Date: Mon, 07 Dec 1998 19:07:08 +0800 From: watersnopsamuper.net Subject: Re: Opinion on 89 Saab 900 16V
I had an 88 900s with the old 3-speed AT which failed (and made a very big bang) with two weeks left on the warranty. Mechanic (at Fields in Glenview IL) told me quietly that that model AT gave a lot of trouble if not maintained perfectly from day one -- I had bought mine used two years old off a lease return. My cost was nil except car off the road for a week, but he said retail would have been about $3 grand (1991 prices). Now I have a 94 900S with the newer 4-speed auto trans and it seems sturdier but likes to upshift and downshift a lot even with a soft foot on the gas. Next time I definitely get the turbo 5-speed. LIke maybe a low-mileage 92 900S turbo coupe.... :-) Nick Passino wrote: > > FWIW I've got an 88 auto (yeah I wanted the 5speed (HELL OF ALOT > QUICKER) but for what they were asking, I couldn't refuse.) The autos > (according to my saab mechanic) are built by some european co. that > does tank transmissions also (I'duuno how accurate he is on this), and > they work fine, but really lack the umph of the 5speed... and when they > die, kiss it goodbye. It's so hardwired into the engine that it's WAY to > much $$$$ to fix. > > anyway- that's according to him. he said mine's fine- but rue the day it > dies. > I'll agree w/ him so far. > > In short- not the same acceleration, not the same top speed, and can't > (reasonably) be fixed. > > Still though- Even though mine's an auto, I love it. ( but I wish I > coulda had a 5speed).