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Re: Looking at a 1988 9000 Turbo Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 25 Mar 2002 13:13:44 In Reply to: Looking at a 1988 9000 Turbo, Will, Sun, 24 Mar 2002 17:57:50 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The 1988 doesn't have any DI issues, because it uses conventional distributor ignition. The 2.0 doesn't have head gasket problems in general, but that doesn't rule it out on any given car, because all it takes is a few minor overheats or one major one to cause problems. Yes, the heater core problem is still there (actually, was there in earlier cars, and stil there in '93).
Yes, the car will be slower than a 200 hp '93. But noticeably? Tough to say. A '88 9000T is no slouch, and feels pretty quick. Of course, there is that old car-to-car variation. For a while I owned two '88 9000Ts, identical except for color, in a similar state of tune. One was just plain faster than the other. The difference was one was quick, the other quicker.
A few things to remember - first, you're looking at a car 5 years older than your present ride, and second, it's 14-15 years old. Saabs are long-lived, but this car has been around the block a few times. Don't be surprised if it feels a little more worn than the '93. It will also be noisier, and the older cars have less sound insulation. I'm presently running with a '88 9KT and a '92 9K base, and the '92 is much quieter with a much better controlled ride. Part of that is that the '88 has 145K and is used like a pick-up truck, and the '92 is very low miles and pretty much just the vacation car.
See Quasi's site for 9000 buying issues. And drive the car. There are '88's out there that are much better than some mid-90's 9000's that have been treated badly. And there are some '88's that are rolling (barely) fright pigs.
Given the prices of a '88 9000T - probably under $4K, maybe much lower - don't expect you're getting a luxo car at penny prices. If you're looking for a quick car that will haul a lot, but might be a bit ragged after 15 years of service, you've picked the right one. Saab sold a lot of '88s, and it came well equipped, with ABS, moonroof, leather. But heater cores do leak, and don't be surprised if the AC compressor doesn't work. Depending on how the car was treated, the suspension bushings may need replacement, along with the engine mounts.
There are a lot of beat cars out there, so look around for one that has been well treated. No maintenance records? Then run away, and don't look back. Doesn't matter how pretty the paint. Maybe they spent all their money on detailing and forgot to ever flush the brake lines. Pretty paint won't help if the ABS system packs up and you're looking at at $1500 bill.
Look for a car with good, continuous maintenance records. Look for a car where someone has already replaced the heater core, maybe a water pump. If you're looking at automatic tranny cars, expect no more than 100K out of a tranny.
Good luck!
posted by 140.157....
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