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Some of you may recall my other thread about buying a metallic silver '89 SAAB 900. Here's some pics in case you forgot: Click here for the full 640x480 image. And  Click here for the full 640x480 image. After buying it for $400 and subjecting it to some bumper to bumper TLC, I flipped it for $1,000. Maybe not a big deal to some, but in North Dakota, an obscure Swedish hatch isn't always an easy sell (due to its shape, this one was). It was a great car, really visceral in a good way but it was missing something. A couple weeks ago, I found a local trade-in at a car lot. A 1993 SAAB 9000 CSE N/A with the 5 speed and only 125K on the clock. Leather, automatic climate control, seat heaters, cruise, headlight wipers, moonroof and all those other goodies I previously did without. Normally I try to do private party sales only, but I had to have this one. After doing the homework, I talked them down $600 from their sticker price, about $500 less than blue book for a total of $2,400 on the head. After doing some basic maintenance, fixing a couple lines, replacing the spark plugs, a little touching up and all that other boring stuff, I came up with a nice ride. It still blows my mind how so little extra money can get you a much better car. The only thing left I have to do is replace the 3 way check valve for the washer reservoir (and possibly the reservoir itself) when I get it. Due to a stupid design, you have to remove the wheel arch or try some other double-jointed trickery to get at it. Aside from that, I plan on flushing the coolant system, replace the t-stat, replace the automatic climate control internal temp sensor and possibly bleed the clutch. I also plan on having a better look at the brake pads. On the plus side, I found a Purolator filter when I changed the oil, Denso spark plugs (though the owner's manual calls for NGKs as all SAABs of this era do) and I think the clutch is fairly fresh. This car drives a lot more differently than the 900, mostly in a good way. Though you lose the go-kart handling factor, it feels just as solid and consistent on the road. The N/A B234 2.3 liter inline 4 feels a lot more powerful than the B202 2.0 (duh), with the biggest difference being the feeling when you're above 3.5K RPMs as opposed to "just more torque." And yes, I'm actually glad I have one of the few N/A engines, because of the infamous electronic throttle/TCS problem (Google "SAAB + TCS + oh poo poo my car is in permanent limp mode" for more). I could go on and on about how much nicer the 9000 is inside and out, but the pictures speak for themselves. Nice side profile...  Front angle  Click here for the full 640x480 image. Other angle  Click here for the full 640x480 image. Everyone loves a shot of the rear  Click here for the full 640x480 image. The interior is pretty much flawless up front...  Click here for the full 640x480 image. ...And in the rear (sorry for the blurry shot)  Click here for the full 640x853 image. So there it is. SAAB man for life here. The quality is tangible and satisfying. I'll have to check back in a year to see if my opinion has changed. And no, I have no intention of even starting a turf war with all the Volvo fans. I just happen to have my opinions of the two manufacturers based on my limited knowledge.  localized posted:Someone should start a Saab thread...  keykey posted:I would like to make an addendum to this thread that really should be in the OP. Never should you consider a Saab fixed, a Saab can only be temporarily repaired. Saabs are as temperamental as a 1 year old while teething. You love the car while everything is taken care of, then 4 weeks after your previous fix, something else goes and there goes the obscenities. The pie chart for swearing as per activity should have equal shares of Mario Kart and Saab breaking again. Francis Baconator fucked around with this message at 03:14 on Oct 10, 2011 |
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Nov 23, 2009 04:43
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Thanks, I'm pretty sure I lucked out on this one. Cosmetically, just a couple chips I can easily touch up and zero rust. I agree with you, though, there's something about a 900/9000 that appeals in a way no other car really does. For the longest time I was a total Volvo fag, but slowly made my over to the SAAB corner after being drawn in by the "baseball cap" shaped 900s. Also, the seats on it are certifiably ridiculous. It's usually about 25 degrees around here in the mornings and those seat warmers make it a lot easier to drive to work. Of course, the 900 had good seats too, just not AS good.Tsu posted:I own a classic 900 and a '95 9000. They're both wonderful and to anyone considering purchasing one... do it! You'll love these things.
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Nov 23, 2009 18:13
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ssh posted:That is a beautiful 9000; I'm jealous. Let me know when you decide to sell it next week to get a 9-5. Also, I'll be sure to PM you when I get rid of it, but I'm sure if I'm smart, I'll hold onto it for a little bit.
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Nov 23, 2009 20:24
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Captain Crunk posted:let it be known, I loving LOVE 3-spoke wheels. They kind of remind me of viking axes being spun around and around as you go down the road. Very Nuclear Tourist posted:Uh-oh. Looks like Koenigsegg is bailing out of the Saab deal. I wonder what will become of Saab now? Probably sold to the chinese for pocket change, I'd imagine.
