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I have a '91 9kt and love it. I also had an '87 900S, and if you liked the classic 900, you'll like the '91 9kt, because it has a tight chassis, just like the classic 900. Definitely go with a turbocharged model.
The '91 and '92 9kt's introduced the slanted headlights and grille to the hatchback body style. Looks better than the '85 through '90 9kt grille, IMHO. '93 marked the introduction of the final 9k body style, with a shorter grille and reworked back end. '91 also marked the introduction of the 2.3L engine to the hatchback, with 200hp instead of the earlier 160. 160 is what you had in your 900 turbos. The difference in low rpm torque is not so much a difference in the engine as the turbocharger. More boost at low rpm for the 2.3L engine means peak torque is reached somewhere around 1800 rpm.
If you are trying to stay below $4000, probably '94 is the newest you'll get in a 9000 turbo. I don't know if you'd like the later model 900, introduced in '93. I would recommend trying one just to see. I thought they were too soft for my tastes.
The problem with finding a rust-free Saab is that Saabs are more prevalent up north, where salt tends to be used. However, they are also prevalent on the west coast, including pacific northwest, so keep an eye on the Saabnet classifieds and also check autotraderonline.com.
Regarding transmission work, since Saabs tend to be high mileage, tranny problems are common. In my '87 900S I had a tranny overhaul at 150K, and my '88 9kt has tranny noise now at 185K. I would ask for a car with tranny problems to be discounted way below bluebook, at least $2000, possibly $2500, because that's how much you'll be out, plus the hassle of getting it done. Rebuilt transmissions have been a big topic on this board, with many of us having trouble with them, if they are done by a big rebuilding outfit. I needed a rebuild on my '91 9kt tranny after I drove it from out of state without a clutch (bit of a steep learning curve), and I had it done at my local Saab mechanic. Another good resource for you would be Andrews of Princeton, located north of the twin cities. They pass through Chicago on occasion with their transporter, and you can have your car shipped up there, worked on by them and returned to you. They do fantastic work at reasonable rates. I would let them rebuild any component on my Saab. Good body work, too. Check out their inventory online, also, because they go down south to pick up cars, so your chance of rust-free is better.
posted by 216.165.157...
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