Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2000 23:06:06 GMT From: Steve Crowe <scrowenopsamink.net> Subject: Re: used '96 vs '98 900's
On Thu, 09 Mar 2000 01:27:23 GMT, Anand Modi <delockenopsamdnet.att.net> wrote: >I'm looking for an opinion on what to buy-- i recently lost my beloved >92 acura vigor in an accident. I loved that car because it was so unique >(2.5L inline-5 cylinder engine). So I started looking for a car that was >just as unique, and in the same general category as my vigor (compact >4-door sport sedan). the search led me to my local saab dealer, and i >was presented with 2 options: >1996 900S, ~37K miles, off a 48 month lease. 5 speed: $16,500, auto >$16,900 >1998 900SE Turbo (w/ leather and the like), ~28K miles, off a 24 month >lease, includes 4 snow tires on rims in addition to normal street tires, >$21,000 > >which is a better deal? is there a substantial difference between the >turbo and the normally aspirated engines? are there any mechanical >issues inherent to either model that i should take into consideration? >thanks > >aj I would buy the 98 900SE. Why? 1. If the 98 is a 5speed it will have a hydraulic clutch instead of the garbage clutch cable. 2. 98 has bigger brakes. 3. 96 was first year for OBDII. 98 has two years worth of refinements to the engine management system. Also the 96 is a Bosch system, whereas the 98 900SE will have the Saab Trionic system. 4. Turbo is WHOLE lot more fun to drive. It really is not a big problem because of the water cooling. Early turbos (non-water cooled) had a lot more problems. The biggest turbo replacement problem we have at our shop is stuck wastegates. The dealership I work for was #2 in sales for the US last year, so there are a lot of cars going through the shop. We do 2 to 5 turbos a year max. 5. Different balance chain gears (harder?) in the engine. 6. 98 will have some warranty left. Great for you , sucks for me. One thing that I would definitely want to see is the maintenance records. Generally leased cars are not maintained well. The lessors are interested in doing the minimum work possible because, its not "their" car. 10K oil changes just don't get it. We are starting to see more dead engines with 30K-40K from this. I would also highly recommend that you have the car checked out by a tech knowledgable in Saabs. Good luck and enjoy the car of your choice, Steve Crowe ASE CMAT/L1, Saab Master level tech Harpers Ferry, WV scrowenopsamink.net
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