Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 13:05:06 GMT From: wittnamnopsammer.net Subject: Re: questions before buying a '92 900s
On Tue, 29 Aug 2000 17:39:31 -0600, Bob Landry <utahbobnopsamnet> wrote: >On Tue, 29 Aug 2000 14:06:13 -0400, Christopher Laing Hill ><clh20nopsammbia.edu> wrote: > >>I am considering buying a 1992 900s with 89K miles on it and an automatic >>transmission, for $4500. Is there a veteran out there who can help me >>with some questions? >> >>The car runs and drives well and the body shows no rust. The transmission >>shifts smoothly. I am curious (worried) about two things, however. 1) >>There is no play in the brake pedal. The brakes kick in almost as soon as >>you step down on the pedal. When in gear the car rolls as soon as you let >>up on the pedal. Is this quick on/off a sign of problems? ( >SNIP >>I will greatly appreciate any help. It is a good price, so I don't want >>to pass it up if these problems are minor. >> >>Chris Hill >>NYC >I won't speak to the oil leak except to say that it wouldn't be >unusual in an 8 year old car with nearly 90K miles on it. > >As to the ABS, you will need to pin down the owner or mechanic and see >some service records indicating annual brake fluid exchanges, or >expect to see some possibly VERY expensive repairs in the future. Saab >ABS parts are horribly expensive, and everything I've read says that >the key to maintenance is annual fluid changes. > >BTW, I own a '92 900S and the car is a dog in the acceleration >sweepstakes, particularly uphill and particularly after rounding an >uphill corner. > >Check the auto trans fluid and make sure it is red and clear and does >not smell burnt. Tranny fluid should also be changed every 25K miles >or so. Repair records, repair records, repair records. The more the >better. I agree with everything that Bob says, plus, I can speak to the oil leak situation. My 1990 900S has had some sort of an oil leak, for what seems like forever. Thought it was solved when I replaced the oil pump seal, or gasket, when I installed a new harmonic balancer, but nooooooo, still got a drip coming from somewhere. None of my lubricating fluids ever get to a noticably low level, so I just keep a piece of carpet under it where it's parked, in the garage. Sounds like the one you're looking at may be leaking a bit faster?? And, Bob is absolutely correct about the pathetic aceleration of non-turbos. I sold a 1986 900T and bought the 900S for my wife to drive. VERY noticable difference, but buying a used turbo that you don't konw a very good history of, is, in my mind, a bit risky...a lot like dealing with the ABS situation you describe. Hope this helps!! GW
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