I am thinking about buying a 1998 900 S convertible, S model, 2.3l, normally aspirated, 4-cylinder. I've never owned a Saab. Anything I should know or look for before buying? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
MW
Lets go back further - have you owned a convertible before? The Saab convertibles are among the nicer convertibles. They have the glass rear window and the tops are capable of handling winters - it is a Saab after all. Back to the first question - the visibility with the top up is terrible compared to a sedan. The glass rear window is small. With the top down the visibility is great. The luggage space compared to a hatchback is terrible with the top up. With the top down you can carry large lightweight items.
I passed on a newer Saab convertible for the visibility and space issues. I got a hatchback instead. I also noticed the body flex, more than the same car in a hatchback or sedan. The flex was not enough to be a purchasing factor. If I could own the convertible as a "spare" car
- to be driven for fun on warm, sunny weekends - I would buy the Saab convertible.
I bought a 2001 9-3 convertible 2 months ago (I'm in Australia, so I'm enjoying the summer). I've never before had a car that makes me smile when I think about it. Do it. You only live one!
errr... once!
It was for me. See below
I did, and sold it.
Last winter I bought a 2000 9-3SE CV HOT w/ 5-speed and 60k miles. Silver and charcoal. Very nice car. I did some things to fix it up a bit over the winter, like putting new alloy wheels and tires on it and replacing the shocks all around. Then when I got it out on the road in the spring I was underwhelmed. The chassis flex (cowl shake), sloppy shifter, torque steering, and especially the delayed response when you release the throttle were all factors that convinced me to sell the 9-3 (at a tidy profit including all expenses I might add) and look for a different "summer toy" car.
I bought myself a 97 Z3 2.8 5 speed (
Horses for courses. Firstly, who buys a convertible because they handle well? The SAAB, despite feeling somewhat loose, is safe. Secondly, I'm sure the Z3 is a nice car, but I don't know that my kids would think so, as we drive off without them. If I wanted something that blasted through the corners, and I didn't need the space, I'd still be riding my Ducati!
A sloppy shifter, torque steer, and delayed throttle response have nothing to do with being a convertible - and everything with being a NG Saab. If I want a convertible, I know where I can find a 1994 Classic
900 - without any of these problems. Unfortunately, my wife does not have horses, so I don't have that as a bargaining point.
Agreed. But the cowl shake does, and that was the main point of my posting.
I'm with you there. I've actually been on the lookout (inactively) for a nice C900, but to find one in New England with less than 300k miles and/or a boatload of rust appears to be pretty tough.
-Fred W
Huh? Is that like saying "That's why they have horse races?"
Ummm... That would be me! The Z3 handles quite well, thanks.
But, who buys convertibles to be safe? ;-)
Even more of a reason to get a 2-seater!
Actually, my kids all love the Z3. They drive it every chance they get (and when I let them). I think we may be at different life stages... My kids are all grown.
Oh man, I'm right with you there. I sold my last street bike (BMW K100RT) several years ago. That was a question of risk reward regarding safety. Even though I never rode it much in traffic, I always feared being slammed by some brain-dead driver. The 2-seat roadster allows a reasonable (IMO) compromise between open-air motoring and safety.
-Fred W
Err- it's just a standard saying!
But never as good as a tin-top.
Well, good point, but I wasn't talking about rollovers, just the process of avoiding them.
Indeed, I still have parasites/loving teenagers.
I must admit, I have flagged the idea of a 2-seater on retirement! (convertible, not bike!)
Thanks again for all the nice comments. I must admit: you are ALL right. I bought a 2000 model 9-3 convert last week. Moving up from a Honda Civic, I didn't know what "torque steer" was. I do now! Yes, the cowl shakes, but only when I ignore the fun I'm having with the top down and pay attention. The car is mainly for my wife, so having three extra seats to get the kids around was important, or else I might have looked at a two-seater. And I, too, gave up my bikes when the kids were old enough to demand rides, but so young it scared me to have them along. In sum, everything everybody said about the car is true, and I'm grateful for the good and timely input. Cheers!
MW
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