[PekkaAnttila]

For SAAB 2.3 Turbo - what might be the maximum reasonable expected mileage - in all / 'til major repairs.

My last SAAB 900 iA I bought as new in July 1988 and sold to Russia in December 2002 after 435.000 km. Had changed the oil+filter+sparks regularly every 10.000 km so the engine was working pretty fine. Did not take sufficient care of autobox and that was changed twice.

Of course 9000 Griffin is totally different to 900.

Thanks for your comments

 

[Paul D]

Totally depends on how it is driven (sounds like you treat them well! , as well as service intervals.

I recon to get 200,000 miles (320km approx) on my 2 Eco automatic (1998 Anniversary). I understand manual boxes won't last as long as an auto (all things being equal) and hence don't normally make the 200k miles mark.

 

[djtaylor]

Now I thought that the auto box falls apart at 99,942 miles?

The manuals (as I understand it) need replacing because 3rd gear gets hammered but on the auto box, it's the whole thing that dies.

All I know is that my Aero had a new box prior to my purchasing it.

David.

 

[Paul D]

Hi Dave,

Interesting comment - I think we are both right! .
Based on feedback I have gained on this incredible site(!) and other specialists, the older design autoboxes were less reliable than the manuals. But newer units are more reliable than the manuals. The transition date must be somewhere around 1994 - although I'd appreciate more accurate info on date when autoboxes were upgraded by Saab.

One Saab Service Manager reconed my 1998 autobox would be typically good for 150k miles, and the Technical help specialist (and Ex Saab Master Technician) on the Saab Owners Club recons they are good for 200k miles.

I have clocked a genuine 140K miles, and the autobox is as good now as it has ever been.

But, fail to change oil, and any build up of small deposits will quickly knacker an autobox - so servicibng IS very important, although prone ot be overlooked on non-maindealer serviced cars.

B-regards,
Paul

 

[robjgc1969]

I pretty sure the ZF gearbox has remained unchanged throughout its life. You can reach 200,000 miles on an LPT auto. With regular oil changes you should get 100,000 on a FPT. If you heavy footed from a standstill and kick down from 4th to 2nd you can get as little as 30,000. I've only had FPT's and gone through 5 gearboxes in my time. The oldest gearbox (1988) lasted the longest 100k. Brand new ZF gearbox last year (not recon) is dying after 20K. Timing chains normally need looking at 100k-130k.