Which SAAB?

[Leo]

I'm looking at buying a 9000, I couldn't believe how cheap these cars are second hand! (big car depreciation I guess), I've done some research and the only thing that is putting me off is the apparent high cost of servicing and parts (is this a problem for SAAB owners?).
I'm looking at the CSE 2.0 LPT model from 1993 onwards, although I fancy a 2.3 turbo it has had bad reviews (quote "too hot to handle"), most of the cars I have looked at have been pretty high mileage too, with full service history but things like the climate control have been listed as a problem. Is the 900 a better car?, my father owned a '92 9000 turbo and it was a beautiful car to drive, I know I'll end up buying one but I just need some good advice before I make a decision (I've test driven a few dogs!). Cheers..

[cdcarlsson]

Hi Leo, good to have you on-board.

My advice:

1. Keep looking until you find a good one, never buy the first you see.
2. Get one that's been looked after, serviced regulaly at the same place etc.
3. Yes, parts aren't cheap, some alternatives are availible but sometimes original is the only source. Find a good specialist that knows what he's looking at, they charge a fraction of Main dealer prices for labour, and aren't averse to putting in alternative components.
4. The 2.3 Full Pressure Turbo will give you a grin the width of the Atlantic, IF it's performance you're after. Yes, fuel economy is not as strong ,but when driven gently will return 30+ mpg and much more on a run.
5. ACC (Climate Control) can be a pain, but if working fine is one of those things that you begin to wonder why more cars don't have it. Mines been OK since I've had my Aero thankfully.
6. High milage is NOT a problem as long as the car has had the appropriate money spent on it. Things that tend to be needed around 100k plus are, engine mounts (there are several and add up to a pretty penny) the top two are easy to see and give a fair indication of whether the bottom ones' require attention. If the top ones have splits around the rubber then you will also probably get excessive movement of the gearlever when going on or off the throttle.
The clutch hydraulic system can be an expensive problem as the slave cylinder is within the gearbox necessitating a 'box out job to replace if leaking. This makes it difficult to engage gear first thing in the morning, pumping the pedal sometimes overcomes this in the short term.
The '93 on 'short' gearbox can be prone to the syncro on reverse failing leading to 'crunched' gears on selection.
A smell of antifreeze in the car points to a leaking heater matrix, not the huge job it can be on many cars as it's accessible from outside under the black panel at the base of the windscreen, still a couple of hundred or so though.
This isn't an exhaustive list but a summation of my experience over ten years of 9000 ownership.

If all this makes the 9000 seem a problem it isn't. They are a great car, I'm on my third in ten years and the later ones' are the best, but make sure you have the funds or practical knowhow to keep yours in top shape....

Nick.

[SteveN]

Yes they are great cars and the prices are silly when you think what you get. I agree with what's just been said. Find a good specialist: there are a good few in the London area. Have a look at Quasi's site. Lots of good info (tho' not all model specs will be exact as it's US). As to high miles: 115k miles may be better than 85k as by then all the things that need doing around then should have been taken care of (eg., timing chain, engine mounts, gearbox...)

[kprm77]

Welcome to the board Leo!

I fancy a 2.3 turbo it has had bad reviews (quote "too hot to handle"), most of the cars I have looked at have been pretty high mileage too, with full service history but things like the climate control have been listed as a problem. *[/b]

"Too hot to handle" is probably true if you insist on driving at full throttle round 90 degree bends in the wet! I had the 2.3 Carlsson model which was 20 BHP up on the standard 2.3 Full Pressure Turbo. The car was massive fun - astounding mid range acceleration for a £2k car! Obviously in the wet you'd often lose traction when flooring it - when the TCS was playing up I could lose traction in 2nd and 3rd in the dry! Most excellent!

The TCS system is a biggie to watch out for - earlier cars (around 1991) had non-switchable TCS and could cost thousands to sort if they went totally. Having said that I know of a lot of cars that have had TCS warning lights showing (mine included) with no adverse affects (apart from getting burnt off by Fiesta's in the wet as you can't get the power down!)

As has been said, don't be scared of the big mileages - as long as they are supported by FULL Saab / Saab Specialist Service Histories.

My lowest mileage 9000 was 140,000. Of the three I had, the only thing that let me down (on 2 of them) was the alarm/immobiliser.

They can be expensive to sort, but as long as major things have been done, and the SH is up to date, you should be okay. After all you are looking to buy a prestige barge! For the money, they can offer unparalled space, safety and performance.

Downside is that you'd have to put up with us lot!

[kprm77]

Forgot to say - go for the 9000 Aero. Most people who buy LPT's (me included) yearn for more power after getting a feel for it in the Light Pressure cars - just miss out that step and get the 2.3 Aero! If you can find one with LPG - you're sorted for economy too!

[SteveN]

Most people who buy LPT's (me included) yearn for more power after getting a feel for it in the Light Pressure cars *[/b]

Too right

[saabman]

Originally posted by Kevin Mc:
[qb]Most people who buy LPT's (me included) yearn for more power after getting a feel for it in the Light Pressure cars[/qb][/b]

Maybe that should be "ALL" people who buy LPT's (me included) yearn for more power after getting a feel for it

[rst99]

You are not wrong.

[paulmanchester]

Why this sudden love of all thing aero?
a carlsson is what you want. oh yes it is indeed.

[cdcarlsson]

Have to agree a Carly is lovely, mine is still much missed...
But, find a good one , they are getting rarer by the day.
Nick.

[Gixer]

For the same money I got my '95 9K full turbo for I could have bought a '91 BMW. No contest. Equipment wise it has the lot. Looks are subjective I suppose. I have had many cars, but never, ever, has one of them got under my skin like my Saab. Specialists abound in the South East, and I can recommend Abbots for their knowledge. This site and Saabnet.com are wonderful sources of information. Everyone cares about their cars deeply. I have no regretted my purchase for a minute (unlike my Vectra and Mondeo) and see this as a car I will keep for many a year to come.