Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 07:18:34 -0400 From: "Kenneth S." <nimrodnopsams.com> Subject: Re: Should I buy a 97 900SE Turbo?
I have a 1996 900SE, which is my first Saab. The specifications sound similar to the model you are considering. It would be fair to say that I have found this car disappointing. Since I bought it almost two years ago, it has required frequent trips to the dealers for repairs. One problem, a check engine light that kept coming on without registering any problem on the computer, required three or four trips to the dealers before it was finally fixed. The AC has a slow leak that, despite several attempts, the dealer has been unable to find. Recently, a coolant warning light has started coming on for no reason. The driver's side mirror doesn't have enough outward adjustment. There are various rattles and squeaks that detract from any impression of quality. I don't find the brakes to be particularly good. I find the five-door hatchback concept to be very useful, and there are very few such vehicles on the U.S. market, but this advantage isn't enough to outweigh all the disadvantages. I contrast all this with my 1990 Mazda Miata, which I have owned for four years, and which has been extremely reliable, cheap to run, and fun to drive. At the very least, you should have the car checked out by a Saab dealer. Does this car really have tilt steering? I thought this wasn't an option that was offered. Jess wrote: > > I'm considering buying a 97 900SE Turbo. Exterior/interior are in > great shape, engine compartment is clean, I like the way it handles > and drives, and it has all the ammenities I've been looking for. > Things I don't like are that the steering wheel seemed a little loose > (front/back when accelerating), brakes were mushy, and the clutch > feels a little like a knob instead of a pedal (may just need a new > footbed). The dealer said they'd fix the steering and brakes, and look > at the clutch pedal. > > My main hesitation is the cost of upkeep. I've owned a VW for the past > 3.5 years and had very little trouble. From what I've found, Saab > maintenance costs are double to triple of VW costs. I can plan for > some of that, but it would be devastating to buy this car only to have > to replace the timing belt (which looks like a really expensive job) > in the coming year. > > Here are the full details and purchase info: > Price: $9,995 (I would offer $9000) > Color: Blue > Miles: 81,139 > Body Style: Hatchback 4 Dr > Engine: 2.0L L4 TURBO 16V INT > Transmission: 5 Speed Manual > > Features: > Dual front air bags, Anti-Lock Brakes, Air-Conditioning, Power > Windows, Tilt Steering Wheel,Cassette Radio,Alloy Wheels, Bucket > Seats, Cruise Control, Fog/Driving Lamps, Leather Seats, Power Locks, > Power Mirrors, Rear Defrost, AM/FM Stereo, AM Stereo, Trunk-mounted > Body Side Molding, Clock, Console, 5 Speed Manual Trans., Power Driver > Seat, Power Passenger Seat, Rear Shoulder Harn, Rear Wiper, Tinted > Glass, Trip Odometer, Driver Air Bag, Heated Front Seats, Passenger > Air Bag > > Any feedback from Saab owners would be greatly appreciated!
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