older saabs

1984 is hardly "vintage", 900's changed relatively little throughout their production life and are still quite popular, this group is the best place you'll find to discuss them.

You bet, and even the newer ones like from the '80s. What's it doing that you don't like?

I'm working on a 99 Turbo that I'm going to get back on the road, so sounds like we'll both be doing similar things at similar times.

Dave "Oh by the way, I'm getting that 99 turbo I talked about here" Hinz

You might try the Saabnet 900 BB in addition to posting here.

The term used to describe these Saabs up to 1993 is "Classic". You will see them also referred to a "C900". Just my opinion, but these are one of the best designed Saabs so far, and I have been driving Saabs since

1985. I have the complete factory shop manual set for a 1984-1986 if you need any information. I no longer needed the brake tool when I got my 1993 900T, so I gave it away.

I drive a '79 96 and similar others since 1984 and a 900 since 2004. The 900 drives great but I think the design of the dashboard is far from ergonomic: the steering wheel blocks the view to several switches and warning lights. The fog light, the rear window heater and heated seat switches and lights are all blocked from view by the steering wheel. It was disappointing to find out.

------ MH '72 97 '77 96 '78 95 '79 97 '87 900T8

I usually "learn" the switches by feel so I don't have to take my eyes off the road. Speaking of keeping eyes on the road, that big curved windshield and huge rear window makes the C900 the best for visibility. The NG body, along with the Accord, Camry etc have smaller windows and bigger pillars which block the view out the front and back.

The C900 also has no lower lip in the batch opening. You can slide (not lift) heavy objects in and out without back strain. The NG body style (along with Accord and Camry) has a high lip - stronger, but require bending over to lift heavy objects out of the trunk. Saab did have an answer, you could buy the top of the line 9-5 wagon and get the same access as the base model C900. This may not be an issue if you never put heavy objects in the back of your car or you have a strong back.

The cargo capacity of the C900 is incredible. I tried to move some file cabinets in the NG and it would not fit. I went and got my Classic and put two in the back! I have also carried the proverbial 10 foot pole - six in fact in the Classic with the hatch and windows closed.

I have to agree, after several months of living with one, the C900's are incredible cars. Not perfect by any means, but every design is a compromise and Saab did a great job of coming up with something original, that despite it's flaws, lacks flaws found in most other cars that bother me more.

Just bought an 81 900T AT from a wrecker in Australia and put it back on the road - probably my best driving Saab in 20 years including an immaculate 85 GLE. Enjoy yourself. Questions are good - they make us all think!

Order the Bentley Saab manual for your engine (either 8valve or 16 valve). They are about $60 at the dealer but I've seen them on-line for around $40 or so. Barnes & Noble/Amazon etc. A GREAT source of info.

I second this advice. Since discovering my interest in Saab C900's over the last couple of years, I have found the two Bentley manuals to be an excellent source of maintenance info and advice. The 8-valve manual is proving to be a great help with maintaining my two running C900's, and if I am able to afford to replace one of them with a

16-valve equipped C900's in the next year or so the other version of the book will be just as useful.

I just wish there was a Saab service agent a bit closer to me here in Sydney. The nearest one that I know of is Saab Serv at Parramatta. I've been told Purnell's at Arncliffe also service Saab's but have heard differing stories about the quality of their work. Anyone else in Australia able to comment on Sydney-based Saab service agents and what their quality of work is like?

Regards,

Craig.

-- Craig's C900 Workshop -- Sydney, NSW, Australia -- Founded by Craig Ian Dewick For all Saab 'Classic' 900 Enthusiasts (especially those in .au and .nz!)... Website -->

Email --> snipped-for-privacy@lios.apana.org.auCome and explore our site, and check out our web-forums, mailing list,etc.

SaabServe are brilliant. Steve gets close to being a fount of all knowledge on 900s. (He still talks to me despite the headaches my last one caused him too!) Mildren's are also very good. Whereabouts in Sydney are you?