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Re: good vintage for 900s? (long..) Posted by Jake [Email]  (#225) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Jake) on Sat, 6 Jan 2001 00:31:11
In Reply to: good vintage for 900s?, David Beers, Fri, 5 Jan 2001 19:12:11 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
As stated by Chip, some of the 2.1 liter engines (used in 91 and 92 I think, possibly 90) are prone to head gasket failure and block deterioration. If, however you can find a low mileage 91 or 92 that has had the head gasket replaced recently, and seems clean under the hood and on the block, go for it. Definitely stay away from the auto tranny's, although the 5-speeds aren't bulletproof. 8-valve non-turbo are pretty much bulletproof tanks, but are slower than cold molasses accelerating. 16-valve non-turbo's have a little more 'nut' than the 8 valve's, but still slow. I drive a 16 non turbo, and find it reliable, with enough oomph to get my on the highway and around town. If, however, you are looking for that push-you-back-in-your-seat-white-knuckle driving, look for a turbo or a prized SPG (special performance group). The turbo will give you that extra acceleration when needed for passing, cornering or on-ramps. If you do get a turbo, however, make sure that the previous owner has taken care of it, given it tlc, and lets it idle for 30 seconds (for the bearings in the turbo) before shutting down. The turbo's also put more wear on the trannies (weak link in these cars). SPG's were made from 85-91, and come with leather interior, a lowered stance, anti-roll bars, and a higher power engine (I don't know the exact specs, but I know they had higher horsepower than regular turbo's), ground effects, a front spoiler, and a rear spoiler. If you do want an SPG, check the VIN number with Saab to make sure you are paying the extra for a genuine SPG, and not a turbo that someone has put the ground effects on. I know that the 'S' (sport package) model's options changed from year to year. I previously owned an 89 Base model, had power nothing. I know have an 89 S, with power windows, locks, mirrors, a spoiler, and a manual sunroof. My sister's 91 S, however, has a power sunroof on top of all that. When testing a classic 900, check the dashboard for cracks, the headliner for fallind down, rust on the wheel arches (pull the plastic trim back to look under, the rust tends to start there). Also look for rust on the bottom of the doors and inside the front wheel wells near where the half-shaft comes out of the frame. Listen when you accelerate in 4th and 5th gear, if there is an audible whine, this is your pinion bearing in the transmission starting to go. Have an independant and well reccommended Saab mechanic look over the car Stick with as low mileage as possible. These cars do go for a long while, but of course they require TLC. You beat the sh*t out of anything, and it won't last. These cars are great for a backyard mechanic. When I bought my first 900 in august of 98, I was 17 and knew how to pump gas and drive a standard, that was it. I now own my 2nd classic 900, and have changed my own radiator, thermostat, CV joint, ball joints, a dashboard, stereo, air/fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, front and rear shocks, and have always changed my own oil. These cars are fun (well most of the time) to drive and work on, and the work is easy with the help of the people that post on this site. When you do buy a classic 900, before you even buy your first tank of gas, go get yourself a Bentley manual (amazon.com for 40$ - see links below). This will be the greatest purchase for your car, seriously. It will tell you how to do anything on your car, from changing spark plugs to a motor/tranny rebuild.
Good luck in your search, and let us know what you end up getting!
Cheers,
Jake
Bentley: SAAB 900 8 Valve Official Service Manual: 1981-1988: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0837603102/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0837603102&linkCode=as2&tag=thesaabnetwork
Bentley: Saab 900 16 Valve Service Manual: 1985-1993/Including All Turbo Spg, and All Convertible: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0837603102/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0837603102&linkCode=as2&tag=thesaabnetwork
, Sat, 6 Jan 2001 00:31:11 <-- Viewing This Message
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