1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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About to acquire a 1998 Saab 900 SE turbo with 87k on the clock and a long list of mechanical problems, for the princely sum of $300 plus cost of putting on a new exhaust. That includes a new set of winter tires on old steel rims (2-3k miles), with refinished saab wheels still in boxes.
Car is barely drivable with the old exhaust, owner was going to buy a 2.5 inch stainless steel exhaust online for around $500 when other problems developed. I think that does not include the flex pipe... does that seem about right?
Body and interior are almost showroom new because any scratch was refinished by a high-end restorer, and car was professionally cleaned twice per year for business reason. Engine was run on synthetic oil for last 60k miles with four changes per year, about every 5-6k. Car was purchased with 15k miles and used as a second vehicle, for business trips and deliveries.
Rest is another story, over $4k in repairs over the last year, new ignition and plugs, belt and pulley, AC service (still does not work), no cruise control for last six months, cracked intercooler pipes, oil and power steering leaks, and finally fuel pump a few weeks ago. Three breakdowns in one year. Dealer offered $1.5k in trade on a new 9-5.
Long story short, previous owner (my boss) is now driving a rental and waiting for an end-of-lease Lexus to be delivered from out of state.
Owner thinks I should just patch things up, sell the refinished rims on ebay to get most of my purchase cost back, run the car in winter and then part it out to get my operating expenses back. In one way I believe him (he has 25 years history with 900-series Saabs), but in another way I would like to follow his original plan for repairing the car and keep it at least a couple years... I admit being influenced by the appearance, and wanting something that looks great for very little money... it looks just perfect, and I could not afford anything that looks as nice on my income for a couple years at least... and he has a complete set of brake parts and new in-dash computer that were ready to go on the car when the problems started! (those I would have to buy from him for whatever he figures he could get for the parts)
Engine starts and runs fine, but body creaks a lot when cold. Owner does say car does not handle near as well as new for last couple years, even with year-old euro shocks and aftermarket sway bar on rear.
So, back to the original question, a decent exhaust, or baling wire and gradual decline on the way to the scrap yard?
posted by 69.128....
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