Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 12:48:01 -0700 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet> Subject: Re: '88 900 SPG
Mike Zampiceni wrote: > > Kapon wrote: > > > i am thinking of buying a 1988 Saab 900 Turbo SPG. does anyone know > > anything about specific problems with these cars? it is being offered > > at > > $3495- the car is in great shape, too. is this a good deal or a huge > > mistake? > > thanks in advance > > ty > > tywillnopsamd.net > > That's a bargain basement price for a rare and desirable performance > model, like about half of what it should be bringing. SPG stands for > Special Performance Group. The SPG was only available with a manual > trans. and had 10 more horses than the standard turbo (175 vs. 165). > Speaking of transmissions, that's the nemesis of Saabs. Rebuilds can go > upwards of $3000, so check it out, particularly for any high-pitched > whining noises in 4th and 5th gear. Actually, the 1988 model SPG only made 165 horses... it wasn't until late '89 or early 1990 that SPGs started making 175. In fact, the 1988 model year SPGs are almost identical to a normal 900T, save for the cosmetic changes (body panels, wheels) and the slightly lowered and stiffer suspension. Cool car, but not really higher performance. As for tranny rebuilds, a rebuilt transmissions and installation should never run more than $2000 or so... a $3000 transmission replacement is either a brand-new tranny (which is probably non- existent anymore) or a really horrible mechanic... Pricing has changed a lot on SPGs lately - they have been coming down switftly in prices... $3500 is a little cheap, but not astronomically so. Just be sure to have it checked by a mechanic.... -Justin