1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
If you can drive a stick, highly recommended to avoid the automatic. For a 3 speed automatic, it's not that bad to drive if you're not in a hurry, but the lack of a 4th gear wastes gas on the highway (too high cruising rpms). This is not a modern automatic! They can last pretty well if babied... BUT they can also be a timebomb! As Slyde said: rust, transmission, engine. The tranny in these cars is integrated under the engine + it is a lot of work to swap it. When the auto goes, you are almost 100% not going to be fixing it, you'll be swapping it, hopefully for a manual, and it won't be cheap!
More importantly, you say you mainly want the car for longer trips, not just around the city? Get a manual! You'll save money on gas + less likely to get stranded with a virtually unrepairable car.
I think you should get out and drive a few Saabs of various years to get a feel for the commonalities between Saabs. Driving this automatic would be a good learning experience. Then go try out a 9-3 auto. Try a 9-5. If you can, make sure you try a C900 with a turbo! You'll see similarities + differences. I think it's great that you love the look of our classic 900's but there's more to car ownership than that, and they can be a challenge to own because of their age - lots of knowledge + preventative maintenance is required. Some of the newer Saabs might cost $1-2k more to buy and cost less to maintain (eg there is a red 1999 in that same listing for $3500) - but if you like a c900 more it is worth it. Only way to know is to drive them! Also take a look at the c900 classifieds here to see lots of cars of different years + owners comments. Asking prices can be high, but that's because some of the cars are rare and/or babied by enthusiasts. I would set aside $$ for repairs regardless of the car. Old car. Stuff happens.
good luck!
James...
posted by 216.59.252...
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