1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I can't comment on the later NGs (and I admit that I greatly prefer the early NGs from 1994 and 1995). I have a '95 SEt that has nearly 218K on the clock (she had 19K when she came to live with me almost six years ago). The only thing that has been a sore spot in her was the original gearbox. Reverse gear disappeared at 39K. I had asked the dealer to look at 3rd gear synchro because it had been crunching since Day 1. The tech claimed that there was nothing wrong with the sychro. I'm glad that he was the one that had to pull the gearbox at 64K when the synchro failed altogether (repair was goodwilled by Saab after I complained). Then, at 90K, the gearbox grenaded when the pinion shaft snapped at 5th gear. Saab paid for a reman box and six weeks worth of rental (no gearboxes in the country.) Since then, the box has been no problem.
Yes, the early NGs had their share of troubles. The SEs had front suspension issues. Most of these cars should have had the retrofit kit installed many years ago (new upper strut mounts, bushings, and, in some cases, new struts). The front end in my 900 was done before she came to live with me (at about 18K). The other thing to watch out for in the turbocharged cars are the @#!% balance shafts. The shafts are chain driven. If the chain works loose and breaks, it will destroy the engine. I had the chain removed at 172K and there are no ill effects. No vibration, no issues.
I believe that the turbocharged cars are the more reliable of the three. V6s had reliability issues due to bad timing belts and tensioners. Also, you can't get a V6 with a 5 speed after 1996 (assuming you really want a V6). I personally don't care for autoboxes, so there's another bias. The 2.3 NA engine has issues with leaks and distributors (turbos have Direct Ignition, which eliminates the wires and distributor).
The most important component of having a happy NG is maintenance. If the car has been maintained (which is crucial for a V6 NG) then you should have little trouble with it. The NG, more than any other car that I have known, is less likely to run well if you ignore the maintenance. And, don't let maintenance costs scare you. I have the oil changed every 5K (which translates to every other month for the amount of driving that I do) have a major service done once a year, and two minor services done per year. I spend less than $1200 a year on maintenance (and my 900 is maintained by the book.)I try to replace items before they fail (although the fuel pump did take us by surprise at 183K last year). The piece of advice I would give you is to avoid dealers as you would SARS. Most of them only know how to take your money and do a poor repair on your Saab. Find a good indie (I have one of the best in the Northeast--he cares for my Saab as if she were his) and listen to his advice.
If you haven't been able to tell from the proceeding, I love my 900. She's one of the best cars I've ever owned (the best next to my 99T). She's fast, good looking, handles well and does not look as if she has over 200K on her. Would not trade her for the world (or for the new Saab Alero currently in showrooms everywhere).
Viva la NewGen!!
posted by 152.163.25...
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