1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I would check every detail on the car - from making sure that all the switches and indicators are backlit properly, to making sure that all the windows go up and down. Check for exhaust leaks, water leaks (perhaps a high pressure drive-thru car wash) especially around the sunroof, rattles when at high speed, make sure that the headlight wiper/washer system functions properly - the same with the rear wipe/wash. Lock and unlock the doors several times (3-4 times) consecutively - make sure that the central lock fuse doesn't blow (indicates shorted or binding lock actuator). Make sure you get the wireless entry transmitters with the car - especially if this car is comming from a dealer - they were certainly standard in 1996.
Check check, and double check - play with everything on the car - make sure it's all there, as it should be.
The 1996 9000s I think started with an electrically latched filament check for the brake lights - similar to the NG 900s. Upon starting, the rear light indicator on the pictogram should come on until you tap the brake pedal. I'm not sure if they added this feature to US bound cars though.
The engine can make big statements about itself based on performance and appearence, but it's the little stuff that will drive you nutty. Make sure the automatic transmissions shifts smoothly - try taking your foot off the accelerator just as it's about to do the 2-3 and 3-4 shift and check for any harshness as the transmission attempts a "throttle off" shift. Make sure it downshifts well too. Check the time it takes to shift from R to D - minimal delay=good. Make sure the cruise control works. Go to the quasimotors site, and learn the locations of all the engine mounts so you can check that they're not torn or broken. Check for oil leakage around the head gasket and valve cover area.
Run the self-test on the ACC - right after starting press auto and the <[]> button - make sure the display remains on '0' indictating zero problems detected. Check the charge on the AC system - shine a flashlight directly down in front of the compressor - you'll find the sightglass bellow, facing up the top of the engine, right by where all the serpentine belts are. Check for excessive bubbles, etc. While you're there make sure the engine cooling fan (behind the radiator), and the A/C condensor fan (in front of the radiator come on.
If you're concerned, check the radio, turn the bass up all the way by pressing the EQ-BAL button until the word BASS is displayed, then press the '+' button until your reach +6 BASS. Also make sure the loudness is enabled - the LD indicator should be in the display - if it isn't - hold down the EQ-BAL button until it appears. Listen for evidence of blown speakers. Speaking of which, the backlight on the LCD part of the radio, and the buttons are prone to burning out - make sure they all work - the LCD display should be lit very evenly - though it does tend to get washed out in direct sunlight. Make sure the radio code is known.
Ideally you want to check all interior and instruments lights in the dead of night to verify they all work - all instruments and gauges should illuminate including the cigarette lighter, except for (I think) the rheostat for the instrument lighting intensity. Some 9000s have additional illumination in the centre compartment - if yours has a light there towards the back, make sure it's illuminated too.
Even though it's summer, make sure that both seat-heaters work - they are very labour intensive to repair.
As a consolation, I would generally regard the 1996 and higher models (and to some degree the 1995 model) as "the final generation" of the 9000 series. The final refinements and improvements to the 12 year plus history of the 9000 were made during the 1996 year, with no real feature-based changes for 1997 and 1998. If you compare the inside of a 1985 9000 with the inside of a 1998 9000, you'll indeed find a remarkable number of similarities. It is this timelessness that has led to the endurance, and cult following of the 9000 series.
A final generation 9000 may be a more comforting purchase to some, than a first generation 9-5.
posted by 66.67.1...
, Mon, 15 Jul 2002 11:16:22
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