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Nov 24, 2009 22:43
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kimbo305 posted:I'd preemptively change the oil, and stock up on a DIC while you're at it.
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Nov 25, 2009 14:18
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ab0z posted:What's a DIC fer?
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Nov 25, 2009 15:57
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ab0z posted:Thanks, I remember hearing the term but couldn't recall the definition. I'll certainly use OEM plugs. (anyone have the model number handy for this car?)
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Nov 25, 2009 16:11
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Sabmo posted:Great purchase dude! That is a very fine looking 9000 you have there. As people have pointed out already it's getting way too hard to find classic Saabs in that sort of condition. I've always thought that the 9000 was under appreciated - they really are awesome cars. I've had my 5-speed Aero for around 7 months and I've enjoyed every single second I've spent with it. I still take the long way home. Here she is:  Even though mine is N/A, it's still fun to throw around with the 5 speed and it doesn't have that pesky TCS. And where else can you buy a car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro on the cheap? I was visiting the other SAAB thread and it was really encouraging to see the other folks talking about picking up 900/9000s. Maybe not the best press, but it's still some attention for an under-appreciated make. Sometimes, I wonder what would've happened if GM got Volvo and Ford got SAAB...even though they both got unloaded in the end. The other thing I sometimes think about is the differences between the 900 and the 9000. The 9000s are a great deal more refined than the 900s, IMO. The slightly Jetronic in the 900 seemed to steadily breathe while it ran and the servos in the heat/air system sighed as you adjusted it...you don't get that with the 9000's automatic climate control.  Still, they're both great cars and I'm glad I had a chance to drive both.Captain Crunk posted:The boost gauge isn't all that inaccurate - it's just not labeled with anything. Though on every stock Saab I've driven the gauge should go up to the top of the yellow and stop. Middle of yellow sounds like you're stuck at 'base boost' which is where the wastegate on the turbo will open if your BPC (boost pressure control) valve fails, which they often do. 
Francis Baconator fucked around with this message at 20:35 on Dec 19, 2009 |
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Dec 19, 2009 20:32
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InitialDave posted:Yep, they're 225bhp, but the in-gear acceleration belies that fact. They shift. Also, I don't know about the US versions, but UK ones didn't have TCS or any kind of LSD. They handle pretty well though - There's a fair chance that trying to drive fast by just planting your right foot will see you understeer off the first roundabout you come to, but if you make sure the car does what it's drat well told, you can cover ground with phenomenal alacrity.  The 900 is great for beginners, but the 9000 will reward you if you have any skill.
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Dec 19, 2009 21:27
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Sabmo posted:Thanks, man! It's done around 135,000 miles and still runs as smooth and reliable as anything, admittedly after very regular servicing. Having said that, today I experienced my very first DIC failure! I truly feel part of the Saab family now. Under the hood? There'd be nothing to see unfortunately - it'd probably look almost identical to yours. I haven't had the chance to do anything to it yet but we will see what the future brings. Perhaps I will get sick of 'enough' power after at some point. As far as gearing goes, here's what I've found: 1st gear 0-15 mph (though probably closer to 10 or 12 is ideal) 2nd gear 15-25 mph 3rd gear 25-35 mph 4th gear 35-45 mph 5th gear 45-?? mph Of course, YMMV. I'm usually pushing about 2,150-2,250 RPM at 60 mph. So yeah, I pretty much agree 100% with you on the gearing. Of course, my 2.3 NA doesn't really do too much in the department of mind warping. Also, good to know I'm not the only one who appreciated the little things in the 900. Kinda makes me wish I had a 900 and a 9000. Then I could enjoy something a little more visceral and "alive" or choose something more refined and comfortable.
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Dec 24, 2009 01:08
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ab0z posted:Cool, thanks for the link. I may need to order a couple things from there. Great place, though, and I'm not even getting paid to say it.bung: If you have the chance, test a known good DI cassette. Or, if you have the money, order a new or used one and put it in to save yourself the trouble on your misfire. Sometimes the path of least resistance is worth it even if it costs.
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Jan 7, 2010 07:05
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The 2.3 is a helluva'n engine. 2.0 is great too. But I've heard nothing good about the V6 engine (sludging, HG problems I think?). Maybe it's just "lol GM sux," but I haven't heard much good about the NG SAABs, though that's not from my own experience. Take it as you will, but they are rebadged Opels. If it feels nice, has a good service record and you can get it for the right price, I don't see why you need to run from it if it doesn't have that lousy V6.
