Older SAAB - Mmmmm talk to me
Discussion
Having never looked twice at SAAB in the past, for some reason I'm really drawn to the older 'Turbo' models.
The thing is, I have no previous knowledge of these cars, what are the ones to have and what are the ones to avoid. I'm not even sure on what different models there are. All I know is I love the look of this shape and must buy one. Can anyone give me some model info and tips on what to buy and what not to buy. All I can confirm is its the turbo model in a hardshell; not convertible I'm after.
Here's the example
Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
The thing is, I have no previous knowledge of these cars, what are the ones to have and what are the ones to avoid. I'm not even sure on what different models there are. All I know is I love the look of this shape and must buy one. Can anyone give me some model info and tips on what to buy and what not to buy. All I can confirm is its the turbo model in a hardshell; not convertible I'm after.
Here's the example
Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
Go for a 16v in preference to an 8v. They're fantastic cars, I've had several. My last one was a Ruby and I let that go because I didn't have the time or facilities to repair the chassis where the driveshafts pass through. It was a very nice looking car.
Otherwise, look for a T16. It'll have side skirts and a leather interior.
Oh, you'll want a turbo to ;-)
Otherwise, look for a T16. It'll have side skirts and a leather interior.
Oh, you'll want a turbo to ;-)
Pretty much what boosted said.
I had a T16 in Talladega red with black leather.
I'm not sure if it was a smart or stupid move to change it for a 9000 Aero, but it was infinitely better than the NG900 I had before it!
I do miss that car. I'm also gutted that I only took about 8 photos of it.
I had a T16 in Talladega red with black leather.
I'm not sure if it was a smart or stupid move to change it for a 9000 Aero, but it was infinitely better than the NG900 I had before it!
I do miss that car. I'm also gutted that I only took about 8 photos of it.
Rust, rust and rust. Most trim and mechanical parts can still be sourced via forums / specialists / aftermarket, though I understand a few bits are getting harder to find now.
Inspect very carefully on a ramp with someone who knows what they are looking for. The C900 can have really tidy looking bodywork, especially if it has had a little tlc over the years, but be an absolute basket case underneath.
Front cross-member, front chassis legs where the lower arms mount, driveshaft tunnels, sill ends, inner arches especially rear, rear "chassis" legs where the upper shock mount and the axle trailing arm mounts are, boot floor, rear spring seats all WILL go sooner or later.
The youngest are 23 now and arguably the later cars seem to fare less well in some areas so very few left that won't have had "MOT quality" welding (i.e. not very good) or be hiding issues in some / all of the above areas.
The T16 goes pretty well although there is a school of thought that the T8 is actually the sweeter engine and gives little away in the real world. Non sporty models are nice relaxing drives (and can feel better screwed together due to the softer suspension - less creaks and rattles) but are really rather slow, especially 8v injection and the earlier carb models.
Gearboxes are borderline for standard power so tend not to last long with much additional torque or an unsympathetic driving style. Issues are usually pretty obvious though - jumping out of gear, groaning noises from collapsing bearings etc. If the box sounds ok and changes nicely it should be fine for many miles if not abused.
Overall, Marmite looks, good handing and performance, some real quality to the engineering and well built in their day but starting to show their age and feel slightly "antique", although they have done damn well compared to many of their contemporaries...
My old heap!
Edited to add, the earliest models as per your picture had the earlier "B" engine from the 99 ('79 and '80 I think) before the "H" engine was introduced. No APC until '82 (automatic boost control) and no 16v models until '84.
The "B" is a good solid motor but has the earlier block mounted water pump which requires special tools to change. The boost control on the "B" was via an external diaphragm and wastegate which could be somewhat problematic.
However, you'll do well to find an early "B" engined turbo for sale these days, so the above less likely to be an issue.
Inspect very carefully on a ramp with someone who knows what they are looking for. The C900 can have really tidy looking bodywork, especially if it has had a little tlc over the years, but be an absolute basket case underneath.
