1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
mentioned in your post are areas of problems for any internal combustion engine car, save for Japanese imports that never seem to break. The only extraordinary thing you mention is the DI cassette. I replaced mine 5 years ago, but it didn't fail spontaneously...there was telltale symptoms of an emminent failure so I was able to get one from somewhere other than the dealer and install it myself for the price of a tow and 1 hour of dealer labor.
Cooling systems, thermostats, hoses, radiator, transmission, pulleys are all periodic inspection and maintenance problems you will experience with ANY car that has over 100K miles on the odo. Please let us not forget that we are talking about a 96 model that is 9 years old now and has 140K on the clock...if the buyer looks at the car knowing that there will be some repairs required and some expenses he should be quite happy with it.
I have had my 9000 for 9 years and had one prior to that. The only problem I had with my 89 9000 was a failed thermoswitch. I have had my 91 towed 4 times in 9 years, and it only left me on the side of the highway once when my tensioner pulley failed. The last time it was towed was when the mechanic installed the tensioner pulley and it promptly failed on the way home. Frustrating for sure, but not due to a poorly designed car.
Personally, I would rather my daughter drive my Saab than a comparably priced asain import...just for safety reasons. I would just be sure that either I or my trusted independant mechanic gave the car a thorough look between semesters. For the price you mentioned, you would be pressed to find a more reliable and safe car to drive. I would be more concerned about letting my college age kid have a turbocharged car for insurance and speeding ticket reasons.
Have the car inspected prior to making an offer if you are serious, just to make sure that the owner is not trying to dump a car with a bum trans on you. The thing that makes it either a good or bad buy is the previous owners maintenance and care of the car. Also ask if the head gasket has ever been replaced. If it hasn't, it likely will need to soon.
Best Regards,
David
91 9000CD turbo
93 BMW 740iL
posted by 69.128....
, Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:10:11, Mon, 19 Jul 2004 19:48:05
, Mon, 19 Jul 2004 21:30:43
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