Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2002 02:14:13 GMT From: Bob <uctraingNOSPAMnopsamanet.com> Subject: Re: Opinions - 1997 900SE turbo?
On Wed, 16 Jan 2002 13:11:12 -0500, "EricL" <elaw-NO-SPAM-nopsamsinc.com> wrote: >Hello all! > >I've been a Saab fan forever, but am fairly ignorant about the newer models >("newer" meaning > 1990). My wife's looking at a 1997 900SE turbo, and it >seems like a pretty nice car. However, I know many of the enthusiasts don't >think too much of the NG900. Is there anyone out there who's owned one of >these who can give me a general opinion, especially compared to other Saabs? >Would we be better off looking at a 9-3? I have a '97 SEturbo convertible. A great car, but like most factory cars it can use a little chassis tuning (shocks, springs, etc) if you like a fairly sporty ride. Same goes for the 9-3, IMHO. There are a couple of remaining issues with the '97 - the early '97's have a cable clutch (not ideal, cable requires 50K changes). Other than that, there are not too many issues. There seem to be a few more headgaskets done than normal, but it's not a typical failure. The idler pulleys and serp belt need changing every 50K or so, but that's a motor issue, not really an NG900 issue, and not very expensive. There are a few oil leaks from the drive seals, check the bottom of the gear case before ordering. If the clutch is too stiff, it either needs the cable replaced or perhaps a clutch ($1200). I've heard of a few alternators gone bad, and there's an issue with the expansion valve on the A/C. (TSB's for both). I love mine, but if I was buying a Saab used, I'd look for one that is still in the 4/50 warranty so that you can have all the TSB's done - at least all that you can grab before the warranty is up. That means you'll need to get a '98, preferably sold late in the '98 year. Car prices tend to be based on year so if you can find a car originally sold in 12-98, is will cost the same as a car sold 1-98, but have less miles and another year on the warranty. Bob
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
