Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 11:42:13 -0500 From: Bob <uctraingNOSPAMnopsamanet.com> Subject: Re: Need some advice
On Sat, 16 Nov 2002 22:13:28 -0500, "Susan Kamber" <kamber2000nopsamcom> wrote: >I am looking to buy the following vehicle and am looking for your input on >it: > >1995 Saab 900SE V6 Red convertible >53K, Completely loaded with everything including a 5 disk changer. Visually >it looks to be in excellent condition. The seller >says the only problems are with the top which she claims needs a $300 repair >and one of the power seats does not work. >She is taking the $300 off the price of $11,900 OBO to $11,600 OBO. My >question is what is a reasonable offer for this >car, assuming everything is mechanically fine, which I would check out by a >trusted mechanic. Any of your comments would >be greatly appreciated. I have a '97 SE Convertible and I can't say enough good things about it. It's a terrific car and with the top down on a warm day it's unbeatable. The SE adds every option you can think of with the exception of things that came later like (who needs it?) GPS. BUT, I would NOT buy the particular car you have found. First, the V6 is a GM motor that GM management forced Saab to put into the car to appeal to "American" buyers. It *requires* a timing belt change at 35/60/95K miles and every 30K after that. If you don't, it _will_ fail, and you _will_ pay thousands of dollars to repair this engine. Saab will pay for these first 3 belt changes but many dealers insist that you also get the related $500 factory service package. The motor to get is the 4 cyl turbo. I know that as an American buyer you've been educated to think that the V6 is better. It's not. The turbo 4 is more powerful, rock solid, mostly trouble free, and runs forever. For the USA NG900 ('95 to '98) if it says "turbo" then that's the one you want. Second, the '95 was the first year of the NG900 (new generation 900) convertible. There were a few bugs to be worked out in various areas. Notably, the convertible top tonneau motor tended to fail. I'd suspect that this is the problem with the vehicle you are looking at. AFAIR, this is $1000 problem but you can check with a dealer to be sure. I'd be suspicious of the $300 estimate unless it is in writing from a Saab dealer. BTW - the most common problem with the power seat is just that the relay has fallen out (a five minute repair) so that's not usually much of an issue. There are also a few other problems with the NG900 in the early years, most of which were fixed during '95 and '96. So, if you can afford a 1997, you will be much better off as most of the fixes were incorporated by then. If you have still more money, it's nice to find a Saab with remaining 4/50 warranty coverage as you can get any little issues taken are of before the warranty runs out. As a last note, I notice that you are using rcn.com. If you are in the NH/MA area, email me and I can recommend a *great* small dealer (one man shop) selling official factory off lease Saabs. No pressure, no jerks, just a nice guy selling quality cars. I bought my Saab from him and would definitely buy another from him. If you are interested, email me for the details. Bob
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