Emily, let us all look at the original problem first. Then, I'm certain you will get many posts of advice. With a thorough diagnosis of what you've got, it may be that you can afford repair and keep this great car.

1) Automatic or 5-speed - you do not mention that. Low "fluid" level could be the cause of either 5-spd or automatic gearbox failure, although gearheads usually associate the term fluid with AT gearboxes.

2) How did the car and/or transmission fail? At 70 mph and in smoke and flames? OR, Parked at the curb, but wouldn't move forward? Who says it's "burned out"? You or a technician? It sounds like no one has looked at it yet, if you are still considering where to tow it. Are you just getting raw input over the phone? If so, those are really wild ass guesses, based on worst case. Your case may not be that bad, on inspection.

3) Have you tried the obvious? That would be to add the proper fluid and test its operation (like drive it). Automatic boxes have been known to come back to life with the addition of only fluid.

4) $3500 - high or low? For the work you have described, r&r used trans, do some seals, replace head gasket, I believe that is much too high. Also, the head gasket is a totally different problem, not associated with the "burned out" gearbox. Who is advising you that you must also do head gasket?

5) Where are you? Board readers may be able to direct you to a known reliable Saab technician or Saab independent shop in your area. That's where it should be towed first, for a complete and honest diagnosis.

Don't do anything rash until you get some solid input from the board, or from a Saab tech you can trust. It's too early to make "keep it or dump it" decisions, until you know the entire scope of your problem, and the costs to make it right.

Good Luck !!

Dave of Everett, The Evergreen State
1989 900 Turbo SPG

posted by 65.239.13...

• BIG Trouble, Emily Williams, Thu, 10 Jul 2003 23:10:14
  • Re: BIG Trouble, No Snaab, Fri, 11 Jul 2003 13:15:07
  • Good advice from Dave,. . ., kerwin, Fri, 11 Jul 2003 09:00:05
  • Re: BIG Trouble!! First, have you tried....., Dave of Everett, Fri, 11 Jul 2003 02:20:59 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: BIG Trouble!! First, have you tried....., Emily Williams, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 13:27:40

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