Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 12:07:19 -0400 From: "Another_User" <the_ninepoundnopsamail.com> Subject: Re: Considering Used 900SE/9-3SE. Advice req.
> (1) What are common problems that might loom on the horizon? How long > do turbo chargers last? Can they be expected to "go" at a certain > millage? Trannys? Timing chains, etc? CV joints? Things to check out before you buy: -headlight wipers -seat heaters -head gasket leaks -any odd drips from the bell housing (internal seal failures) -shaking/shimmying on the highway -antenna -power seats move in all directions -AIR CONDITIONING (big one...) All of the usual used car stuff applies as well, but those are some of the issues that are annoying small things, yet surprisingly expensive. > (2) Parts - I am a do-it-myselfer, and I am wondering about > availablity of parts, used parts and the prices of these parts. I'm > in the North East USA. Parts should not be a problem- there's plenty of online retailers. > (3) Ease/frustration with repairs. Are these "reasonable" to work on? > I realize this is a silly question w/ most modern cars (i.e. NO! You > can't even find the stinking engine!). I have a Ford which it's all > day event to change the spark plugs...is there any hope for this? The car isn't bad to work on. I'll use myself as an example- never owned a car before, but had a pretty good understanding of how stuff works. In my rookie year of car ownership i have: -changed the timing chain -replaced all of my suspension (2 times!) -have done all of my maintenance, minus taking the tranny apart Plugs and routine maintenance stuff is really easy on the turbo 4 engine. Tranny work can be done yourself, but i haven't tried it, personally. > (4) Overall longevity - How long do these things run (very loaded > question)? Loaded question indeed. I suppose it all depends on how the person before you treated it and how willing you are to thow money into repairs. You'll always hear from the success stories ("I drove my 900 for 500thousand kms and didn't put a penny into it!"), but for the most part it's a normal car. Saabs are quite maintenance intensive, but treat it well and you'll be rewarded > (5) Should I go w/ the slightly older, but not-first year 1998 900 vs > a 1999 9-3? Were there any major transition pains into the new model > (I keep hearing "1100 improvements!"...whatever). Hard to say. the '98 900 was the best of the NG litter because it had a lot of the "1100" improvements that the 9-3 boasts about. If it were me buying the car i'd base my decision on the maintenance record of the car and not the year. A well treated '98 is gonna be much better to your wallet than an abused '99. Good luck in your shopping, and let us know what you went with Dave
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