Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:05:54 GMT From: Bob <uctraingnospamanet.com> Subject: Re: Buying advice for a New Generation 900
On 13 Apr 2006 10:10:18 -0700, "hoza.2nospamedu" <hoza.2nospamedu> wrote: >I am thinking about buying a new generation 900. Perhaps a 94 or 95 >(not sure of how many years these were made). I'd like a to find a non >turbo model with a 5-speed manual transmission. I want something that >is fairly straighforward and not too difficult to maintain. Turbo recommended. No more complicated, same gas mileage, much more fun. I'd suggest at least a '97 as they resolved a lot of minor issues. >I'd like to find something with no more than about 90Kmi > >What trouble spots should I be aware of? Always change the upper idler pulley and serp belt after you buy. (I warned you). $80 in parts, a hour of labor. Check A/C for operation. Look for coolant or oil leaks in front corner of engine, driver's side. Vibration in suspension under acceleration or general driving can be a little pricy (eg. tires and wheels or suspension components) and can be hard to track down. Check all electronics. Test Radio & CD changes if equipped. Check tranny for reasonable smoothness (these are not Japanese style, but they should still be smooth). Clutch is manual - it should be firm but not ridiculous. If it's really hard, that's an issue. Compare a couple cars on that point if in doubt. At that many miles, check exhaust, tires, the usual. >Will a well maintained (recommended oil changes etc.) go 200Kmi or more >without major trouble? e.g. excessive oil burning etc. Saabs regularly go 300K on the motors without major rebuild *if* they have had the oil changed reliably. A timing chain may be needed at 120-150K miles depending on oil changes and luck. > >Is rust a problem on these cars? I noticed holes just ahead of the >rear fender lip in several NG Saab 900's.(Central Ohio cars) Is this a >big problem? Is the rust isolated to this area? Does this rust occur >from the inside out or can it be controlled by attention at the first >signs of corrosion? I have not noticed any rusting like that in the NorthEast but I do not study the oldest ones. >What type of fuel mileage can I expect? One person told me that 34mpg >is possible on the highway but I think the EPA says 29. What are >people getting in teh real world? I avg 27 in my turbo in mixed driving. 30-32 on highway trips. Some people claim to get 35, I don't know how. Maybe they don't like to feel the turbo as much as me. >I am also considering a Volvo 850 nonturbo of the same vintage. I >have seen almost no rust problems on these cars and the engines seem to >go to 200Kmi with ease (although I hate that they use a timing belt >and it is very difficut to locate a manual shift). How does the NG 900 >compare to the Volvo 850? The volvo is a tank and will always be a tank. If you want to drive a tank, go for it. The Saab handles moderately well and can be fairly tuned for much better handling at reasonable cost. THen of course, there's the style factor! >How do the clutches hold up in the new generation 900s? How >expensive/difficult is it to replace one? Clutches go 120K from what I've seen. Some less, some more. The clutch cable tends to go out every 50K or so. Cable is under $50, install is about an hour. > >What should I expect to pay for a well maintained 900 with about 95Kmi >on the clock? Check kbb.com, nada.com, dealer lot, private sale. Local is all that matters, our answers are not very helpful. > >Thanks in advance. > >Mike
