1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Unless you are a fairly confident shadetree mechanic, a pre-purchase priority is to find an independent SAAB mechanic who won't be cynical about maintaining your 15-20 year old car. Check the listing of recommended techs on this site. Poll any C900 owners you happen to see in your locale, see where they take their car. SAAB dealerships probably not who you want to count on for this vintage. You'll be able to do some work yourself with the Bentley and Haynes manuals, but you need a resource that's familiar w/ these cars. If possible, make sure the car you're considering was serviced by a reputable tech or a VERY capable DIYer--ask for the maintenance records. Be prepared to spend a few thousand over the first two-three years, with costs flattening out over time. Be prepared for creaks, rattles, groans that you may or may not be able to trace.
Rust: Unless you're buying from a reputable previous owner who lives in a dry climate, check how bad the bottoms of the door (where weather stripping is attached to door); get under the rugs/insulation to the floorpans, front and back (leaks develop in these cars and its easy to be oblivious) fender wells; trailing arms/suspension. Note: all fixable if caught early.
Electrical: Other than failed components (i.e.old wires can get brittle, contacts can get dirty, etc.), I've never had any of the short circuit problems you'll see on this board. If the previous owner hasn't fiddled around with the car too much, you probably won't run into anything too difficult.
Mechanical: Check the high mileage listing on this site, and you decide if SAABs are mechanically problematic. Those numbers aren't acheived without investing in maintenance, but it also speaks to the general mechanical durability. Turbos are as good as the owner's care of same The rep is probably from vaccuum leaks that owners/mechanics didn't have the patience to trace, or failure of another related electronic component. In cars of this age/mileage, you'll replace a lot more mundane things like oil and water pumps, a/c components, alternators and radiators before your turbo fails. At least you can upgrade the turbo when its time.
The ownership experience analogy for you is not the Jetta, its a classic Beetle. Get a AAA membership; check this board frequently to get attuned to the common problems and fixes. C'mon in, the water's fine.
Doug
'86 SPG - 350k
'91 SPG - 175k
posted by 67.97...
, Mon, 30 Oct 2006 20:18:17
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