1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Obviously since I am posting here, I think it is worth keeping mine even with the problems I have had. Any car will have some things wrong with it at 100k+ miles.
It handles well, but not compared to newer euro sport sedans. Can't really compare this to a sports car. Has the handling of a 4-dr fwd sedan that sits relatively high on the wheels.
With good tires and rims, it is a good road car at 185 hp, but only fair in start-stop traffic. Lots of modifications described here can make it into a better track or ralley-type car, if that is what you want.
The SE turbo has 16-inch rims compared to 15-inch for the "S" non-turbo. 1997 and 98 models have better brakes. The stock manual shifter and clutch are not great, but people have upgraded them. I am surprised how many easy upgrades there are for this car, and how friendly this board is.
To make the car handle as well as newer euro sport sedans I have driven, it would probably need an upgraded shift linkage, a short shifter, stiffer shocks and/or a rear sway bar upgrade, perhaps $600 in parts. New brake lines, front rotors, pads, about $300. New/upgraded front suspension kit, $400-500. You could replace front strut inserts, rear shocks, and rear sway bar for less.
I find the car easy to work on, but space is tight compared to older cars... not rocket science, but preparation and researching parts and tools takes some time. Haynes manual, Saab EPC CD, and/or the Saab WIS on CD if you can get your hands on one are good sources.
Parts often cost twice as much at the dealer as online.
Repairing a cracked intercooler and cleaning a control valve was around $400, compared to buying a new and better one for around $350 including new hoses. Replacing my turbo as an emergency repair at a good import shop cost $1,900 including a new turbo, removing the cat converter to clean the oil out, and other labor. A used turbo can be had for $100-200, having one rebuilt $300-400. That was an obvious lesson in Saab economy for me. A rebuilt T25 Gturbo off-the-shelf is $600-700.
posted by 69.212.205...
, Wed, 16 Mar 2005 05:37:30
, Wed, 16 Mar 2005 05:31:52
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