I bought a 1995 900 SE V6 3 1/2 years ago and thought I might be able to offer a little advice:

You'll see a lot on this BB regarding the V6. It is an Opel engine that SAAB discontinued after a few years. Many loyalists advise to avoid the engine at all costs as it has proved to be unreliable and requires the timing belt to be changes every 30K (SAAB pays for the first 3, then you're on your own). Mine has 90K now and it still runs smoothly and has plenty of power. I change the oil every 3K and keep after the leaks, which seem to be quite frequent. My experience and that of others on this BB suggests that the V6 is fine if you commit to maintaining it. If you expect to drive the car into the ground, change the oil when you get around to it, and not have to keep after it then it's not the engine for you as the results can be catastrophic. In that case you need to buy a Toyaota or Honda.

I've been very pleased for last three years, but for the first six months or so I was constantly taking the car into the shop for miscellaneous problems:

Rear view mirror replaced
Radiator leaked
Dome light assembly replaced
CD changer replaced
Electronic control unit replaced
Antenna assembly
Rims bent
Air conditioning problems
Coolent level sensor
Windshield washer pump
Water pump
Bogus air bag warning
Conv top repairs
Some others I'm probably forgetting

Granted some of these are routine, but it was quite excessive over a short period of time. I was ready to give it up, but then it seemed to calm down and began giving me reliable service.

Why am I pleased? Because the car is a joy to drive and I've really become attached. It's my first SAAB and I plan on remaining a SAAB loyalist for many years to come.

Oh BTW - your problem sounds like it might be related to the electronic control unit - I think this is how my problem first surfaced. It was still under warranty at thr time, so I'm not sure how expensive it is.

Hope some of this helps. Good luck.

Ron
1995 900SEC 90K

posted by 4.33.2...

• Buying a 1994 900 SE V6 - couple of questions, Hans 84 900T 4 door, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 02:29:43
  • Thank you everyone!!, Hans 84 900T 4 door, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 23:35:47
  • Re: Buying a 1994 900 SE V6 - couple of questions, rodel, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 14:27:20
  • Personally, I would suggest a 4cyl T instead.>>>, Anders, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 13:24:49
    • so would i...900SET n/m, Markes, Wed, 9 Jan 2002 15:37:16
  • Re: Buying a 1994 900 SE V6 - couple of questions, Kevn S, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 13:14:06
    • $14,000 in repair & maint. since purchase, Kevin S, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 17:52:55
      • Check it out..., Bill, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 19:56:14
        • Bought new ... well almost ..., Kevin S, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 22:34:33
          • I know what you're talking about, I have all the >>>>, Anders, Mon, 7 Jan 2002 11:25:39
            • Re: I know what you're talking about, I have all the >>>>, Kevin S, Mon, 7 Jan 2002 21:40:50
  • I've heard horror stories about the V6; stay away! n/m, Adrian, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 12:58:59
  • Re: Buying a 1994 900 SE V6 - couple of questions, Joe , Sun, 6 Jan 2002 10:29:46
  • I have a question on buying a '94 V-6, Bill, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 10:03:51
  • Re: Buying a 1994 900 SE V6 - couple of questions, Ron, Sun, 6 Jan 2002 08:35:45 <-- Viewing This Message

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