99 Turbo

[Saab900]

Hi people,

I am starting to consider purchasing a second car as a weekend/pleasure vehicle. Well its either that or a motorbike and they are dangerous right?!

So I am thinking about a 99 Turbo. Id love a two door one. Has anyone got any tips of what to look for and where to buy? They would be greatly appreciated.

Also re they still up to an odd commute to work and back?

Many thanks

[serjeant]

Welcome Saab900.

The 99 2 door turbo is an ideal weekend/pleasure car. Not too many around as there were only 400 red and 200 black models imported to the UK. Black ones were supposed to be nade in Finland to a better standard (red in Sweden) though mine is black and Swedish made!

Get the best you can afford. Look out for service history, and as much documentation as possible. Turbo wastgates go after around 3 years, gearboxes can get a bit fragile after 100K - engine are fine if regular synthetic oil change, though timing chain is a problem to fix. Mechanically they are very reliable - my car still has its original engine & gearbox and has yet to have a mechanical breakdown after 20+ years of driving .

As to someone who sells and manitains these cars, I suggest you call Martyn at Jamsaab (0117 986 997) and will be able to give you a lot more info. I would not hesitate in recommending him. Tel him I said so

David D

[nutcase]

I can 2nd that reccomendation, just don't nick the bits he's collating for me! The guy is a fountain of knowledge, and has been very helpful. Mind you, the amount I'm about to spend with him...

[chris baillies]

Of course, Naranto's has been owned from new and is scrupulously maintained...this is what you should aim for

I'd advise to by the best you can afford and check them out very carefully.

Look out for rot, 1980 models can and do rot badly and much is disguised by the undercoating...

Gearboxes can be notchy - syncro on second can be weak and check for whining at 55-60mph.

Engines are pretty unburstable but watch for chain rattle on cold startup. Cylinder heads crack and/or become pourous especially if antifeeze mix hasn't been maintained...Waterpump can leak and is time-consuming to replace...

Pretty reliable but it's a 20+ year old car and once they've had a few owners....

[serjeant]

This arrived in my email this morning, so I thought I should pass it on:

Dear Sir or Madam

I have a red Saab 99 Turbo 2-door saloon that I bought in 1981 when it was 5
months old. I used to be a member of the SOC. I have not used the car for
10 years. It has lain in my garage and is neglected and rusty. Some
mechanical fettling is also required.
Do you know of anyone in the Strathclyde / Greater Glasgow area whom I might
approach to discuss the feasibility and cost of restoration?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you in anticipation
Lawrence McAlpine
Lawrence.McAlpine@laht.scot.nhs.uk

[Saab900]

Thank you al so very much for your words of encouragement. As usual I have found this board very useful. If you havnt tried it yet you take a lok at the 900 forum.

Cheers, I hope to own a nice 99 Turbo within the next few months

Happy Saabing

[binky]

Try keeping an eye on Saab Central for used 99T's

[SteveN]

Also have a look in the Saabscene classifieds (from the dropdown menu in this forum). Don't forget a weekly search of Autotrader , the SOC pages (often pricey but sometimes there's also a bargain "to a good home") . You could also try SAAB Trader . That lot should give you some idea of what to expect at the low and high ends of the market. Good luck

[Thorfinn]

Originally posted by binky:
[qb]Try keeping an eye on Saab Central for used 99T's [/qb][/b]

Saab Central? Where might they be, prithee kind sir?

[serjeant]

http://www.saabcentral.com