I have an 84 C900 that I've had since new and a new to me 96 9000CSE.

The C900 has been painless to own. Basic maintenance is all I've done, other than normal stuff like the occasional exhaust, one clutch, a couple of radiators, a starter and a water pump--over 20 years. Did do the steering rack at some point and the old C900s had weird front calipers that have been done a few times, but it's been a great car. Most reliable car I've ever owned and I have NOT spent tons of time tinkering with it. Oil, gas, drive.

The 9K was bought used and was very well maintained, with some of the typical failures for that model already taken cared of. I expect it will continue to be fine if maintained well.

You don't need to do your own work, but you do need a good indie shop that you can trust. Use TSN sponsors for parts, and used parts are OK for many things. The key with Saabs is get it in shape to start and then maintain it well. Be aggressive in your maintenance and fix things when they go and you'll probably have a good experience. They CAN be expensive, but only here and there. For example, you'll see people here talk about needing to replace a transmission. Not fun, but it's not any cheaper than it is for other cars. Had to do one on my wife's Explorer and that was $2700, so big things are never cheap. A trans for my 9k is $1500 to $1800 plus labor.

Just be careful what you are buying and get a good one. Drive several, as you'll find big differences between cars.

Good luck,

Noel

posted by 69.163.42...

• Looking for brutal honesty, NewProf, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 08:32:46
  • Re: Looking for brutal honesty, tomg, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 20:06:35
  • If there's a competent independent, yes, else no, Spiros Trianta, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 18:14:45
    • supposing that he buys the car, nt moore, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 21:43:16
  • I would say you'll spend $1000/year, ChipJ, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 15:45:11
    • Agree. I'm averaging Cdn $750 per year for past 2 years, SaabKen in Vancouver, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 10:35:58
    • Agree,..this is an accurate estimate.., 91Aero.jr, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:45:55
  • Re: Looking for brutal honesty, Garry, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:56:56
  • check with your local mechanic, nt moore, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:34:18
    • Re:Looking for brutal honesty, NewProf, Thu, 6 May 2004 17:25:25
  • You've got mail. n/m, Clay McNeely , Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:21:24
  • Re: Looking for brutal honesty, compaqted, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:16:29
    • Consider the year and not the model..., Clay McNeely , Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:28:44
      • Right! Personally I wouldn't buy earlier than a 96, Noel, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 15:29:08
  • Re: Looking for brutal honesty, Mark G , Mon, 26 Apr 2004 11:41:58
    • Longevity is not to be underestimated...., Noel, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:00:21
  • Re: Looking for brutal honesty, Noel, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 10:48:33 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Read, read, read, records records records, Bert K, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 09:27:44
    • furthermore, ..., Pierre, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 10:40:20
  • its a bad preconcieved notion, Adam , Mon, 26 Apr 2004 08:57:46
    • Re: its a bad preconcieved notion, Brandon, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 09:24:41
      • Re: its a bad preconcieved notion, StephenZ, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 09:38:43

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