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Jan 7, 2010 17:55
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kimbo305 posted:Maybe you guys can help me out. My gf's 1999 9-3 is on its last legs, and she really doesn't want to get another one. She really likes the car's features, of which there are many: In my experience, most of the NG (i.e. GM) SAABs are often unremarkable and oftentimes are unreliable. As you probably well know, they aren't even really SAABs. They're Opels with some SAAB technology stuffed in them. That said, here's my suggestion. 900s are really a driver's car (SPG trim, thank you). They're also very unique, which isn't hard to tell if you've seen one. The interior, though unusual, is well-laid out and thoughtful, as well as comfortable. Overall, a great car if you don't mind owning one made as late as '93 and technically '94. The problem is that you have a car whose engine and chassis will outlive some particularly annoying parts. Primarily, though not made of glass, the transmissions can be particular and, if not maintained well, fragile. Another concern is that the CV boots and CV axle love to leak. Not a big deal, but some people hate that. Finally, since the cars love to run warm by design, you have to be aware of the cooling system. If that doesn't worry you, then start looking, you're halfway there. The 9000 is a slightly different animal. It was built on a joint platform between Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo. It handles a bit heavier, is more isolated inside but overall, still a great daily driver for someone who enjoys a car with personality and prowess. With the greater roadfeel and noise isolation, it's not hard to tell it was more geared toward luxury than performance. Even still, if you get a Carlsson/Griffin/Aero version, you will turn that statement upside-down. Since it carries the SAAB thoroughbred 2.3, you'll still want to watch your cooling system, though you can be a great deal more confident. In my experience, the only real mechanical problem you need to watch out for is the DI cassette. You can greatly prolong its life by using OEM spec NGK plugs, per your owner's manual, gapped correctly and doused with dielectric grease. I've heard of other 9000 owners breaking 200,000 on their original DI cassette by following that advice. Deviate from that at your own risk. Aside from that, the transmission is far more robust and everything seems to be built quite solidly, less prone to failure. The trademark 2.0 engine oil weepage (common and harmless) is less apparent on the 2.3s and there really isn't too terribly much more to worry yourself about. Just be a mindful owner, maintain it and you'll be rewarded. Like most luxury cars, there are loads of options that may need adjustment or replacement here and there, but they're not nearly as failure prone as you may think. Another bonus is that the parts aren't as expensive as you'd be led to believe. There's tons of online parts retailers, and what you can't find there can be usually bought on eBay for cheapo. Both SAAB-made engines will outlive the car and can survive almost any neglectful owner. They've been known to continue indefinitely without a hitch after being rebuilt for new head gaskets multiple times. If you want to learn more, visit http://jope.fi/saab/www.quasimotors.com In short, both cars offer your girlfriend what she's looking for, just in different ways. Both are excellent choices assuming you're willing to wrench on it as needed and she trusts you to do it.
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Jan 12, 2010 05:06
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kimbo305 posted:I would own either of those cars happily. But I don't have the wherewithal to work on her cars and she'd prefer a model that is maintain and forget. If the cars are mostly reliable, she might consider it, especially if problems are minor. But something like a finicky cooling system is not something she wants to have to lurking in the back of her mind.
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Jan 12, 2010 05:21
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localized posted:I have heard a lot about cutting a hole in the floor to access the fuel pump, but where exactly would I cut the hole? My fuel gauge is stuck at 1/4 of a tank, and the PO said that it did that after they replaced the fuel pump a few thousand miles ago.
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Jan 22, 2010 03:03
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localized posted:Thanks. The real problem is that the fuel gauge isn't affected by whats in the tank. Would this be in the sending unit or in the float itself?
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Jan 26, 2010 05:45
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I owned a '93 9000 CSE. All the 2nd generation ones are based off the joint Alfa/Lancia platform. Mine had no rust and they supposedly used galvanized metal on the body, though it is fairly thin metal IMO. I mean, who wants a non-galvanized, allegedly executive car with rust holes? When I bought mine, I got the non-turbo with about 125K on it and it was in great shape, but YMMV. Here's the big things to watch out for. Watch out for a bad heater core (smells like maple syrup/coolant) in the cap with the heat on. Try to NOT get the turbo version because it has a lovely early version of traction control with a TCS throttle body that is failure-prone and expensive as poo poo. Also, watch for some "walk" in the shifter if it's a manual transmission. That would indicate bad motor mounts and those aren't expensive, but they are a bitch. For further reference, there's a site some dude out there made that has piles of useful info on 9000s. If someone knows what it is, post it. If I remember, I'll update this post.
