Bought my '89 900S 3 years ago at 110k as the second owner. It is now 153k and my daily commuter. Honestly, it is no less reliable than the Camry I drove previously. The only thing I have to replace was the tee shaped coolant hose from the heater core. Every other item was either maintenance, or out of my own stupidity. Let me recount what I had to do over these 43k miles.

1) The tee shaped coolant hose developed a pin hole leak by rubbing against the alternator belt. Replaced it. Put a wood block between the hose and the engine to avoid rubbing. It caused the HCV to leak. Replaced the HCV. Removed the wood block, of course.

2) Picked up the whole family from Newark Airport with luggage filled to the brim. Damaged the driver side front wheel bearing. Replaced it.

3) Drove the car with the ignition key stuck at start twice, resulting in the starter running with the engine. The second time it destroyed the starter. Replaced it.

4) Son took the car to school. Hit a curb. Lost 5th and reverse. Replaced the front motor mount and adjusted the shift linkage. Back to normal.

5) Replaced one set of tires, one battery, one set of exhaust, one set of brake pads, one power antenna mast, new headliner, other than 3.5k mile oil change and one transmission oil change, all regular maintenance.

6) Replaced the rear pads too late. Scoured the rear disks. Replaced it.

I did everything myself and intend to keep it that way. At this point, my attitude toward the 900S is "fix when broken", other than oil changes.

BTW, if anyone feels like giving up, send me a note. I won't touch automatics because in my biased view it's no fun driving. I'll consider high mileage cars or those with mechanical problems if it's driveable. I am looking to replace the 900S with a turbo.


Yaofeng
'94 9k CS 120k
'89 900S 153k
'93 940 wagon 123k
'86 325es 127k (given by a friend)

posted by 165.254...

• Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., Todd A., Thu, 16 Aug 2001 08:59:03
  • the bright side, Jonathan, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 16:00:06
    • that's what I always say, dave n, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 19:39:30
    • damn right. (n/m), Bry M., Thu, 16 Aug 2001 16:01:17
  • A true Saab story (long), Biil S, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 15:21:00
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., Yaofeng, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 14:13:02 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., RHorn, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:51:49
  • Oh, yes ... but, RS , Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:02:51
  • bicycles... now that's reliability, Scott Paterson , Thu, 16 Aug 2001 12:47:06
    • Mmm, dunno. Even w/o an engine, nice bikes can be fussy, too;o)nm, Dan W, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 19:06:07
    • Scott...what is your wifes name...she sounds like my fiancee', Todd N, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 14:01:02
    • yea like a 1960 190Db mercedes, looks cool though,,n/m, Ed S, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:31:06
    • No way - miserable!, Ari , Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:17:26
      • Ari is absolutely correct again (surprise, surprise) ;o), IrieTom , Thu, 16 Aug 2001 14:38:33
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., Saab 88, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 12:38:32
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., hoop, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 12:23:02
  • Frustrating yes, but when driving the saab again.I forget all..nm, Chet, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 11:44:15
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., Steven Puckett, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 10:56:37
  • Only every hot/humid day when my turbo sucks wind. n/m., Ed, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 10:53:17
  • Other options? . . . Costs considered . . ., devo, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 10:22:01
  • I don't have much choice -- fixing for the kids, Fimum Fit, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 10:05:28
  • Re: Anyone ever feel like giving up... on Saabs that is., Mike 87 900s, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 09:39:36

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