900SE Conv' - Any good?

[convert]

Hi folks, Not posted on the Saab forum before (Mainly over in Wedges, P&P and GG). I'm just wondering what your opinions on the above motors are. (we're looking at 97/98 vintage here)

My eldest daughter (28) is looking to replace the Mazda we gave her with something with a little more 'gravitas'.

She is looking for a soft top, but she needs something that can munch the miles when needed. She's not a fan of BMW's, and her OH already has an Audi.

The SAAB seems to fit her quite well, stylish, well bred and yet, with that touch of individuality.

So, enough of the flannel, what are they like from an ownership perspective? What foibles should I be looking for, what are the common problems, do they handle large mileages well, is Dealer FSH all that important?

Any replys / advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Wadeski]

The later 9-3 is a better car, and they are becoming seriously cheap now. especially this time of year when the "i fancy a ragtop for summer" bubble has burst! perhaps the crap summer we had has affected prices too?

The key thing that needs to be right is the roof, as like any convertible they are expensive to fix and replace. Saab ragtops are great cars though, especially in 185bhp turbo form. Effortless torquey driving, and with the top down the lady gets to pose =]

If she is interested in a tin-top, mine is in the classifieds at the moment for £3995.

Edited by Wadeski on Monday 26th November 10:16

[convert]

Thanks for that Tom, unfortunately her budget is closer to 50% of your asking price than 100%; but good luck with the sale.

[Prof Beard]

Although the "GM" 900 is less popular with Saab fans than either the "Classic 900" or the later 9-3 (which represented a considerable refinement on the GM 900) they are still good cars. (The main faults in the GM 900 are in the handling department - but IMHO these only really become noticable if one is a very enthusiast driver). They are a safe and reliable car.

Saab soft-top are high quality and very durable - but check it is in good nick! The 900SE in 185bhp engine is probably the nicest engine in the GM 900 range. GM900s will do very high milages - my wife's GM 900S (hatchback) has done 215,000+ so far...

[red tasmin]

Hi Steve, I'm also a wedge owner but my wife has a saab convertible, 140k faultless, solid as a rock, would recommend and a bargain at the moment.

[aeropilot]

I'd agree with the fact that to look for a 97/98 9-3 ragtop in your budget range if possible as these are sooooo much better than the earlier GM900 of a year or so earlier, but a good well cared for 900 will still be a good enough car for what you are looking for.

[convert]

Thanks for all the replies folks. I guess I'll have to resume the search.

That's providing the Daughter wants one now; since her OH proposed to her on NYE in Paris (He did it right though, he came and asked for permission first), and we've now got a Wedding to sort out...