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The SAAB 99 and Classic 900 Posted by Bill Homer [Email]  (#3427) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Bill Homer) on Fri, 10 Mar 2006 08:29:57
In Reply to: You need a new mechanic. He clearly has a bias, Noel, Fri, 10 Mar 2006 05:54:42 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Your mechanic is remembering the older SAABs, in which the engine is actually "backwards" (fanbelts towards the firewall, output shaft and clutch facing the radiator) and the transmission is under the engine. OK, I'll agree that those cars are somewhat "unique". The 99/C900 setup mystifies many mechanics, but once you see what is going on, it's also pretty straightforward. I had a 1983 900 for about 20 years, my brother now owns it as his backup car - he can't get rid of it because it starts/runs every day, even after extended periods, unlike a couple of his other cars. The SAAB 9000 is a much more conventional setup - yes the electricals (especially the Traction Control System found on some models) are a bit quirky, but that's not what we're dealing with here.
Recommendations for your 9000: Again, start by replacing the vacuum hoses in the engine compartment!!! There is nothing easier/cheaper that you can do, and there is a good liklihood that it will make a difference. You do not have to replace the hoses behind the firewall on a 1996 car, they are fine since they do not live in the extreme conditions found under the hood - don't let your mechanic mess under the dashboard! Make sure that the rubber grommet on the engine's valve cover is intact and holding the plastic vacuum fitting in place, this rubber piece also rots, replacement is straightforward. Check the one-way valve a few inches down the vacuum line from that fitting - these rot too - should allow aid to travel only one way. After you do these, let us know if there is any change to the way the car runs.
Since you asked: Our '96 Audi A4Q V6 handles and rides much nicer than our 9000; the A4 is much more tossable, has regular power steering), but the 9000 is significantly more powerful and get much better gas milage - advantage turbo. I love the SAAB seats, hate the Audi toy stools. Yes, the maintenance on the Audi can be horriffic, I've learned to do much of the work myself, but it's almost time to deal with A/C again, there is a generic leak on the early A4 evaporators, it's a $1500+ job to replace - this is a few hundred on a SAAB.
posted by 63.87.52...
, Thu, 9 Mar 2006 14:06:09, Fri, 10 Mar 2006 08:29:57 <-- Viewing This Message
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