would anyone buy a saab 900?
Discussion
we've finally arrived in Melbourne and looking around for something cheap and reliable to hack around in for the next 12-18 months before funds start to recover from the move. I've noticed that there are a still a number of saab 900s 87-93 type models still kicking around, and although I've never owned one, these are a superior (oldish) barge imho. Before I blindingly succomb to purhasing the seemingly ubiquitous toyota camry, would appreciate some views and also any advice on where to service etc.
(Addiitionally would agree with previous advice, EU does have greener driving grass, have never driven so slowly b4, are the polizei paparrazzi on every corner?).
Cheers
(Addiitionally would agree with previous advice, EU does have greener driving grass, have never driven so slowly b4, are the polizei paparrazzi on every corner?).
Cheers
Yeah, wouldn't see anything wrong with one of them if you can find one in decent condition. A mate of mine had a 9000 turbo a good few years ago now and it was a decent enough car.
Most of them will tend to have reasonable specs out here too so likely they'll have leather etc and rust isn't such a problem as in the UK.
Seem to be quite a few Volvo 850 T5s etc kicking about too which might be worth a look in a similar veign.
Keep in mind even though Melbourne isn't that warm at the moment it'll certainly get that way in a few months time which can take a bit of getting used to when you first arrive - so make sure you get something with working aircon...
Most of them will tend to have reasonable specs out here too so likely they'll have leather etc and rust isn't such a problem as in the UK.
Seem to be quite a few Volvo 850 T5s etc kicking about too which might be worth a look in a similar veign.
Keep in mind even though Melbourne isn't that warm at the moment it'll certainly get that way in a few months time which can take a bit of getting used to when you first arrive - so make sure you get something with working aircon...
Edited by ariddell on Sunday 16th August 10:32
looks like the 900 turbo's are around 5 - 7.5K, however there aren't many around, there seems to be quite a few of the normally aspirated versions for about 3-4. Will let you know, should be seeing someone in Port Melbourne who says they Saab experts. Will make sure the a/c works - presume the best thing at the moment is to put the heater on and get the car hot and then switch straight to cold? can't think of any other way to check?
If its climate control then yes you will need to get the car hot and then turn the temp right down. If its regular A/C then just turn it to cold. Have a good listen when you do it...you will hear the clutch on the A/C unit kick in and the engine idle speed should change to so if the car stalls or there are any unusual noises then there will be a bit of a problem somewhere.
You should also take it for a decent test drive with the A/C on. Noisy bearings and the like dont always become apparent until the A/C unit has warmed up.
It would be wise to have a pre-sale inspection done. The RAC do them (though not on all cars) and most mechanics will do them, if you have found a SAAB specialist then thats even better.
You should also take it for a decent test drive with the A/C on. Noisy bearings and the like dont always become apparent until the A/C unit has warmed up.
It would be wise to have a pre-sale inspection done. The RAC do them (though not on all cars) and most mechanics will do them, if you have found a SAAB specialist then thats even better.
My understanding would be that they are pretty reliable anyway, the issue being that they are old and if something does go wrong, you're going to pay for it. Quite fancy a 900 or 9000 Turbo myself but you're adding to your risk with your forced induction. Nice though.
However, as in every post I wax lyrical about my $3k Vienta (Camry V6) with it's flawless reliability, freezing cold aircon, sweet silky V6 - I'm going to do the same here and say this is your best bet.
However, as in every post I wax lyrical about my $3k Vienta (Camry V6) with it's flawless reliability, freezing cold aircon, sweet silky V6 - I'm going to do the same here and say this is your best bet.
Let me tell you a story..
I had a day to buy a car when i arrived in Perth and found a nice back-street dodgy car lot to peruse.
the nicest shiniest car there was a dark blue Saab 900 4 door saloon. Mainly its paint work was flawless and i was only going to keep it until i found something nice. (I kept it three years)
The air con, did not hold gas... too expensive to fix, too big a flaw in WA to live with.
the electric windows were sloooow. but not as bad as the central locking, it took all day!
the handling was awful! Good luck if you buy a turbo...
then the ignition key rotated in the barrel one day... that led me to buy a screwdriver and use that as my ignition key. (for about three months)
in the meantime the previously badly welded gearstick fell off.
this led to the screwdriver being used as a gearstick once i had started the car with it. I never could get reverse though, so i always had to park with an exit!!
