I have owned both and would have to say that they're about equal. A run down:
'87 900S 5 spd, 182K miles
new tranny, slave and clutch, new water pump, two steering racks, new shocks and suspension bushings, new speedo cable, headliner, three new brake calipers and new front rotors, the usual exhaust stuff.

'88 9000 turbo, 162K miles:
This car hasn't been as well maintained, but I can tell you what it has had and what it needs:
new clutch, two slave cylinders (second one routinely with the clutch), steering rack leaks now, heater core, fan blower motor and Darlington transistor, rebuilt alternator, suspension bushings are all shot, probably 3 out of 4 brake calipers and all rotors, headliner sags, one lock actuator, usual exhaust stuff.

As far as access to the engine, I prefer the 9000. I get especially frustrated trying to change the belts on the 900. On the 9000, you can remove the fender liners and get access to each end of the engine. You can also remove the tranny without pulling the engine. The suspension components tend to last longer.

Consider also that you may be subjected to "I told you so", if things don't go well. That said, if you buy a 9000, make sure it's been very well maintained, with good records. Good luck.

posted by 205.213.1...

• Help me convince my father of the 9000's reliability..., Tim B., Mon, 22 Apr 2002 15:56:49
  • Well, success, sort of..., Tim B., Tue, 23 Apr 2002 14:54:58
    • where are you in the US, and are you looking at, josh p, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 19:48:47
      • I'm in Maine. Suggestions for good places to find one??, Tim B., Tue, 23 Apr 2002 20:38:41
  • Re: Help me convince my father of the 9000's reliability..., Quasimotor, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 12:54:24
  • I've currently got one of each, so I'll toss in my $.02, Steve C, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 11:27:00
    • SPare control boxes?, Quasi, Tue, 23 Apr 2002 12:59:13
  • Have him drive one......, Bill U, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 22:01:01
  • Re: Help me convince my father of the 9000's reliability..., Andy D, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 21:28:34
  • Your dad has a lot of valid points but..., No Snaab, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 21:12:56
    • Yes, this is another point I've made to him..., Tim B., Mon, 22 Apr 2002 22:17:40
      • If you want a Passat with four motion, 5 speed, and, No Snaab, Wed, 24 Apr 2002 21:41:11
  • Compare time to r/r engine accessories...., Tony Wirtel, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 19:23:43
  • Re: Help me convince my father of the 9000's reliability..., meng, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 19:21:02
    • "involved relationship" is a good way of explaining..., Tim B., Mon, 22 Apr 2002 19:39:57
  • my family's had two 900's and a 9000... go 9K!, josh p, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:49:34
  • Re: the 9000 is more reliable than the 900........., zeke, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:20:53
    • Re: the 9000 is more reliable than the 900........., alistair lambert, Mon, 20 May 2002 09:32:04
    • ah, just what I want to hear! parts, though?, Tim B., Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:40:13
  • some thoughts, saabaru, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:20:26 <-- Viewing This Message
  • don't swear off the older 9000's..., nt moore, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:07:26

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• Prev by Date: what year are you looking for..., nt moore, Mon, 22 Apr 2002 16:16:53
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