1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
After approx 5 years of ownership, I'm giving up on my '93 turbo auto, and will be selling it in January (hopefully, after it takes me to Boston and back from the DC area to pick up my daughter from college).
I paid $200 (not a typo) from a colleague who wanted it out the door, and was only the second owner. It had only 108k and a factory rebuilt tranny replaced under warranty at about 50k.
Basically, I've had to deal with the following:
--clogged ABS pump unit, took forever to diagnose and almost as long to replace with a used unit. (Had to laugh, though ... I took it to an indy who didn't have the dealer computer and charged me $75 to tell me there was something wrong with the brakes. Well, no s---, Sherlock ... I didn't need to pay $75 to find that out.)
--dreaded ABS/TC went into limp-home made fairly frequently.
--crank sensor failed intermittently when engine was warm. Thank to a board member who loaned me a good DI, I was able to establish that it was the sensor, not the DI, using the old-fashioned technique: drive it until it dies.
--complicated brake problem turned out to be some ungodly expensive plunger-type deely-bob in the firewall that was hell to replace.
--usual heater core failure, though at least I was able to replace the cabin fan motor at the same time. Another hellish job, getting the old fan out. (Ironically, since I have virtually all the paperwork from when the car was new, a previous owner had complained repeatedly to the dealer about an antifreeze smell in the cabin. While the car was under warranty, of course, they were never able to find anything wrong ... I guess they don't like changing heater cores either.)
--Clarion CD changer in trunk developed nasty CD-eating habit. Junked it.
--Clarion radio developed security code problem. Fixed.
--Starter developed intermittent no-start problem, because the solenoid wasn't activating all the time. First replaced the starter. Then replaced the mechanical part of the ignition switch. Then finally created a new solenoid circuit with relay (following procedures outlined on this board). So far, so good.
--As a change of pace, my daughter hit a deer on her way to high school. Broke the windshield, damaged hood and fender. Not the Saab's fault.
--power steering reservoir started leaking. Replaced with used.
--windshield washer reservoir started leaking. Tried to fix first with epoxy ... didn't work. Then tried to fix with special plastic repair kit ... didn't work. Then replaced with an outrageously expensive new one, which also was a pain to install.
--replaced serpentine belt tension and pulleys. On my '89 Isuzu Trooper, this requires one metric socket and long-ish wrench to relieve the tension. On the Saab, it requires taking apart half the right side of the car.
--timing chain and/or lifters are noisy as hell. Hoping not to have to deal with them.
--electric window switches didn't work because previous owner had spilled coffee on them, because they're located on the console instead of on the door, where God intended. Fixed by opening and cleaning.
--passenger side electric mirror packed it up. Replaced with used.
--blower control module quit. Repaired or replaced (can't remember which, though I can remember slicing myself on the edge of some sheet metal).
--interior cabin fan sensor noisy: replaced with used.
--exterior temp sensor was missing. replaced with a used one that fell off. Replaced with another used one that is fine as long as temp is below 70, but above that indicates outside temps in the 100s (evidently preparing for global warming).
--headlight relay re-soldered.
--many bad grounds cleaned up.
--replaced fuel pump with new, made my own wooden tool to remove the plastic gizmo on top.
--finally solved annoying "bulb out" warning by buying identical bulbs for the high-mounted brake lamp, then taking it out and cleaning all the electrical contacts.
--re the rear hatch, if it's adjusted so the hatch will pop up slightly when the electric release button is pushed, it usually won't turn off the hatch light when it's closed, draining the battery (I've performed this trick several times). If it's adjusted so the light turns off, it won't pop up, and you have to use the trunk key.
The previous list is off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more.
I do all my own work, so the dollar cost hasn't been too bad. But there is ALWAYS something going wrong, and the combination of Saab design quirks and tight engine compartment means that almost every job is unpleasant, frustrating and takes three times as long as it should. It doesn't help that the Haynes manual is only slighter better than nothing -- without this board, I'd be doomed.
Normally, most people who own a 17-year old car with a good engine, good tranny and good suspension/drive train (like mine) would be delighted. I'm sick of it.
As a comparison, early in 2009 I acquired a niece's 1995 Mazda Protege with about 120k miles. When I bought it, I changed the oil, spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter and timing belt. That was about nine months ago, and since then I've had to do absolutely ZERO to the car. (I sold it to the daughter of a friend ... I told them I liked them too much to sell them a Saab.)
I still think the 9000 is a fabulous combination of comfort, handling, performance and utility. Last year, on an oddly deserted section of Interstate, I wound up in an accidental and informal convoy of about five cars cruising at well over 100 mph (and up to 120 mph) for about five minutes before we all chickened out (re the cops, not the speed). The 9000 felt like I was doing 55 -- engine not working hard, steering feel perfect, no worries at all. But for me, the balance has finally tipped in favor of saying goodbye.
posted by 98.169.1...
, Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:42:59
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