1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
5-speed is good. 9000 automatic is pretty frightening, can be very, very expensive.
Does the clutch work smoothly and without noise, or does it tend to chatter on take-offs? If it chatters, it's mostly just an irritation. You can expect it to function OK until perhaps 150 K miles, or longer. HOWEVER: the one thing that could do you in would be a slave cylinder failure; that requires removing the transmission, and if it goes, you'll need to have the entire clutch replaced at that time. Figure maybe $1500 to $2000. Just start putting some money away for a cluch job. The slave cylinder (part of the clutch hydraulic actuation) could last another 12 K miles, or until 150 K, or - ??? Or it could go tomorrow, you just never know!
The blower motor for the heating and AC will almost surely fail within the next year or two, if it has never been replaced. The heater core should also be replaced when the blower fails. Figure $500 to $750.
Make sure the trans doesn't grind on shifts to second or third.
The DI cassette and crank pulley might last forever, or they might not.
Without service records, you don't know if any of this stuff has ever been done.
I would count on having to do the blower motor and heater core within a year.
I would be prepared to do the DI and crank pulley within two years.
I would be prepared to do the cluch within three years.
So figure a grand a year for repairs over the next three years, pretty much at a minimum. I'm not trying to scare you, but I am trying to be very realistic about not just the possibilities, but the probabilities. After you get over these major humps, the next 50 K miles shouldn't be too bad, as most of the failure and wear items will have been dealt with.
Maintenance is very important. See my Web site: http://www.quasimotors.com/success.htm (don't worry about the motor mount mod)
and
http://www.quasimotors.com/maintenance.htm
Make sure the correct fluids are used (DOT 4 brake fluid, GM or Saab steering fluid, and quality coolant).
And oh, by the way, be advised that the Aero's performance tires are a lot more expensive than for a Honda/Toyota, and they may not last as long.
Have I scared the hell out of you? I hope not. You know your situation, so you decide. If you're going to be working full time, you can probably afford the Aero. I know you would love the car, and it's a good choice for the frozen north (the headlight wipers are worthwhile). Also, it's a very safe car.
If you go for the Aero, look for a good, fair, independent mechanic who knows Saab 9000s. And let us know what you decide. Heck, if you don't want it, someone else here will!
posted by 206.72.25...
, Mon, 5 Aug 2002 08:48:20, Thu, 8 Aug 2002 13:39:04
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