Amazlingly, after all that i only ever lost $2400 on that car.. i pity the guy who bought it (and said that he thought it drove very nicely
Good luck if you buy one, dont get a lemon (yes, i had the RAC check it)
the Toy-yoda would be much more reliable, but also much duller.
The Saab was never dull, i'll say that for it!!
I had a day to buy a car when i arrived in Perth and found a nice back-street dodgy car lot to peruse.
the nicest shiniest car there was a dark blue Saab 900 4 door saloon. Mainly its paint work was flawless and i was only going to keep it until i found something nice. (I kept it three years)
The air con, did not hold gas... too expensive to fix, too big a flaw in WA to live with.
the electric windows were sloooow. but not as bad as the central locking, it took all day!
the handling was awful! Good luck if you buy a turbo...
then the ignition key rotated in the barrel one day... that led me to buy a screwdriver and use that as my ignition key. (for about three months)
in the meantime the previously badly welded gearstick fell off.
this led to the screwdriver being used as a gearstick once i had started the car with it. I never could get reverse though, so i always had to park with an exit!!
Amazlingly, after all that i only ever lost $2400 on that car.. i pity the guy who bought it (and said that he thought it drove very nicely
Good luck if you buy one, dont get a lemon (yes, i had the RAC check it)
the Toy-yoda would be much more reliable, but also much duller.
The Saab was never dull, i'll say that for it!!
Hmmm, yeah parts on older Euros can indeed be tricky... Have found a load of bits for my 6 series BMW just about impossible to find over here so have resorted to ebay in Germany etc.
Rather than a Camry/Vienta, how about an early Lexus LS400? Quite a few of them around in the $5-7k range by the looks of it, bombproof reliability and v8 grunt/rwd combo for possibly a bit more entertainment value than a fwd v6.
Rather than a Camry/Vienta, how about an early Lexus LS400? Quite a few of them around in the $5-7k range by the looks of it, bombproof reliability and v8 grunt/rwd combo for possibly a bit more entertainment value than a fwd v6.
Edited by ariddell on Monday 17th August 08:01
Bought a Saab 93 Turbo Cab when we moved here out of desparation as I couldn't believe how expensive cars were here. I'd had an S3, Boxster and RS6 before moving here and this was the best I could do!
Worst car I have ever owned, nothing wrong with the car as such (bought it from a main dealer) but it was a horrible drive. Rattled and squeaked and scuttle shake was so bad it felt like you were driving two cars.
I also learnt that there's no point in a cab in Australia, it's either too hot or raining.
Worst car I have ever owned, nothing wrong with the car as such (bought it from a main dealer) but it was a horrible drive. Rattled and squeaked and scuttle shake was so bad it felt like you were driving two cars.
I also learnt that there's no point in a cab in Australia, it's either too hot or raining.
ariddell said:
Rather than a Camry/Vienta, how about an early Lexus LS400? Quite a few of them around in the $5-7k range by the looks of it, bombproof reliability and v8 grunt/rwd combo for possibly a bit more entertainment value than a fwd v6.
I looked at one of these and was seriously considering it. There are big ticket items to watch out for though. What put me off what looked a perfect example but was slightly vibrating at standstill. Some web research taught me it was probably the engine/gearbox mounts, but it is another car you don't want to have major problems with. Bloody nice way to travel though. And auto only of course.After driving around melbourne for the last 2 weeks, I can see now why everyone drives round in an auto at about 60Ks, driving over here is a totally mundane activity with archane laws. However I struggle though with buying the aforementioned toyota Camry, it feels somewhat wrong albeit a logical choice. I think that we've probably not been over here for long enough and are still trying to resist the inevitable, how long does it take before you buy your first Camry?
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