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Re: Blonde has ?????????????? Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email] (#32) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Wed, 13 Jun 2001 04:29:11 In Reply to: Blonde has ??????????????, Virginia, Tue, 12 Jun 2001 23:49:41 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
A head gasket for $400 sounds like a pretty good deal... Does that include resurfacing the head and parts? Usually a head gasket on a non-turbo 8v car entails about six hours of work for a trained pro, and at $50 that's $300 just in labor. If this includes parts, I would inquire as to the brand of parts being used - there are a couple companies producing Saab head gaskets, and honestly I wouldn't trust anything but the OEM Eilring, even though they are more expensive. Also, I would consider having the valves adjusted while everything is apart - it'll cost a couple hours of labor, but it might as well be done now to avoid having to dismantle things again in the future.
The 9000 is an interesting prospect, but let me assure you 9000s are not to be taken lightly. On the whole, they are more reliable than a 900 and certainly better designed. But they have a number of expensive systems on board that can be very pricey to replace when they go. High on the list is the climate control (heater core, blower motor, and ACC system) and safety equipment (an '89 will have driver's airbag and ABS). The engine and manual transmission are quite reliable (even *exceptionally* so) - and with a non-turbo even the automatic trannies do alright with proper maintenance. But routine service is the key - I would not even consider buying a "cheap" 9000 or one lacking service records unless you're very handy with car repair and interested in doing it yourself. With 9000s, the parts aren't outrageous, but labor often is due to sheer complexity.
All that said, if I had a choice between a non-turbo 8v 900 and a 9000, I would choose the 9000. More fun to drive, probably better gas mileage, and certainly more comfortable (IMHO). Of course, the best case scenario is to have both, but that may not be an option. :)
-Justin
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