Front cross-member, front chassis legs where the lower arms mount, driveshaft tunnels, sill ends, inner arches especially rear, rear "chassis" legs where the upper shock mount and the axle trailing arm mounts are, boot floor, rear spring seats all WILL go sooner or later.
The youngest are 23 now and arguably the later cars seem to fare less well in some areas so very few left that won't have had "MOT quality" welding (i.e. not very good) or be hiding issues in some / all of the above areas.
The T16 goes pretty well although there is a school of thought that the T8 is actually the sweeter engine and gives little away in the real world. Non sporty models are nice relaxing drives (and can feel better screwed together due to the softer suspension - less creaks and rattles) but are really rather slow, especially 8v injection and the earlier carb models.
Gearboxes are borderline for standard power so tend not to last long with much additional torque or an unsympathetic driving style. Issues are usually pretty obvious though - jumping out of gear, groaning noises from collapsing bearings etc. If the box sounds ok and changes nicely it should be fine for many miles if not abused.
Overall, Marmite looks, good handing and performance, some real quality to the engineering and well built in their day but starting to show their age and feel slightly "antique", although they have done damn well compared to many of their contemporaries...
My old heap!
Edited to add, the earliest models as per your picture had the earlier "B" engine from the 99 ('79 and '80 I think) before the "H" engine was introduced. No APC until '82 (automatic boost control) and no 16v models until '84.
The "B" is a good solid motor but has the earlier block mounted water pump which requires special tools to change. The boost control on the "B" was via an external diaphragm and wastegate which could be somewhat problematic.
However, you'll do well to find an early "B" engined turbo for sale these days, so the above less likely to be an issue.
Edited by 99t on Saturday 17th September 12:09
Edited by 99t on Saturday 17th September 12:17
Rust, has anyone mentioned it? Lots of it will be hidden under the body kit,check you are getting full boost, otherwise, mechanically they sound, though the gearbox can be dodgy as the 5th gear is squeezed into a 4 gear housing. Here's my beauty after the rust was removed (also now with leather seats)
As for types of turbo...
8v 145bhp
16v Turbo (badge 900s ) 145bhp -also known as LPT (Light pressure turbo) these have no boost gauge on the dials as well, some people have done full conversions but I believe there are differences under the body as well to the below:-
16v Turbo (Badge 900 Turbo S) also known as HPT (High pressure turbo) 175BHP, has a boost gauge on the dials.
If you test drive one, take it out on the motorway and pull from 4th or 5th gear, they really really go.
8v 145bhp
16v Turbo (badge 900s ) 145bhp -also known as LPT (Light pressure turbo) these have no boost gauge on the dials as well, some people have done full conversions but I believe there are differences under the body as well to the below:-
16v Turbo (Badge 900 Turbo S) also known as HPT (High pressure turbo) 175BHP, has a boost gauge on the dials.
If you test drive one, take it out on the motorway and pull from 4th or 5th gear, they really really go.
Edited by Harji on Saturday 17th September 14:52
lord trumpton said:
it's the turbo model in a hardshell;
Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
All I can tell you is that I had one for a short while many years ago - and my buying tip would be "avoid".Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
In summary: Older than an old thing that's old. Real Jurassic Park stuff.
Ozzie Osmond said:
lord trumpton said:
it's the turbo model in a hardshell;
Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
All I can tell you is that I had one for a short while many years ago - and my buying tip would be "avoid".Any buying tips from those clued up would be really appreciated
In summary: Older than an old thing that's old. Real Jurassic Park stuff.
I guess we all complain of boring modern boxes with no soul, but can be easily reminded of how nice they are when driving a car from 25 years ago.
My old man recently had an urge to buy a Morris Minor as 'it was a great car when he owned one years ago' - we tracked a restored minter down and travelled 4 hours to see it. It looked amazing. Sadly after the test drive he came away feeling thoroughly fed up after his fond reminiscence had been stamped on very hard.
I love driving mine! There is some fine engineering in these cars, but...they are old and if they have not been maintained then spring, coils, bushes will affect how you feel after a test drive. But get a good one and they are involving, it's a great long distance driver, my trips to Cornwall from London leave me fresh as a daisy.
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