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Re: thinking about taking the 9k plunge Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 2 Sep 2003 13:12:28
In Reply to: thinking about taking the 9k plunge, The Nord, Tue, 2 Sep 2003 12:04:34 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Between the body styles, I'm assuming you mean the two 9000 styles- Hatchback and trunked (CD models).
There is really little difference. The hatchback is more versatile than the trunked model. The CD was added because sedans are considered more upmarket than hatchbacks, and Saab was looking upmarket. For that reason, CDs tend to come fully equipped. Not that hatchbacks don't come that way.
About the only reason to avoid the CD's is that some models came with self-leveling rear shocks (Nivomats). These are fine, but can be shockingly expensive to replace. The solution is to install stock shocks, but you also need to replace the springs, too.
9000's come in many flavors, but basically you have turbo and non-turbo. In the '91 and '92 era there was base, S, and Turbo. The S had some nicer options, but the base NA engine. My attitude is Get A Turbo. Period. And I'm a proud owner of a cherry '92 base 9000.
'92 was the last year of the 'classic' 9000 body style. In '93 there was a change. Not as big as Classic 900 to NG900, but obvious to a 9000 fan. The front of the hood is lower, and the rear looks less like a hatchback. I believe that the rear is actually a little longer.
Having owned a few 900's, I prefer the 9000. It has much more room on the inside, but is smaller on the outside (up to 6 inches shorter, depending on year). Very comfy ride, and well-equipped cars are very well-equipped. I find it easier to do typical maintenance on the 9000. Yes, a clutch job on a 9000 is much more complex on a 9000, but it pretty much ends there. Anything to do with belts or accessories is easier on a 9000.
Check out Quasi's page (http://www.quasimotors.com) for more 9000 insight.
Things to know - If you're looking for an automatic, the autobox in the 9000 isn't very stout. That's stout by Saab standards. A typical autobox lasts around 80-100K miles. That's short for a Saab, not bad for most other cars that are ready for retirement at 100K. If you want/need an autobox car, get one. If the tranny has miles on it, build in the cost of a rebuilt into the purchase price (about $3K). If the tranny is fresh, then that's great.
If you don't want/need an autobox, hold out for a manual. Not only is it more reliable, but the car will be faster and you'll get better mileage. And it's more fun! But don't get scared off by autoboxes - just plan for it.
Heater cores do leak over time. The parts aren't bad, but the labor is big. Anything having to do with the blower motor or heater core is the same task. It is a DIY job - newer cars are easier to work on. But if you smell anti-freeze when you turn to Defrost with the heat on, assume it needs a new heater core.
Yes, all cars have problems - even Tonka cars break. But I like the 9000.
posted by 192.249....
, Wed, 3 Sep 2003 07:38:50, Tue, 2 Sep 2003 13:12:28 <-- Viewing This Message
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