I have both a '90 16v NA & an '85 8v NA (actually my son's car, but I'm driving it right now). When we bought the '85 a year ago, I felt we got a pretty good deal at $950. The body's in great condition, but we bought it just in time for a major service. That wasn't too bad, as the we did all the work ourselves (except for the valve adjustment). I think it cost us about $200 in parts & fluids, including a front brake job. But, like Ari said, we've had other things go south which raised the initial cost. One of the front caliper's e-brake lever is sticky, so we only have one wheel on the e-brake until we replace that. And this summer we lost both fuel pumps, adding $350 to the first year cost of the car. Oh, I almost forgot, it needs a new headliner as well, & I'm sure a new clutch & new master & slave cylinders are close at hand. But it still hasn't cost as much as my '90. I paid $2700 for that car six yrs ago, & put another $2300 into it in the first year! By that measure, the '85's been a steal!

Other pluses:
It drives & rides great (even though, at 160k miles, it needs new shocks) & it really isn't all that slow. Mileage is almost 30 mpg (mixed city/hwy), which doesn't seem bad to me. One of the first things I did was put it thru a complete Auto-Rx clean-up (engine, tranny & power steering), & combined with the major service we did, it's made the car quite fun to drive. Uh, for an 8v that is. Make no mistake, it's nowhere near as fun to drive as my '90 16v! And any serious hill (or 40+ mph headwind!) will knock you back to 4th if you want to keep up with traffic. But it's versatility & handling more than make up for anything 10 yrs newer in another brand. And yes, it's relatively simple to maintain. (No, I haven't had to deal with the biodegradable wiring yet!)

posted by 146.82.1...

Dana Arenius' '85 8v site (chock full o'good info!)

• 8 valve - good beater?, tsw, Tue, 4 Jan 2005 08:08:11
  • I've got two now, Canadiansaaber, Tue, 4 Jan 2005 17:13:36
  • I agree with ...... everyone?, Eiron, Tue, 4 Jan 2005 14:10:54 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Sure could be ! '84 was a good year >>>, BobD, Tue, 4 Jan 2005 09:06:40
  • Re: 8 valve - good beater?, Ari , Tue, 4 Jan 2005 08:28:16
  • Good beater!, Saabpilot , Tue, 4 Jan 2005 08:14:57
    • Re: Good beater!, jpNH, Wed, 5 Jan 2005 06:03:10

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