Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1999 21:47:24 -0700 From: "Douglas Swank" <dswanknopsameb.com> Subject: Re: 9000 reliability
soe <sellisonnopsamon.cudenver.edu> wrote: > > I have heard horror stories about Saab reliability. I am looking to > purchase an 88 9000 Turbo with auto trans. It is a second owner > vehicle with 89000 miles. Seems well taken care-of but runs a bit on > the hot side with ac on in 99 degree temp. They had the torque > convertor and pump replaced about one month ago. $4500 isn't exactly > cheap for one. Any overall reliability advice would be helpful. > Thanks. > Steve Personally, I would not even consider paying more than $3000 for that car, and that's with a backup engine and tranny from an '88 9000T sitting in my garage (and assuming I were in the market for another Saab). Early automatic 9000s were however known to run on the 'H' side of the temperature gauge. A lower temperature thermostat is supposedly available. I have witnessed the same on an '88 9000T automatic formerly owned by my parents and an '89 9000CD formerly owned by myself. Motor mounts, heater core (and blower motor), and A/C system are some of the most common problems in older 9000s. If they have not already been replaced, chances are they're living on borrowed time. Good luck! -Doug '86 9000T '96 9000 Aero