Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:47:34 +0100 From: David Taylor <djtaylornopsamoot.com> Subject: Saab 9000 Aero
Well I think i'm hooked because even though my Saab 9000 is *still* in the garage being fixed (main dealer refitted head and changed all the timing chains and bits then noticed they had an oil leak and stripped it all down again. :-) ) I thought I'd go hunting for my next Saab. Missed out last week on a 9000 Aero with full SSH (owned by Saab UK for most of its life) for just £2250. Today I saw a new advert for another one, pretty much the same description. After a 2 hour trip to get there it looked very nice, interior in good nick. Took it for a drive and while accelerating past 70mph, the car "kicked" sort of a momentary engine misfire. Hmm, something to investigate... A bit later I noticed the check engine light on and questioned this. Of course the chappie claimed that was the first time he had seen it other than a few months ago. He had taken it to the local non Saab dealer who in the process of testing it it went out again. Jackanory (this won't translate to the US!) :) A little nearer to the end of the drive, the check engine light was out and then I explained to the chap that the reason was the display illumination bulbs were making poor contact. The whole display had gone out again. Under the bonnet nothing particularly obvious other than the top engine torque bush failed. Finally I noticed a whole series of very bad stone chips above the windscreen on the roof, all going nicely rusty. I pulled out the Parkers quote that I had prepped earlier and for the price, an average private condition car had £2640 as book, £3050 for dealer price. I showed him the price and suggested that given the above points, I'd offer £2400. This guy wanted £3500!! His comment was "Now way, you're obviously an expert, I'll wait for someone who's not!". So, watch out for the Black Saab Aero in Worthing unless you are willing to do a bit of fixing up. BTW, I'm certainly no expert but just a little careful I guess. Is it just me or don't most people these days check out the book price first? Curious also that this chap was selling it after driving only 2000 miles. His explanation was that he wanted a prestige car for work but was selling it now he has retired. Could be easy fixes but still seemed overpriced. Just a bit pissed off that when advertised way over book price and obviously not of that standard that we consumed 5 hours round trip of an evening. Anyone got a good 9000 2.3 CS Aero manual transmission they want to sell? :) David.
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