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Apr 12, 2010 03:33
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SaabFanatic posted:Francis, That said, he's still a cool guy and offered me his '72 SAAB 95 wagon in polar white. That thing is beyond awesome, but the wife won't have it. That's why I've got another thread about an AMC Rambler wagon going on. Also, I did see an ad for my old 900 for sale too. His kid is selling it to get a truck, but I did contact him about it. I told him it'd be cool to have it back again, but he lost one of my $25 hubcaps and tried to sell it to me for $1k, the same price I sold it to his parents for. No way I'd buy back my old car for the same price I paid.  Plus, driving your old car, now ragged, that was in perfect condition when you sold it, would be sort of a downer. Anyway, end of rant.
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Aug 27, 2010 06:47
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Ok, guys. I need your help. Ironically, I started this thread with a silver 900 and then sold it. Now I'm back  The stipulation? This is to be my last gently caress-around car. Like, ever.It's a 1988 SAAB 900 S sedan. I know, the hatches are cooler, but there's something endearing about a car shaped like a bowler hat. At least it's a manual. She's silver with red interior, got alloy rims and about 165k on the clock. He put on an aftermarket cd player, magnaflow exhaust and some wacky cold air intake mod. Total cost: $500 USD. The bad: he says it uses some oil (I thought all 900s did for rustproofing, amirite?), needs either a new wheel bearing or cv joint, has literally 2 spots of rust (to be pictured) and also needs a new alternator. Whelp, at least I saved some parts from my old 900, including an alternator. I'm going to take it in to get tested. I also have a replacement antenna mast, heater core, some random hoses and a few air mass meters. I would have to get there early and replace the alternator on the spot to have a chance of driving it home an hour and 15 minutes away. Here's some pictures (please note, sorta big images): Face shot.  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. Angle shot.  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. 'Ello, what's this? A whale tail?  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. Pretty nice interior.  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. drat ricers all doing poo poo...  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. Oh poo poo, cancer.  Click here for the full 1024x768 image.  Click here for the full 1024x768 image. There you have it. Now I'll wait for some semi-anonymous internet dudes to tell me how to spend my money. Francis Baconator fucked around with this message at 04:31 on Sep 13, 2010 |
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Sep 13, 2010 04:27
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Viggen posted:I probably should not offer advice on this as a new guy, but I've also looked at 900s because of their relative cheapness, and more than a few 900S in my day
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Sep 13, 2010 05:34
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Nice, Viggen. Not to be confused with "nice viggen." poo poo, I think that's the first real (classic) SAAB in this thread in a long time. I drove a 3 speed auto convertible once and I hated it. Those 3 speeds are garbage IMO, though the one in my example was pretty thrashed. The other problem was that it had a pool in the back, amongst the convertible stowage. Looks like that one is in good shape. Go for it if you like it. By the way, does it have any rogue fluid leaks?
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Jan 29, 2011 02:38
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localized posted:I have a mystery coolant leak on my 900SE. The water pump was leaking when I bought the car, but I replaced that and it hasn't leaked from there since. The level on the tank slowly drops until the sensor tells me its low and I fill it back up. It doesn't seem like a leaky head gasket, because it doesn't seem to be burning any coolant. It will leave a puddle (more like a stain actually) of coolant under the motor sometimes, but last time I had it jacked up it was completely dry underneath. This isn't really a SAAB specific question, just looking for ideas I guess. Let it be known that the only real way to check the freeze plugs on the B202 is to reach blindly under the exhaust manifold and check your fingers. It's drat tight under there, at least it was for my meaty paws. If anything else comes to mind on possible places to check, I'll let you know.
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Feb 3, 2011 04:12
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Viggen posted:It was in impeccable shape. Owner decided he didn't want to sell because I wanted to sleep on it overnight. Offered full price, and he decided no deal. Top was impeccable, everything was perfect.
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Feb 5, 2011 01:24
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Viggen posted:First not-a-goddamn-Zombie I've seen here in 3 years. What's a zombie? A car that survives only to eat the parts of the living. Yeah, I was pissed, but, what can you do? Also, you make a good point. I've seen only two condition types for C900s: "why aren't you in the junkyard yet?" and "slightly above average."
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Feb 8, 2011 00:55
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Viggen posted:It's a 900S, automatic, and it's going to need a steering rack, amongst other things. Have you considered driving over here? You have no idea how many cute things I'd kill to own that.
