common problems with these cars?

[razr_88]

I am thinking of getting a saab just because they seem to be really affordable. any common problems with these cars that i should be aware of? like electrical, drivetrain, etc.?

[INeedU]

It depends on the model you are going to get. I have a 1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible with 143 k on it. Recently I fixed a sticky WasteGate lever that was causing loss of power when the turbo meter reached the orange zone.

The starter was giving a humming noise when the engine's just started. I changed the starter and the noise was gone.

Other than those two problems the car is great. With a small 900 cu. in engine its power to accelerate and reaching high speed is just unimaginable. If properly maintained these cars last forever.

Use synthetic engine oil and change it every 4000 miles. Also, use a little high-octane gas (89 - 90) though it can adjust to any grade by manipulating the knocking (the lower the grade the higher the knocking).

Good luck!

[HermanVerhagen]

Originally Posted by razr_88

I am thinking of getting a saab just because they seem to be really affordable. any common problems with these cars that i should be aware of? like electrical, drivetrain, etc.?

You know ofcourse that SAAB became GM after 1993. So only the SAAB 900 Classic is still a real SAAB.

Things to watch for:

• Interior dash switches - specially those that need to be pushed in, like rear window demist and aircon. These tend to fail with older cars and can cost up to $50 to replace. Also the light switch can be wobbly.
• This model has had some problems with the crankshaft harmonic balancer. Can be heard by a scraping sound on starting.
• Check if the windows operate at a reasonal speed otherwise you will be up for a repair of about $500 / window to replace the regulators.
• On some earlier models 900 there was a problem with the headgasket. In these cars the oil channels slowly clogged.

But generally if properly maintaned these cars can run forever. It is not unusual to see milage close to 800.000km, without any major motor repairs.


Good luck

[DeltaP]

Most of the ones I still see are plagued with rust.

[HermanVerhagen]

Originally Posted by DeltaP

Most of the ones I still see are plagued with rust.

I don't know where you live, but rust is not a problem with them as all the panels are galvanised.

[thelonetext]

Hmm I have too problem with sab