1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
Looks like a friendly atmosphere and I need opinions on whether or not I should "invest" the money into our '94 Saab 9000 CSE. Needless to say, my wife loves her Saab but I'm struggling with the expense vs common sense at this point. I'm told that it's in need of motor mounts replacement, some exhaust work and ball joints/alignment. From what I've heard the motor mounts [3 correct?] are a real pain. I don't know specifically if all need replaced but I'm the type who replaces all related components if applicable, not just one. This is eveident by the mileage on the car and the exceptional condition overall and everything still works. We're approaching 300,000 miles but we've really taken great care of it except for the past year I've let thing go while debating the issue of keeping it. I always said I would never sell it but I'm debating whether or not it's time. Are these expenses justified, [parts mostly] as I have family member who's a mechanic that can help/has helped many times [but did not diagnose these concerns]. The car really is nice and runs superb but has developed symptoms over the past few months indicating repairs are necessary. There's a "clunk" when starting out in 1st gear, minor but noticable. There's also occassional "clashing" when downshifting into 1st gear as well as very occassional missing 5th [into 3rd instead]. I'm told these are motor mount issues? The exhaust is a bit noisy, it's said to be the muffler. There's some tire wear on the inside of the tires, that's related to the ball joints/alignment I'm told. There's absolutely no shimmy or pulling whatsoever. Lastly, the emergency brake doesn't hold anymore [no idea why, I forgot to mention that when inspected] and being a 5 speed it needs repaired. The Saab dealer said about $1600 to get it all taken care of and recommends it based on condition otherwise. Their advice is to keep it going, my concern id longevity at this point. Granted, the dealer parts are probably half of that figure or less which would be my cost with my brother in law doing the work + a few bucks. He's great and has worked on the car many times but never asks for much since my wife helps with their kids. I guess it's a matter of judgement on my part but I'm asking if it's worth it. I can't imagine the car is worth much as-is or repaired even considering the overall condition but with high miles. We have a newer Volvo wagon and I've been considerng a newer Saab. I usually don't buy new but rather seek out a good deal on a vehicle a few years old. I'd like to wait a year or so to 'splurge' as I hate car payments but only have about $10,000 in the car savings fund at present which isn't enough for what I'm considering. I should get a $4-5,000 bonus in March and that brings us closer to our used car purchase range or by this time next year certainly enough. So, my wife says fix it and keep it as a 3rd vehicle down the road, what do you guys think? If anyone knows where to get Saab parts cheaper, has access to a dealer discount or has a general idea of what kind of parts expense and labor difficulty I'm looking at for the above mentioned repairs please let me know. Thank You in advance. Gar
posted by 12.175.136...
, Fri, 5 Nov 2004 11:23:31
, Fri, 5 Nov 2004 07:24:26
, Fri, 5 Nov 2004 08:36:51
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
