Originally Posted by speeder (Post 4903704)

My experience is all with older Saabs, pre-'95 900s and old 96s. I've always loved that company and their cars but it's not an unconditional love. The older 900s were bullet-proof w/ proper maintenance with the exception of one glaring exception, the transmissions. Auto or manual, they all grenade way before the rest of the car does. They had other niggling problems w/ electrics, etc., but nothing out of the norm for affordable cars that were well-used. (Not fair to compare to MB or Toyota, IMO).

I'm friendly w/ the guys at Swedish Motors in L.A., a really good independent shop that only works on Saabs and Volvos. They are Swede immigrants and really know these cars in a way that dealer wrenches never could, (I worked at both Saab and Volvo dealers in another lifetime). The newest cars that they service are out of warranty and range back to cobbled-together examples w/ a zillion miles. My advice would be to find a shop like this in your town and make friends w/ them. Maybe stop by for some free advice followed-up by gift of high-test beer or the like. Swedes love beer. MN. has very similar shops, as you can imagine. ;) Get them talking and they will give you an education on which models to avoid, problem areas, etc... Internet boards are good too, of course.

The trans issues are related to the Ruby Goldberg-esque design of the FWD trans coupled w/ an in-line engine in the older cars. Eldorados and Toronados had the same set-up in the old days, I guess it never occurred to engineers to turn the motor sideways(?) Honda actually had an inline FWD car more recently, (some Acura model), I'm guessing that they perfected that design somehow. Anyhow, on older Saabs it's the weak link of the drivetrain, even w/ the lower-powered varients. With the newer ones that you are considering, it's a non-issue. I still think about getting an older 900 w/ a fresh trans for a cheap driver, they are just miles ahead of some old Japanese car in comfort, space and build quality. I'd put them equal to older BMWs in overall quality and miles ahead in spacial design and driving comfort. I've had several old E-30s and E-28s, they are very run-of-the-mill cars for comfort and interior design. Any old Saab w/ boxy design blows them away, IMO. :cool: