1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
 | [Main C900 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Reason for 2 cars. Posted by blacksheep [Email]  (#301) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from blacksheep) on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:20:41
In Reply to: Reason for 2 cars., Philip Schall, Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:49:40 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I don't think anyone here will find fault in having more than one Saab. And I understand the allure of of a new car, with its promise of trouble free driving, "improved" performance (certainly they must have learned something in the last 20 years), as well as the sleek "modern" aesthetics. However, allow me to share a different perspective.
When my previous daily driver died, I found myself with the dilemma of finding another car. My children were quite vocal about getting a new car, but I was unimpressed with the offerings in my price range (under $20K) with its attendant payments. Instead I set my budget by the price of the least expensive new car on the market. This was the Kia Alliance, at $11,700.
For this princely sum one gets a 1.6 liter NA engine, roll up windows, no radio, no AC. With this as my point of departure, I went shopping for a classic Saab 900.
I found a 1993 900 CE in California, in quite good condition (no rust) for $4500. After bringing it home (to Salt Lake City) I had my mechanic (Matt Findlay at Boyd's Automotive) go through the car, doing a major tuneup, replacing all fluids, belts, and any minor issues that came up, such as a turn signal that wouldn't hold, etc. Then I got serious.
I started by replacing the 15x5.5 asymmetrics with 15x6 Cross Spokes
from 9000 Griffin, accompanied by new tires. This was followed by new Konis all around. Then, the wholesale replacement of the entire outboard brake system (rotors, calipers, pads) upgraded to the 9000 package using all new ATE parts, plus SS brake lines. Having improved the handling, I next sourced a pair of E-codes out of Canada, replaced the windshield and added one of Landjet's hood strips. Louvers for the hatch and a wind deflector for the sunroof moved over from my previous car. Lastly, I had the AC repaired. About the only thing I haven't managed to fix is the cruise control, which I'm beginning to think may be a lost cause.
Still on the list are a 9000 clutch upgrade and hopefully one TC86's short shifters.
All told (including replacing a seized alternator and all regular maintenance over the last 2 years/20K+ miles) I'm into the car a little over $11.500.
And every time I pass a Kia (and I always do) I get a great big smile!
Happy Saabing!
Blacksheep
, Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:20:41 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:43:25, Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:35:03, Sun, 26 Jun 2011 19:17:18
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
