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Re: quality/reliability of '90-'94 900T Convertibles Posted by Saana88 [Email]  (#207)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Saana88) on Sun, 6 Aug 2006 21:06:37
In Reply to: quality/reliability of '90-'94 900T Convertibles, flagcitysaabist, Sun, 6 Aug 2006 12:33:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The basic design of the convertibles was unchanged from '88 onward when the window park adjustment was added and the top adjustment was finalized. That just means you've got a better chance of dialing in a perfect fit.
That being said, late in '91 (perhaps as '92s) the non-turbo S convertible was added. I have one of those (the '92 variety).
For '92 a substantially larger "wraparound" rear spoiler was added. Take it or leave it. I suppose if it has to be there it may as well be integrated.
Mechanically, everything was around the same, again '88 on. '88 introduced a more reliable watercooled turbo. Transmission shift forks were redesigned, albeit a bit weaker, for '91. Also included for '91 was a thinner floor console, hand in hand with 9000-style seats (a little wider and power seats became an option.) A rubber "dog bone" was added in the middle of the shift linkage to improve feel, but as soon as it sees oil spray it begins to loosen up and break down. '92 introduced new wheels, the sunny twelve-spokes for the S and the Ford Aerostar directionals on the turbos. Radios changed in '88 and '92 with '92 adding a separate amplifier for the rear speakers. A trunk or center-console mounted CD player became available in '91. In earlier years (since they were all turbos) a graphic equalizer occupied the storage tray area in the center console. '91 or so saw a pretty wide-reaching change in color availability. Earlier colors had been (I think) silver, black, white, and red. By '91-'91, two blues (my LeMans and later Nocturne), dark metallic green, scarabe (teal), citrin beige, and maybe even metallic red (?) were added to the mix. And finally, there was the addition of the never-before-needed heater bypass valve sometime in late '91. The electronic system was redesigned in '91 and again in '91-and-a-half; from then on out it was not touched. As far as engines go, '90 onward was LH 2.4 for the turbos, and '91 onward was LH 2.4.2 for the 2.1 litre NA engine, which was bulletproof aside from a block surface erosion/head gasket issue. Don't overheat the motor, maybe change the thermoswitch and some wiring, and it won't bother you. Cylinder heads, timing chain/valvetrain, fuel injection, ignition, they're all flawless. And to top it off, when compared to brand new cars, they won't blow one low beam or tail light bulb per month. And thank goodness they got headlight wipers for '91! (sarcasm is fun)
Yep, by '90 even the base cars had SRS/ABS. The only major differences were in engine output (yeah, hardly) with the turbos going to 165 in '90 (different turbine) and 185 for the last bash in '93.5, again, maybe not that important. Consider that the turbo convertible that "replaced" these for '95 (and I use that term loosely) was back to 180.
I only used my '92 for one season (half a year) although a good number of people use them all year. Not a bad option, but I can't bear to apply the copious amounts of road salt used in NY to my baby (126k).
Take your time; too often impulsive people spend too much on a convertible in bad shape. In fall and winter the prices take a nosedive; lots of sellers like to sell them for outrageous amounts of money in the early spring, which is unfortunate, but it's true.
And avoid the automatics. They're not necessarily crap, but myself and plenty of other Saabers (enough to be a vast majority) have had less than optimal experiences with them. Three gears just aren't enough for the forward direction. $3 a gallon notwithstanding, a slushbox will give you low twenties regardless of how you drive (22 for mine) and a five speed gave me 24 when I was driving like a maniac and 33ish when I was my normal conservative self. You tell me where the savings are.
Don't accept any cars with transmission issues, manual or automatic. If it's an automatic that won't upshift until you're two thirds of the way to redline or a standard that won't go into fifth easily (or pops out of second or any gear) you need to find a different car, especially for what a convertible costs.
Tops are expensive. Leaks are annoying. Make sure you have one and not the other. The hydraulic pump for the top is also expensive. If you can, pull up the lower rear seat cushion (there will be two bolts through '91) and look for hydraulic oil drool. It's also a great place to check for evidence of pooling water, as is the spare tire well under the trunk floor.
Also, you should have a hard plastic boot cover with the car. Lots of those get e-Bayed.
Did I mention the OEM carpet (specific to the converts) is $500+.... I'm looking for an aftermarket replacement.
All that being said, I had a TON of fun last summer. Scenery!
As a Saab, it's quirky. As a convertible, moreso. You have to carry sunscreen and ear plugs (for rear seat passengers on a long trip) in the glove compartment! A smile a mile. Stay safe and have fun!
, Sun, 6 Aug 2006 21:06:37 <-- Viewing This Message, Sun, 6 Aug 2006 20:28:07
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