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Feb 11, 2011 03:46
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First, I have to say congrats to Viggen. I love those 9000s. On a side note, I saw the one I sold to someone I thought was a SAAB enthusiast. It was covered in mud and ragged to poo poo.  I do have a question, however. Even though I know a good deal bout the classic SAABs, I don't know very much about the GM/Opel SAABs. I'm looking at a 2003 9-5 Linear Sport wagon with 52K on the clock. The Autocheck looks clean and shows only 1 owner, so that's encouraging. One thing I did read about is problems with sludging on these engines. Is that a widespread concern (and how hard is it to update the PCV)? Also, is there anything else I should watch out for on this baby?
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Apr 19, 2011 04:34
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Your Dead Gay Son posted:So since the summer has been ramping up the heat where I live (almost to the 100s), my '89 saab 900 has started acting like a big sweaty baby. Regarding the fuel gauge and busted filler neck, well, I could never put more than like 8 gallons in mine and the fuel gauge was more like a guesstimate or suggestion. I would guess that's par for the course. Not really sure what the hissing is all about. Possibly check out the FPR or PCV.
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Jun 29, 2011 01:43
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Your Dead Gay Son posted:Yeah, I was thinking that.
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Jun 30, 2011 03:31
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Viggen posted:I assume this would be a common thing for authorized dealers/resellers to setup on the warranty work/etc chain, but I've never actually heard of this being done.
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Sep 14, 2011 05:38
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keykey posted:I would like to make an addendum to this thread that really should be in the OP. Never should you consider a Saab fixed, a Saab can only be temporarily repaired. Saabs are as temperamental as a 1 year old while teething. You love the car while everything is taken care of, then 4 weeks after your previous fix, something else goes and there goes the obscenities. The pie chart for swearing as per activity should have equal shares of Mario Kart and Saab breaking again.
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Oct 10, 2011 03:15
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kimbo305 posted:Should I be intrigued by this?:
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Jan 16, 2012 05:50
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localized posted:http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/2800000438.html
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Jan 22, 2012 07:05
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Viggen posted:Full circle in: About two years?
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Jan 22, 2012 23:09
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lexleningrad posted:Just finished purchasing this today..
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Apr 28, 2012 07:38
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lexleningrad posted:I'll have a bunch of pictures and videos to post sometime tomorrow night, I'll post some of the literature too if anyone is interested in seeing it.  Speaking of which, I might have a C900 deal cooking right now. Finally wore the wife down to letting me have another crack at SAAB ownership. I'll know more closer to the middle of the month.
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May 3, 2012 00:29
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Kim Jong III posted:
Viggen posted:Depends, really. Most are just stock Bosch, and the like. Some things are difficult, like an '89 non-Turbo ECU which is known for eating itself, and being rare to find, already. But on the whole, older parts are currently still more plentiful than LG95. Obviously, it's different for everyone, but my wife and I already have two vehicles under warranty. So this is a hobby car for me because I'm took chicken to get a motorcycle, heh.
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May 4, 2012 01:18
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Viggen posted:Oh sure.. you're just going to  We bought it from out of state and an auto transport is coming to pick it up as we speak. I'm totally stoked. Only 109K, clean convertible top, one of my favorite colors on the 900, has the 2.1 and the interior is in excellent shape. It's virtually pristine.  The only catch is that the wife didn't want me messing around with a turbo, so it's N/A and has an auto (she wanted to drive it too).Here's the rest of the high-res album the PO uploaded for me. More sweet, sweet SAAB 900 pictures
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May 7, 2012 23:58
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It's gorgeous. SAAB could've given Volvo a run for their money with something like that. I think I just found my new desktop.
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May 13, 2012 16:28
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The auto transport company notified me that my 900 will be loaded up tomorrow, the 16th. It should be here no later than the 22nd. Usually, they come sooner, but I'd be fine with that. Best birthday gift ever. Can't wait! EDIT: Got the phone number for the carrier. Looks like they'll be picking up the 900 on the 17th. Oh well, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, still stoked.
Francis Baconator fucked around with this message at 00:25 on May 17, 2012 |
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May 16, 2012 04:28
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My '93 900S convertible got dropped off by auto transport today. I've got complete accessories and service history, all the original sales/owners materials and even the window sticker. This puppy originally had an MSRP of $33K! Anyway, everything is beautiful. Dash is clean and crack-free, leather is in great shape, etc. I cleaned out and conditioned the whole interior. Still waiting on the horse hair brush, top cleaner and conditioner, so I may delve under the hood tomorrow after work instead. Can't wait! This is the one to keep. To be buried in. I. Will. Not. Sell. This. Car. Pictures will follow!
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May 23, 2012 05:20
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