Am I nuts? Lusting for a Saab SPG.

[speedracing944]

I have been going back and forth lusting after the classic Saab SPG. They are head to find in nice shape and with less than 1 million miles. I know the transmission does not like abuse but I still like the car. 175 Hp turbo with a 5 speed, seating for 5 people and a generous hatch area. It is quirky in a cool sort of way which you do not find in new cars.

Am I crazy or what?







Speedy

[audiman08]

Other than the torque steer and awkward looks, it looks fun

[Laneco]

I think those are really cool. Isn't this the one where the key is on the console so that it locks the transmission?

Weird to look under the hood though. It's like 'hey - it's in there backwards"! Probably great for weight distribution, might be a pain for belts and water pump. Haven't worked on one though to be able to say for sure.

angela

[trekkor]

I like it.


KT

[jcunning]

I've had my SPG for over 15 years now. I've upped the HP to about 260 and it is a hoot to drive. I have blown three trannies so far, but this last one has been beefed up and is great. Having a LSD really helps keep the the torque steer controllable. Plus the boost comes on late (2500 rpm) and hard (20 psi max) so you have plenty of time to get the wheels straight.

A regular stock SPG is still a fun car, but doesn't have the crazy boost like the modified turbos. Upping HP on these cars can get expensive as parts like trannies (4K) and fuel/igntion changes (stock limits are around 220HP) are not readily available. Pretty much everything has to be custom made.

My SPG is definitly faster than the 3.2 911 in a straight line, however it can't compare when going through the twisties. I think an old 930 is the perfect blend of the twisty handling with the big boost feeling.

Here is my car.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by speedracing944

Am I crazy or what?

Yes. Definately crazy.

I've driven Saabs. Hope I never have to again. Miserable cars.

I'd rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass than to drive a Saab.

I would sob if I drove a Saab.

[89911]

My first car was an 86 900 turbo. Whats not to like? Turbo lag that was measured in minutes. Torque steer that will rip the steering wheel from your hands. A really big car that you still need to get out to let someone in the back seat. The turbo lasted about 2 years before it failed. Memories.

[RANDY P]

What about parts availability?

You might be asking for it.

rjp

[DanielDudley]

How about a Viggen ? I like those a lot, and they are at about the bottom of the depreciation curve.

[esample]

You're not crazy at all. I had a 900T. Got 30 mpg cruising at 115 with a sofa in the trunk. Was still running great when I gave it away with 300K miles on the clock. The tricky part, as you noted, is finding a nice one. Most examples are in the NE and have lots of winter miles on them (rust).

Good luck!

-e

[Buckterrier]

Yes, although the early 900 turbos were awesome cars.

[kaisen]

Yes, you're crazy. And you must like to wear Birkenstock, ugly scratchy sweaters, and funny knit hats with long dangly straps. Quirky boy.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Yes, you're crazy. And you must like to wear Birkenstock, ugly scratchy sweaters, and funny knit hats with long dangly straps. Quirky boy.

A WASP? ya he would LOL....

rjp

[stuartj]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

Yes. Definately crazy.

I've driven Saabs. Hope I never have to again. Miserable cars.

I'd rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass than to drive a Saab.

I would sob if I drove a Saab.

Agree. Understeering underpowered overweight front wheel spinning lard arsed P'sOS.

Although I know of one Turbo that was been stripped and made into a track day car that goes pretty good.

[speedracing944]

1/

Originally Posted by kaisen

Yes, you're crazy. And you must like to wear Birkenstock, ugly scratchy sweaters, and funny knit hats with long dangly straps. Quirky boy.

Actually quite the opposite. I have never driven a 900 turbo so I may be idealizing the car sort of like how people who have never driven a Harley Davidson still lust after them.

Speedy

[Tim Hancock]

The thought of owning a Saab makes me feel like vomitting. I can think of no uglier car from the era..... To each their own however, so buy want you want.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You're not crazy. I've owned a 900 and a 9000 Aero, except for the torque steer they were both great cars. The hatchback is HUGE inside, I hauled pipe, lumber, etc with mine. I've seen pictures of them with washers, refridgerators, etc in the back.....try that with most other sports sedans. Very quick, especially on the highway, and easily 30+ MPG. Mine were both easy to work on, and parts are readily available. Plus they're different, unlike the ubiquitous BMW you don't see them everywhere.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

The hatchback is HUGE inside, I hauled pipe, lumber, etc with mine.

Don't buy an old Saab if you are thinking it will help you LAY pipe with your lumber.

But, yeah, they'll haul big stuff in the hatch.... like the deuce you pick up at the bar at last call.

[Jim Bremner]

ugly, eurorific, check! rear wheel drive check!

[ghost1001]

Yes...yes you are....