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I also own a 2002 Viggen, bought after a 4 year search and passing up on 6 cars before finding the 'right one'. The main advice I'd give is know what you're getting into....weigh the risk vs the cost. Previous poster mentioned the 120K service....how much will it cost and use that ass a bargaining tool.
Maintenance - you mentioned all required work was done and that's good but I would like to see that the oil was changed more frequently than required and that a good brand of full synthetic was used. You've probably heard about sludge....something to avoid for sure unless you are prepared to install a new engine. If at all concerned or suspect, have the valve cover removed or better yet, the oil pan. Secondly, what other parts were replaced? Reviewing this history can give a good indication of whether this is a good car and that bits which tend to fail (AC compressor, etc.) have been replaced. This can also give a view on the past owner....how picky were they?
Abuse - Like I said I looked at and drove many Viggens before settling on mine. I found that many had been neglected and abused which was very noticeable in the car's performance. Little things like worn out wipers, mismatched tires, cheap after market replacement parts, etc. When I see any of this I usually pass on the car as it's tough to tell on what other items the owner scrimped on. If you're buying private and can actually meet the owner and talk to them, that's a huge bonus. One private sale Viggen I looked at the owner was a nice guy...very easy going and care free about his car. The car looked well used and he was selling it because he hardly used it since he bought a new BMW. Turned out he had two teenage sons....who of course never used the car. After a brief drive around the block the car didn't feel right so I stopped and looked underneath....the floor plan was cut in half....apparently his boys ran the car off the road at the cottage one night!
If I'm buying private, I usually have the owner drive the car first. Saabs, being turbocharged, can live very long if they are driven very easy until the oil warms up. If the owner tries to impress me by showing how fast the car is with a cold engine, I'll pass on the car unless of course the price is low enough that I have left over cash to replace the engine in the worst case scenario and at best just a turbo.
I wouldn't shy away from a modified car either, as long as I can see that it's been well maintained and that it has not been abused. Driving a car in a 'spirited' fashion is not a bad thing if it's done right and maintenance is adjusted accordingly. I might even consider a car that has been raced (Viggens do appear on the track, so consider that too) provided all checks out.
Good luck....my '02 has been a great joy to own over the past 3 years and now with a Stage 3 set-up and 'rescue kit' I love it even more. Let us know what you decided and pics please!!!!
posted by 74.13.70...
, Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:52:10
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