1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
One an only comment/observation: You bought this used, and if you don't have service/maintenance records, would you really know how well the previous owner took care of the car? Likely as not, given the list of problems, they didn't. None of them though look insurmountable. Just a minor uphill battle getting them sorted.
Advice done. Now for the good stuff.
I've been driving Saabs since 1981. Love the cars. (Duh! Why else would I keep driving them after 25 yrs?)
Currently I have a '97 900 (New Gen, Talladega Edtion) and I've owned it since new. It has been modified, both in the suspension and some minor engine/performance. The car has been bulletproof over the past 9 years. The only service item I can point to is a water pump -- pretty much a wear item after 156,000 miles. Oil and filter ever 3000, Mobil 1 synthetic.
I also own a 2002 9-5 Aero Wagon. Bullet proof. No problems whatsoever. This one is my wifes primary car. Also owned since new. Oil and filter every 3000, Mobil 1 synthetic
I also own a '93 900 Commemorative Edition. This one has had minor problems. But here I purchased used and it was "tuned" by the previous owner. I had to sort some things out, but I knew of the car, and the ower, so I knew what I was getting into. NO COMPLAINTS. Once sorted, it is a rocket, and is a solid car. I've recently gone through it, had it completely repainted, and is once again on the road mainly as my weekend/toy. This one has 128,000 miles and I've owned it for 3 years (98,000 when purchased). Oil and filter every 3000, Castrol 10w/30.
I/we also own a 1991 900 Special Edition convertible. Also purchased used. One recent problem was a headgasket, but, again, it was used at 153,000 miles when we purchased it. NO COMPLAINTS. Oil and filter every 3000, Castrol 10w/30.
Previous cars, from most recent to the oldest:
1988 900 SPG. Used purchase (actually a Birthday present from my wife...) Again, I knew the car, know the previous owner. Car was bullet proof and it too was mildly modified. Alas, it was totaled 3 years ago in a head-on crash. (The Commemorative replaced this one). I think that one had 140,000 miles at the time it was wrecked. Oil and filer -- well, you get the idea....
1988 900S. I purchased this one new, and ran it until it had 300,000 miles on it. Always maintained, alwasy got an oil change every 3000. Wear items replaced immediately once they break: Water pump, right driveshaft, headgasket twice (to be expected with THAT many miles!), oil pump, crank pulley.
I STILL see this one on the road occasionally, 6 years after selling it. No telling how many miles on it now...
1984 900, base. I also purchased this one new. Oil every 3000, faithfully maintained. Traded it when it had 125,000 miles on the 900S. No problems. Just a slow basic car. Great for someone just getting on their feet.
1974 99LE, 3-door CombiCoupe. Purchased around 1983 or so used from a local dealer. It had a crack in cylinder #3 and I knew it. I swapped an engine into it from the next car and ran it until I sold it when I purchased the base 900. Don't recall the exact miles, but something like 150,000 or so.
1974 99LE, 4-door sedan. Purchased used in 1981 from a co-worker of my Dad's. Great car and the one responsible for getting me hooked on these cars. Fun, torquey and very unique at the time. And being Sunset Orange, it REALLY grabbed your attention. Hey, it was 1974 -- lots of funky colors back then.... No real problems, just an idiot 17 yr. old driver (yours truly) wrapped it around a tree on a dirt road when it had maby 75,000 miles on the clock. Engine was resurected in the next 99.
In all of these cars, new or used, I maintain them faithfully. If something breaks, I don't wait to fix it. Do it immediately. Waiting just runs the risk of creating additional (read: ex$$pensive) problems later. Change the oil and filter ever 3000. Change the coolant on older cars ever 2 to 3 years -- flush the system as neceesary. Bleed the brakes and put fresh brake fluid every 2-3 years or so.
Sometimes, especially with used, you "inherit" problems that the previous owner neglects or just isn't aware of. Bite the bullet, and fix them. Once that expense is done, however, you will not be dissappointed. You will have MILES and MILES of happy motoring!
Good luck, and keep the faith! Saabs are great cars! Keep them happy and they'll keep you happy!
Jim Miller
My Saabs, among other stuff....
, Tue, 31 Jan 2006 19:25:37
, Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:28:14
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