Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 20:22:15 +0000 From: Johannes H Andersen <johsnopsamanytime.co.uk> Subject: Re: Asking advice before buying a used Saab
Jan van Oort wrote: > > Hello, > > this post is to ask advice of - apparently - people with some knowledge > about used Saabs. > > Background: I am a Dutch engineer, living and working in France, 34 years > old, no kids (thank God for that). > I have been dreaming about possessing a Saab since my childhood. Now I > finally can afford one - not a new one, not yet. > > So I finally found two models, between which I am hesitating. Both are with > a renowned Parisian Saab dealer, and come with 1 year Saab warranty. > > 1) a 1996 Saab 9000 Aero, 98000 kilometers on the meter, 3.0 liter > turbocompressed engine, 225 horsepower, all the options except the sunroof, > dark blue paint seems to be in excellent condition. Gave it a test run and > was STUPEFIED at the f_______king performances. I can have it for 15243 > euros, which is slightly above the French market price, but ready to hand > them out for such a dream car. Surely, this is the 2.3 liter. > 2) a 1997 Saab 900 SE Cabriolet (convertible), 105000 kilometers on the > meter, 2.0 liter turbocompressed engine, 185 horsepower, beautiful cream > leather, dark red paint has one little scratch. Couldn't test run it. > > My questions are these : > > A) can anyone of you out there help me predict the maintenance both of the > cars will foreseeably need in the next two years or so ? I am a "kilometer > eater", drive about 40.000 kilometers a year (around France and Europe), > mainly on highways. Use regular changes and fully synthetic oil and you'll be OK. > B) which of the two models wins when it comes down to pure reliability ? > Saab is VERY reliable, and my engineer's eye appreciates the manufacturing. > But the difference between the two models concerning reliability is hard to > make. You know if you really want a convertible. Take the Aero if you don't need a convertible. A convertible is always compromised in stiffness, weight, durability of the fabric cover and room. But people who must have one don't care. Johannes