1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
1. look at Dana's site he provided for you - very helpful reference
2. buy the Robert Bentley Manual for your car (8 valve 900 series 1979-1988), about $45, if you are at all mechanically inclined. This will answer many questions for you as they arise. Also Saabnet.com of course.
3. Your car (same engine as mine) is thankfully pretty simple if also a little different because it's design predates practically everything on the road today (long story). This means it will run beautifully with relatively minimal maintenance, but as with all older SAABS it does like to be fussed over a little. If you can learn to change the basic tune-up parts yourself and change oil, you are way ahead of the game. If not, just beware this needs to be done every 30,000mi or 2yrs. Same w coolant. Same with needing to bleed the brakes, even better if done every year - hint: the brakes calipers do not handle neglect well and often require replacement if not bled. The key with older SAABs is keeping then tip-top; they will only tolerate abuse so long.
4. Your car is not old by SAAB standards but will invariably need some work over time. If you like the car, it is worth putting money into in the sense that it can last a loooonnggg time. But beware that it can be expensive so if the bills start to pile up beyond your means/what you find reasonable, you may want to sell at some point (and get another newer SAAB!). A list of pretty typical repairs I've already done recently on 1985 900S 205,500mi: shocks, ball joints, tie ends, wheel bearings, crankshaft pulley, radiator, TRANSMISSION (~$2000 +/- 200), various expensive engine seals and suspension bushings. That's off the top of my head, and a few thousand dollars.
5. You must locate a trustworthy SAAB mechanic (no other) in the area. Ask around for referrals. When an old SAAB gets sick, take it to your SAAB mechanic, period.
Congrats, hope you have fun with the car.
posted by 65.26.218...
, Mon, 2 Dec 2002 14:27:19
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