Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 17:09:21 -0400 From: Dave <ddhartwicknopsamPAMearthlink.net> Subject: Very high mileage: What is necessary?
Fellow Saabsters, What does it take to put 300+K on a Saab? ....... I have an 89 900S with 170K. I bought it about 7 years ago with 115K. At the time of purchase, I was able to contact the original owner who told me that a majority of that 115K were accumulated on the highway. In the 6 years I've owned this car, I would say that about 70% of the additional mileage has been highway driving. I've provided good, but not great routine maintenance---sometimes 5000 miles between oil changes, for example--must rectify that. I would say a reasonable amount of repair has been performed: Fuel pump, computer, One "rim drive", all 4 rotors replaced. Other smaller things: A/C problems--not compressor, windshield wipers died (broken cable), vacuum hoses, distributer cap--little, typically Saab type stuff (stinking instrument panel lights!). I would say that the fundamentals are good: Very little rust, engine power smooth. Headliner falling out---needs replaced. some cracking of the dash. Seats, etc, ok. The white paint, however, is heavily oxidized--I mean NO shine. Bottom line: I love this silly car and would live to drive it for at least 250K, 300+ would be nice. What should I expect during this odyssey? I drive lovingly, but "firmly". IOW, I take care to not beat it to death, but am aggressive when necessary. Smooth shifts, clutch manipulation. I always allow for warm-up before summoning extra vigor from the engine. I've driven some lower mileage Saabs than mine that feel like they've been beaten to death. My sample does not have that feel. Paint and rust will have to be addressed in some fashion. The starter and clutch may be original--I fully anticipate replacing those items. I guess keeping an old car running basically entails slowly rebuilding it, piece by piece. I wonder what is typically unique to Saabs? Tough questions--answers unique to some degree to each Saab sample. I'm interested to hear anything that comes to mind. Dave
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