Tim,

Been there, done that. I went from an 84 Civic I had owned for 10 years to an '86 900, and have since moved up to an '89 900S. If I may offer a couple of observations:

If you want reliable, stick with Honda. The Saab's more of an adventure, every time out of the driveway. And even if you get a decent Saab, it'll probably take a year or two to get the kinks - big and small - worked out. You'll go through a period of "what's gonna break today?"

Expect major bills, higher than you have ever seen with a Civic. Parts and service are far harder to find and far more expensive than on the Honda. The '86 damn near bankrupted me with repair bills, even with the dealer (Just Saab, near Cincinnati -- shameless plug here) contributing several hundred dollars worth of free labor. Count on spending between $1K and $2K a year for repairs, not including routine maintenance. Learn to do small stuff yourself, whether you like to or not -- the money saved can go toward your other hobbies. Even minor electrical work (replacing relays, cables, the occasional cooling fan motor), or filters and vacuum hoses can save you a bundle, especially if you find a couple of decent Internet parts suppliers.

Having said all that, the Saab is a joy to drive. It'll make you grin just driving to work. It's also much safer than a Civic, and cruises on the open road far more comfortably. Not to mention the fact that you won't see yourself at every third stoplight in a Saab.

Is the Saab worth it? If you're not willing to spend the money for professional service, or are not willing to learn to do some things yourself, then no, it probably isn't. Saabs aren't Hondas, and never will be, if you're looking for get in, turn the key and drive. But if you go into it with your eyes and mind open, then you'll be rewarded.

• I don't like to work on cars. Is Saab for me?, Tim W, Sun, 29 Apr 2001 14:09:45
  • Re: I don't like to work on cars. Is Saab for me?(long), aardvark1, Mon, 30 Apr 2001 23:31:17 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: I don't like to work on cars. Is Saab for me?(long), aardvark1, Mon, 30 Apr 2001 23:30:31
    • Sorry for the double post n/m, aardvark1, Mon, 30 Apr 2001 23:34:55
  • TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION..., Nascar fan, Mon, 30 Apr 2001 07:55:35
  • Some years you may spend much more but other won't be too bad, saw, Sun, 29 Apr 2001 20:17:46
  • The answer is maybe or maybe not, Bill D, Sun, 29 Apr 2001 14:36:09
    • I can't vouch for the data but, John A., Sun, 29 Apr 2001 15:40:54

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