Swedish cars, part 2: any experience with the Saab 900/9-3, or 9000/9-5?

[onewhippedpuppy]

So I'm having trouble finding a Volvo as previously discussed, at least one in the condition I want, and in T-5 trim. But, there seem to be a great many Saabs in my price range (under $7k), with low miles, and in good shape. Best of all, you can get them with a stick. Reading on various Saab sites it seems that when well kept, they are very reliable. 9-3/9-5 have some sludge issues, but also an extended powertrain warranty to cover it, so it's not really an issue. Anyone owned one of these? Especially the 900SE, there's several 1998s in my area with a 5 speed, and around 80k on them. I'd love to find a 9000 aero 5 speed, but they're pretty scarce.

[Joeaksa]

Saabs are nice cars but are somewhat a cult car in that most everyone who owns them is just a bit "different" in some way.

I owned one for a year or so overseas and liked it but it was not for me. Finally saved up enough money for a 911 and got rid of the Saab.

One thing that hurts them is their service network. Not a lot of people know how to work on them, and not that many dealers the last time I looked.

Reason why you cannot find that many Volvo's is that the people who have them like them and drive them until they die, or upgrade. Well worth the hunt... IMHO.

[CurtEgerer]

I bought my wife a '98 900SE Turbo convertible 2 years ago. It's actually now my daughter's car. With one HUGE exception, it's been mechanically reliable. I personally don't like driving the car - it's not a 'fun' car to drive in the sense of a Porsche, BMW, or even a VW.

The one problem is the convoluted convertible top mechanism. It has broken at least 5 times. I've got thousands $$$ into repairing it. Do a google on it and you'll find an entire website on these POS tops. Next time the top craps out, I'm going to convert the car to a coupe by pulling the fuse!

They eventually changed the top mechanism to a hydraulic system, maybe in 99 or 2000 and it is bulletproof.

[84porsche]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Saabs are nice cars but are somewhat a cult car in that most everyone who owns them is just a bit "different" in some way.

I guess I am bit different too. I had a 1997 Saab 900SE for 3 years. It was an absolute blast to own. I unfortunately wrecked my car by "following too closely," according to the police report. I got the car used for 17k and put about 45,000 miles on it. Very reliable minus the waterpump and idler pulley which failed in the first 2 months after purchase. I never did a PPI and bought the car sight unseen from family which was my first mistake. I'll post some pix if I can find them. Would I buy another? Absolutely.

[Rick Lee]

My mom is on her third one and has had the same experience as Curt with his conv. top. The car has been in the shop over 20x since she bought it in July. She hates it with a passion now. Her '88 900 turbo cab was at least as problematic, but with 186k miles on it, didn't owe her too much more.

My folks always say how extravagant I am for having the cars I do, but mine never ever leave me stranded and I spend far less on maint. and aggravation than they do on their SAAB's. 993 has never been in the shop for a mechanical issue. BMW is the same.

[Nostril Cheese]

the NG900 and 93 are really fun to own and very tuneable. Just throw a manual pressure controller on there with a Porsche 930 blow off valve and crank up the boost.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'm looking for a 4 door, so the convertible top won't be an issue. Considering the other 4 doors in my price range, it's a pretty good bet. Quick car with some character, far more interesting than a Camry or Accord. Plus, a $7k Accord has 150k on it.

Most likely I'll be looking at a '97 900 SE 5 speed with 70k next weekend, I can probably pick it up for $6k. 0-60 in 6.5, and that's not even it's strong suit.

[VaSteve]

I have a friend that had two SAABs in high school that he told me always left him stranded. When he sold of his lemon Land Rover Discovery, he bought a more modern SAAB. I think it is a cult car, but I think you'd be better served with the Volvo. I had an S70 for two years.... I sold it because my wife wanted an AWD for the hellaceous snow we get in DC j/k and so I got an AWD BMW (which is what I wanted when we bought the Volvo). Volvo was a nice car...just not a BMW. I found it to be more roomy than the BMW though.

[svandamme]

mum has a 900/93 cab SE turbo
has had it for i think 6-7 years now, bought it second hand , never misses a beat
the ragtop sometimes needs an adjustment, but seals well, very good ragtop in terms of isolation , cold and/or noise alike

the interior is incredibly good, the leather seats are top notch and the dash position and roof line feel like a cockpit you strap on... one of the best car interiors i've had the pleasure of driving in... from a drivers perspective that is, i'm sure other big cars like 7series, rolls , maybachs and what not have more impressive interiors for folks who like to be driven, and don't drive themself...

[onewhippedpuppy]

I would consider the Volvo, but an S70 T5 5 speed is very difficult to find. 850 T5 or T5R models are all autos, which is not good. Even then, I would consider one, but there's not any around here of interest. On top of all that, the Saabs seem to have less problems, are faster, and more distinctive (for better or worse).

[livi]

I grew up with SAAB.

Generally good, reliable cars - but IMO booooring. Kind of tractoresque.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I should also add, parts online seem to be cheaper than the Volvo (or BMW). So are, ahem, mods. 270 HP/ 295 lb-ft with a chip, exhaust, intake, and wastegate, maybe $1500 worth of stuff. Probably won't ever do it, but if I really like the car, who knows.......

[svandamme]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
I should also add, parts online seem to be cheaper than the Volvo (or BMW). So are, ahem, mods. 270 HP/ 295 lb-ft with a chip, exhaust, intake, and wastegate, maybe $1500 worth of stuff. Probably won't ever do it, but if I really like the car, who knows.......

folks say that build and design quality has gone downhill since they became "GM"

[SLO-BOB]

I wouldn't. I've had three. The only good one was a 66 96. Now THAT's a great car. Any Saab made after that is ****e. Stick to BMW. An iX will be better in snow and more reliable.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Trust me, reliable is not an adjective I would use to describe my 325i, or my 540i. Both were a royal pain in the ass. As for my next car, under $7k doesn't buy much BMW. Jumping to a car that is 4 years and 80k younger should be beneficial.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
I should also add, parts online seem to be cheaper than the Volvo (or BMW). So are, ahem, mods. 270 HP/ 295 lb-ft with a chip, exhaust, intake, and wastegate, maybe $1500 worth of stuff. Probably won't ever do it, but if I really like the car, who knows.......

PM me.

I know exactly what you need to do..

[SLO-BOB]

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
Trust me, reliable is not an adjective I would use to describe my 325i, or my 540i.

That was my subtle humor. I'm familiar with your recent foibles with the 3er. Did the noise go away?

The key word here is "more" as in, even if the 325i is unreliable, it will be more reliable than any Saab.

I did miss the 7k cap. Probably can't get a decent Ix for that anyway.

Get a Honda.

[VaSteve]

Matt, as much as I hate to say it...with a young family and a limited budget, you need to stay aware from European "luxury" cars.

[Gene Wilkes]

You can get a LOT of SUBARU for that amount! super reliable and the WRX is a killer ride!

[SLO-BOB]

For 7k you can get thisBMW

Or this Saab

Or this Honda

I know which way I would go. As far as Subarus, a Saab 93 is a Subaru. The Outbacks are notorious for blown headgaskets. Basically necessitates a new motor. $$$