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I would suggest to you, that if you are not interested in tossing money away, do NOT buy this car. Saab's are not bad cars. They require about the same amount of attention than your average car. However, the labor on Saab's is exhorbitant! The shops in SF charge around 90-110 dollars/hr. with usually 1-2hrs minimum. The entire NG 94-98, has its share of common problems. All of which you can find information about in the NG900 board.
The problems that are found on the 1994 NG900's (aside from the Transmission and the AC compressor) are all problems you can do yourself if you got the space, the tools and the patience. I find these cars very friendly for the Do It Yourself-er. However, they do require that you are patient, careful and educated about the problem you are attacking. (Saab engineers have an odd way to tangle pieces together.)
I will give you an example. The breaks on a Saab would cost you about 240.00 for the 4 break kits and the rotors at eEuroparts.com (Notice that I said AND THE ROTORS). At any Saab shop they will charge you 250.00 or MORE for JUST the break pads ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR!! That is insane! Changing your own breaks while a little time consuming is NOT that hard!! Yet the shop will rape you for a good 500 dollars or more (if the rotors need change) for a job that you can do yourself for LESS than 250!
Here is another example: my fog light broke. The cost of the replacement lamp is around 100 dollars brand new. The shop charges you 265.00 dollars to replace a fog light! I did it myself in about 10 minutes and the cost of 2 beers :)
As you can see, there is a gigantic and steep price to pay for Labor on Saabs. In summary, if you are a DIY, and you like the car, you will love it. If you are not mechanically inclined (or rich), stay away from it.
One last thing, that is a tad pricey for a 1994. You can probably get a 96 or higher for the same or lower price.
posted by 12.240.10...
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