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Buy it. You'll never look back... Posted by Karl [Email] (#161) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Karl) on Fri, 22 Mar 2002 03:11:49 In Reply to: Different 9000--opinions wanted., RickG, Thu, 21 Mar 2002 13:41:24 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Rick,
I have a 97 9000 Aero (currently 36K miles). I've had it for just over two years, and I can't even begin to think what I could replace it with.
I second what Zeke said: it's probably the best allround family sports sedan ever built. It has all the versatility of the 9000 (rear seats don't fold flat, but that's the only drawback), all the creature comforts of a limousine, the best seats built so far in the history of the automotive industry, a bad ass 2,3 litre turbo engine that is smooth as silk but packs an impressive punch. At the same time you get cruising mileage that you will not believe.
What I like most about it is the "sleeper factor". Countless drivers BMW's, Subaru Imprezas, some Porsches, big Mercedeses and Audi S-cars have been absolutely clueless as to what the h*** that red Saab was that just screamed past them... :-) And I love it...
On another note, things to look out for:
- 97 transmission is the best ever in a Saab, so it should be OK. Still, check 2:nd and 3:rd and make sure they're smooth and not difficult to engage as that can indicate syncro problems
- Check that full boost is obtained (usually slightly into red, but the stock boost gauge is quite "relative", so best check with a calibrated gauge. Max boost should be 1,08 bar = 15,6 PSI)
- Make sure power comes on "seamlessly" and without hesitation. A bad DI will usually give symptoms of hesitation or slight miss under load.
- Tire wear is unavoidable. Make sure tires are fresh.
Things to do WHEN you buy it (notice I don't even include an "if"...):
- Change gearbox oil (done WAY to seldomly on Saabs)
- Change plugs to fresh NGK BCPR7-ES11
- Change engine oil (fully synthetic naturally)
- Change front wishbone rear bush (to stock or, preferrably, polyurethane) as this will have a significant impact on straight line tracking (torque steer as some like to call it)
- Change rear top engine mount (only one of the two) to polyurethane as this greatly improves shifting
Good luck with your new car!
/ Karl
posted by 212.209....
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