Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 13:47:03 -0500 From: "KeithG" <noonenopsamhlink.net> Subject: Re: Reverse shifting problems on 95 900S 5-speed - anybody get this repaired?
Not that I didn't do the same thing (unload a NG900), but to add a little... The NG900 was the first GM influenced design for Saab. Don't condemn Saab, all manufacturers have bad designs which are found out after the car is in production. 94-96 were the worst for the NG900 (Consumer reports says the same) In '97, they had a number of fixes and CR gave it a much better rating. In '98 it was a 9^3 which was a much better reviewed and received car. My '96 had 50kmi on it at the time and I had to get a new 'snorkel tube' (throwout bearing guide tube - it was leaking tranny lube and the clutch was so difficult to depress). Saab covered it even though it was out of warranty, so I got lucky. The clutch was still fine at this point and was not replaced. If I had caught the tech in time, I would have paid for a new clutch disk (<100.00). The motor mounts question by the dealer is a 'while you are there' sort of thing. If they are questionable, he would replace them as opposed to doing it in a year or so. It is unusual that these would deteriorate at 65kmi unless they were bathed in oil. The shifter mechanism was 'loose' at that time I sold my '96 900SET but not as vague as some other 'new' ones I have driven. The transmission and shifter problem is definitely the reason I got rid of mine and bought a couple 1992 900T's. They are easier to work on, more comfortable to cruise in. YMMV... <snip> > OK, so just for posterity, here's the confirming information I've > gotten after a second mechanic looked at it. > > Apparently the transmission on these 900S's is lousy and they are > notoriously frought w/ problems, essentially being fundamentally > designed poorly. Saab never admitted the problem and thus is sticking > its owners w/ the cost over time. > > The only effective solution, surprise surprise, is to replace the > transmission to the tune of $2K+, and add to that provisional clutch > system replace and/or engine mounts if those apply as well. > > In my case, I'm going to unload this car as fast as and however I > can... and I will never buy a Saab again.