Saab 900 Opinions

mumblin deaf ro

What do you think of this:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C95530/

I have asked some Saab heads here and they suggested posting on this forum. I plan to get a full classic car inspection done by a UK company - they do a full (they say four hour) inspection (they suggest that i attend also) and produce a report.

VRT is about €740 according to the VRT calculator.

It's old enough for classic car insurance.

This is my first dip into classic cars (next will probs be a 2cv for the missus) so any advice appreciated. I've spent the last six months or so planning this and have lance cole's book and read the usual saab sites.

Headlining recently done; gear box changed in 2005 (turbo too 'apparently').

I know to look out for electrics, rust under doors, slipping out gear in third or reverse - anything else?

Thanks a mill

Ro

PaulK_CCI

the 900 Turbo's are wonderfully practical and rugged cars and combine excellent performance with smooth and balanced road holding, and they have the most comfortable car seats of all cars.

I used to own an Irish 81 900 EMS in late eighties/early nineties, and here in Holland, one of my own cars is a Black 3door 83 900 Turbo which I picked up in France, so I guess I am slightly biassed

Things to watch out for:
- cracked exhaust manifold! Can't be got as a new replacement part, only welding or potluck e-bay/2ndhand find.
- rust at the base of the front suspension tower, and most notably on the inside where the drive shaft goes through. Very difficuly to repair. Also suspension struts at the rear tends to be rusted through.
- Aero kits are desastrous for hiding rust!! If any way possible, remove before purchase, as it can be a minefield underneath
- Gearbox is weak: 3rd and 5th, popping out of reverse... etc. but if replaced, should be fine (although try to find out if it was reconditioned box, or just a 2nd hand box...)
- Engines are fairly bullet proof and the 16valve offers strong performance.
- The engine management system relies on vaccuum operated hoses and tubes, and they tend to get manky over time, so chekc the car is running smooth and properly.

I would take the seller's words about performance with a pinch of salt, as from the pics I don't see any proof of major tweaking under the bonnet. Car even still has its black box APC unit, as switching it for the more powerfull Red box APC unit is generally the first step into squeezing more bhp out of the car...

manta mad

that looks good !!!!

not too mant left over here now

mumblin deaf ro

Thanks for the comments - a great help.

Any more views very welcome.

Ro