Still find those late-1980's 900 Turbos and SPGs very attractive, in spite of having lots of reasons to stay away

Am I nuts?

I owned a Red 1988 Turbo 900 for a little less than a year back when it was new. I loved that car, thought it was the coolest thing on the planet. But it was more than I could sensibly afford at the time and I was lucky to sell it for virtually what I paid (it had been some regional directors car and had $6000 knocked off the sticker).

My sister caught the SAAB bug and had a 9000 that was nothing but trouble, always in the shop. And I somehow convinced my parents to buy a used 900S for their second car that was also nothing but trouble. One day my mother was putting gas in it, and she (all 5 feet of her) opened the door "too hard" -- it pivoted too far on the hinge and would no longer close. From that point on, the only way to close the door if this happened again (and it did many times) was to have a thick, 2 foot long flat-head screwdriver handy to use as a fulcrum to push some pivot lock pin out of the way so the door could close.

I suppose these vintage SAABs and their problems are somewhat reflected in the modest sale prices for even super-nice examples. I still find myself attracted to these cars, as a person who likes contemporary and mid-century modern design, they satisfy that sort of artistic sense; I am probably squarely within a particularly defined demographic when I also admit to a fondness for the Citroen DS and the BMW 2000CS models.

I really would like one of those Edwardian Grey SPGs, but my common sense tells me that I'll be buying into endless problems, difficult-to-get parts, and probably mandated Premium Gasoline (when Regular is ridiculous right now). Should I worry less, now that there are solid networks of SAAB enthusiasts out there via the internet?

Someone please slap some sense into me!

Be

Reply to
BE
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Am I nuts?

YES (slap)

Reply to
Nasty Bob

We C900 owners all are, after all I could be driving a leaky old Ford (Found On Road Dead, thanks for that one Ma Twain) Or a Fix It Again Tony!

Certainly here in the UK there's a good network of Saab specialists both parts and mechanics. eBay can be a really good hunting ground too, but the usual riders apply.

On top of all of that there are some very well supported forums out there, saabscene, saabcentral, uksaabs, 900aero.com and of course this one. Like any group of like minded individuals we have our eccentrics, but that adds character! People in this group and certainly at 900aero will generally bend over backwards to help out. I had a reply from brother Grunff on a silly little problem I posted within ten minutes once!!

We've owned two C900's, two 9000's and an NG900S. Of all of them the 9000 Anniversary has been the most reliable so far, but we've only had her a year. Four years with a NG900S were not as painful as some purists might want you to believe, but my heart still lies with my T16S, SPG, Aero whatever you like to call her!

Yes we're nuts, but we drive top class cars at knock down prices. I guess I might get accused of marque snobbery here, but what's wrong with that? I want a Saab badge on my car, because I know time and effort has been spent on the engineering. I want my car to be different, if I was a car snob of any kind I'd spend all my cash on the latest souped up hatchback clone or SUV instead of parking my 19 year old work in progress Aero outside every night.

Al

Reply to
Al

Saab, is that some sort of subrau??? ;-)

Only one thing to worry about - make sure the gearbox shifts, is quiet and check for rust if you're in a rust belt...

I've had my turbo for a couple of years now, (it's on 120K now) and it's just needed a couple of wheel bearings.

Avoid ones with multi-owners and questionable history - at some point it's probably been abused by those that don't understand dem foreein cars....if your handy with DIY then jump in! Compared to modern stuff they're pretty easy to work on....

Reply to
john

No, you're one of the most sane drivers on the road...;)

I'm partial to the mid-80s 900s, with the "snub" nose. You can still find them around here. If you like the look of these as well, I just put up a few pix of my current one (bottom three are new):

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Previous two 1984s:

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I'm in New England USA, where there are many, many Classic 900s still on the road, and plenty of good indy mechanics if you don't do you're own repair work (and parts cars everywhere). The mechanical knowledege here and elsewhere will help you get through most any problem.

I'm sure it would be more difficult to own/service one of these cars in a less-Saab friendly region.

Why? You're making perfect sense! ;)

-jw

Reply to
jw

Pardon me, I hadn't read the rest of the replies. I see that the consensus is that you are indeed, quite nuts. Sorry for the misdiagnosis...:)

-jw

Reply to
jw

liked your pix. I have a 1985 900s non turbo. I don't see many on the road in Nebraska. can you tell me if there ever was a trim piece on the trunk where the key fits in? all the Saabs that I see in the same era don't have any type of trim piece. I am thinking maybe there never was a trim piece. I spent more money to fix it up (normal stuff brakes, water pump, steering ect) then I spent for the car. I have no regrets. car starts and gets me to where I need to go.

Reply to
Rod Hogg

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