1998 SE 900 Turbo .. any problems ?

Hi folks,

I am seriously considering buying a used 1998 SE 900 Turbo (5-speed) and was wondering if there are any serious issues with this year and model I should be aware of. I drove the car and was amazed at the handling and love it's styling. Guess, I am a Saab convert now. But, I have never owned a Saab in the past.

While looking around on the web, I found that the 1998 SE 900s had a recall for an airbag auto deploying problem. I was very disconcerted on reading that. Would any of you know how I can check if this particular car I am looking at was recalled and, if yes, was the problem fixed. The car is with a mechanic (a Saab/Volvo specialist) and he bought it at an auction.

Is there any website where I can get a detailed review for this particular model ? I looked at most places, edmunds.com, consumer guide, saabnet, and a few saab websites, but didn't find it.

Thanks in advance for your help !

goonie

Reply to
goonie
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Nice, aren't they ;)

You didn't mention which engine, but if it's a V6 you should be aware that it has timing belts, and like any other engine with timing belts, they need periodic replacement. If it's a V6, make sure you get service records on that specifically. Also, it's not as tune-able if you ever want to do performance mods, so even if you don't care about that, it's a good bargaining point..."Gee, I wish it had the 4 because of this and that," kind of thing.

The car should have a metal tag under the hood (???left side maybe???) showing what TSB's (technical service bulletins) have been done on it. I don't know which that one is, or how it would be marked. Or, any Saab dealer should be able to pull that up on the computer.

Well, it varies a lot by country. Where are you at, and what is the configuration of the car (that you know?)

Dave Hinz

Reply to
Dave Hinz

Go to CarFax and check the VIN Number. When I was shopping for cars, for the Saabs it showed whether recalls were fixed.

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It's worth the peace of mind to pay for the CarFax report. Enjoy the Saab. They're wonderful.

snipped-for-privacy@madmousergraphics.com

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design, print design, photography

Reply to
LauraK

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the information. I will be checking it on carfax.com anyway, if it doesn't come up there (the recall stuff) then I will go to a Saab dealer.

I am located in San Diego ,California in the United States.

The configuration as far as I know is;

- It's a 4-cylinder, 2.0 L turbo, manual transmission (5-speed)

- It has a single exhaust, gasoline engine

- Model year : 1998, Model : 900 SE Turbo

I have searched on several websites but couldn't find a complete review on this year and model.

Thanks !

Praveen

Reply to
goonie

Hey Laura,

I will look it up on carfax.com, didn't know they also include recall information.

Thanks !

Praveen

Reply to
goonie

I've had a '97(automatic,same powertrain as yours) for almost a year.It's been sheer 30 mpg bliss.Nothing's gone wrong,even the ciggy lighter works flawlessly.

Do the Carfax,have a trusted mechanic go over it,then do yourself a favor.

Reply to
SvenBorg

It'll give you a good idea of how well the previous owner paid attention to such things (if that car is even affected, which is another question to ask the dealer or carfax if you can).

Rock solid combination. Amazing how much power they get out of two liters.

Saab is very good about not changing things "just because it's a new year", so one of a year or two either way should do you just fine. In any case, what really matters is if _you_ like it. There aren't any show-stopper issues with that particular year, especially if you're not getting a V6. How's the price compared to Edmunds? I paid a bit higher than Edmunds for my '99 9-5 (3 year lease return), but that's what the market was in my town at the time.

Anyway, does it look good? The service records & carfax are probably something good to check into, just to get an idea of how well the previous owner took care of it.

Dave Hinz

Reply to
Dave Hinz

I have a 1998 900 SE Convertible, 2.0 turbo, 5-speed manual....

Look for any exhaust leaks - it seems as if most people I know with '98s are having to replace the rear muffler about now due to rust (mine went last year). Make sure the suspension is up-to-snuff and that the alignment is good (the NG900 suspensions are pretty susceptible). Hav ethe brake pad thickness and rotors checked (the Saab OE ones are pretty soft - but do work great!).

Also, check out

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in the NG900 and 9-3 forum...there is a sticky post on owner reviews. There is also a wealth of information on the site (and it is not cencored like the guy that runs Saabnet!!)

go> Hi folks,

Reply to
Ted M.

Reply to
S London

Hey Dave,

Just an FYI. It looks very good ( was probably always garaged). The asking price is a little below edmunds TMV. Actually when I put in the details (mileage, zip etc) the TMV went up.

Will be getting it checked this weekend. Also need to check the service records.

Thanks !

Reply to
goonie

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