First Time Buyer

Buy one ;-)

AS with any used car, get it checked out by an experienced SAAB technician before you buy. The Classic Saabs handle very well in the snow as well. This is a used car dealer, so ask about a warranty.

Good Luck with the Saab!

The main Saab advice I have is avoid the automatic transmissions, especially with a turbo, not only do they have some reliability issues but they add to the lag and seem to sap up all the real power the turbo produces. A 5 speed is the only way to go with those.

Aside from that, just the usual stuff, rust, body damage, unusual noises, particularly clunking while accelerating in a sharp turn, electrical accessories that don't work, oil leaks, etc.

This is the best advice. Go to an expert.

Avoid Automatics non service history vehicles

check trunk area where rust can be found at the lower corners hood inner lip behind badges and inner front lip

pops out of reverse or third gear on manual transmissions - that is a synchromesh problem and can cost the price of the car

if the rear end wobbles around the corners then it needs new bushes - not too expensive if the body's nice -

head lining sag - not a big deal to replace

window winding motors - bad design - "a feature not a fault"

good luck,

Peter Watson

Thank you all for the advise so far. As with most vehicles automatic transmissions are always an issue. I guess my best bet is to talk the price down.

One issue concerning the transmission is when parked on a slight grade vehicle rows in park, had to set the parking brake. I was glad to know rear brakes were good.

As with any vehicle I do most of the work myself, I am a Journeymen Toolmaker with access to machinery to make special tools and my Father is a transmission mechanic. So I am able to get myself out of a fix.

Randall

You're not missing anything. It's just a car like all the others. Nothing special about it.

Huh? Whether one loves them or hates them, I can't think of many mass produced cars more unique than a Saab 900.

When was the last time you saw your doctor?

Thanks for your interest, but the position of troll in this group has already been filled. We'll contact you if an opening comes up.