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Absolutely Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email]  (#32) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Fri, 13 Sep 2002 20:50:19
In Reply to: Dick makes a good point, KeithG, Fri, 13 Sep 2002 16:24:01 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I absolutely agree on all points here... Maintenance is key with the autos in all Saabs, and it isn't just fluid changes! Band adjustments, kickdown adjustments *and* fluid and filter changes will have a dramatic effect on how long the tranny lives. I bought my '86 900S with a dead auto at 168,000 miles, I converted my '88 9000T to a 5-speed when the auto died at an impressive 226,000 miles. With a used car, though, you rarely know what you're getting. My *thought* is that problems with a 5-speed will generally be more evident than problems with an auto.
As for performance, it's pretty much crap no matter how you cut it. Gear ratios are a terrible compromise between performance and economy, netting you very little of each. My 5-speed 900S is quicker than an automatic 900 Turbo despite its substantial torque and horsepower deficit. Unless it's absolutely non-negotiable, I'd shy away from the autos.
The *one* exception here is your budget - if you can find a NG900S (2.3l non-turbo) with an automatic, you may have a good buy. I've seen these in the $5,000 range, which makes them competition price-wise for a late-model c900T. Might be worth looking into.
As for your daughter, I personally think a 5-speed is a good deal. Keeps young drivers a little more in touch with their car, and worrying about upshifting and downshifting helps make them a little less eager to push a car (and themselves). When all you have to do is stomp on the brakes and the gas, safety and responsibility can slip away. IME, young drivers with manual trannies are generally better drivers than those with autos...
Anyway.... good luck no matter your choice!
-Justin
posted by 64.166.4...
, Fri, 13 Sep 2002 20:50:19 <-- Viewing This Message, Fri, 13 Sep 2002 09:35:41
, Fri, 13 Sep 2002 16:54:43
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