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Oi... Well, if your "dealer" is telling you "that's what you get for buying a Saab for $5000..." that's a TOTAL load of crap. They're not called 'stealerships' for nothing. You need to find an independent Saab mechanic immediately and show that dealership the finger. Sorry to put it so bluntly, but, the dealership you're dealing with is the kind that gives all others a bad name. That REALLY makes me angry. The fact that they're saying, too, that 1" of play in the steering is normal also tells of their utter ignorance and belligerance. Do you have any clunking in the front end when you go into a driveway or during other slow-motion maneuvers? If so, you have a VERY common problem for these cars: the front strut mounts are bad. This also contributes GREATLY to the loose steering.
Peter is right on the money with the serpentine belt. That's a wear and tear item. It very likely wasn't replaced at the 60,000-mile service, if one was even done. The fact that the rotors are/were rusty and that the tires had dry rot, indicates that it spent a LARGE amount of time sitting. It may have other problems that the former owner didn't want to, or have the money to, fix. Do everything you can to get the service records for this car. You didn't buy a Honda. These cars need religious maintenance and if they don't get it, you'll pay dearly for it.
What was the second failure that you needed to have the car towed for?
Where are you located? There are MANY good Saab shops all over the country and someone here is bound to be able to refer you to one.
I know that this is frustrating, but, you can get through this. The first thing you need to do, though (yes, I know this is the third time I've said it) is find an independent Saab mechanic. Pay them a visit and have them do a thorough inspection of the car. Then, do everything you can to obtain as much history about it as possible. Things may not be as bad as they seem.
Once this car is brought up to snuff, it will likely prove to be very reliable. I'm on my second '95 900SET and it's been superb. I bought it a little over a year ago with only 59,000 miles on it and I bought it for $3200. Yes, that's a real steal. It did need a few small things, and I do have to redo and upgrade the front suspension, but, fundamentally, this is an outstanding car that has been super-reliable. This car also had every record from new, so, I could see how it was maintained. Why did they sell so cheap? Who knows? Does it need some work even now? Yup. About $1500 in parts alone. But, is it reliable and nice to drive? Absolutely.
posted by 68.64...
, Sun, 2 Apr 2006 11:31:22
, Sun, 2 Apr 2006 08:46:57
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