Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 17:21:06 GMT From: 'nuther Bob <nooneherenopsamaddress.com> Subject: Re: Hi,new here and need opinions.
On Tue, 8 Jul 2003 12:15:06 -0400 (EDT), SvenBorgnopsamv.net wrote: > I'm considering a Saab for the first time,as they're so well >reputed.Also,I'm about as mechanical as a hamster. Please do not insult hamsters. They are actually very creative, innovative, and somewhat engineering/mechanicly inclined. My daughter's learned how to engineer an escape plan, pack supplies, and develop a new home site. >The one I have in mind >is a loaded '97 900 SE turbo convertible. Kuel. I have one just like it. >It has 85K (US) miles,all >service records(done by Saab itself),checked out fine with my meticulous >mechanic. Sounds great. Is he Saab familiar ? If not, I'll list some specific things you might want to check on this model year and/or review the maintenance documents for. >Cosmetically,inside and out, it's perfect-no dings or >scratches,spotless,with good leather.It rus like butter and has newish >tires.Everything works as it should except the cassette(I'll live). Again, sounds great. Check closely to see if there has been any body work done. Sight down the panels and look for non factory type ripples or waves. Look very closely at the rubber seals and see if there is any overspray on them. Look at the car from various angles in the sun for paint mismatch. If the body work is so good you can't find it, then it's a really professional job and you probably don't need to worry about it. They may have fixed some door dings with a dent-wizard paintless approach, that's cool too. > The dealer is asking 9,000,in Florida.He's willing to accept a trade >and give me the black book value.That's important as I don't want the >hassle myself. That sounds like a serious bargain if the car is what you say. It's below trade-in value and the car appears to be a rare find. Buy it fast before someone else does. Is it a Saab dealer ? BTW - be aware that Saab maintenance is a little more costly in the USA (than say Japanese cars) - mostly because of fewer parts sources and/or mechanics, IMHO. But, we can point you (or your mechanic) to a place where you can get most factory parts almost overnight for 2/3 of the dealer price. A good mechanic is stiffing everyone equally on labor price, so that's not an issue. Assuming these things have not been done: Expect to put a clutch in before 120K miles. Cost ~ $1000. That's the only biggie. You will also need an Ignition Cassette before 100K miles for about $400 dealer price but you can get it for $240. Even the hamster can do the replacement of it. Really. It's a 10 minute job and Saab already put the tools in your trunk. I can also list some smaller jobs that are on the *must do* list if they have not yet been done. Small parts, small labor. It really sounds like you are stealing a cream puff of a car. I can't see how you can lose. (Did I mention that all polished up with the top down, it's also a chick magnet ? :-) Bob
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