LOOOONG SHOT WTB: Saab

[debroglie]

I'm looking for a 4/5 door Saab 900 or 9-3.

It MUST be a manual, but other options such as turbo and such are not needed. I'd prefer something in the midwest.

Anyone got a Saab they'd be willing to part with?

[Redline13]

Check out www.saabnet.com for the classifieds section. It's a great Saab site with a ton of cars for sale.

[mrgreen4242]

I'm looking for a 4/5 door Saab 900 or 9-3.

It MUST be a manual, but other options such as turbo and such are not needed. I'd prefer something in the midwest.

Anyone got a Saab they'd be willing to part with?

Hey, I'll see if I can get more details but there is a Saab for sale on my way to work. I'm in Grand Ledge, MI (right by Lansing) so not far from you. I'll try and snag some details and a phone number for you on the way home tomorrow. All I could see from the street is that it's a Saab, I think it's a 4 door, late 90's model, and they are asking ~$5500.

Oh, and I'm not a Saab nut, but aren't they ALL turbos?

[RGunner]

There were Non-Turbo Saabs through the 90's.. unsure of today tho.

Watch out for the porous alu. heads, thats the one weakness of the Saab 4 cyl.

[blackfox]

There were Non-Turbo Saabs through the 90's.. unsure of today tho.

Watch out for the porous alu. heads, thats the one weakness of the Saab 4 cyl.
IIRC, the alu. heads are applicable to only the (relatively) later-year saabs ('99-onwards), otherwise noted by a Trionic 7 Engine/Ignition Mgmt system, while earlier Saabs with the Trionic 5 have great engines. For quick reference (again iirc) T5s have a bright red "cassette" across the engine bloc, T7s have an identical black one.

As a 97 Saab 9000 owner, I recommend the 9000 if you can find a good one. They were discontinued mid '98 (replaced by the 9-5). They are well-appointed with walnut dash (before the grey GM redesign), have excellent performance, and cavernous storage space, as they are a hatchback.

I will warn, be careful with your purchase, Saabs demand proactive maintenance. They have their weaknesses. Do your research. Make sure you have a reputable SAAB mechanic. Demand service histories.

SaabNet is an excellent resource. For great (if slightly dated) info on the 9000 in particular, visit quasimotors.com - it is excellent.

BTW, the 9000 is un-saab like in that it's ignition is on the steering column, not inbetween the seats.

I also recommend the original 900, especially an SPG, but they have't made them in nearly 15 years.

BTW, the 9000 can be pretty extensively upgraded, with alternate engine mgmt, exhaust systems etc that will give you nearly (or over) 300hp and an ungodly amount of torgue in a front-wheel drive car. Be warned and be careful. Still a 4 cylinder though and gets good gas mileage for it's performance. (I get 25/33 city/hwy)

Happy shopping.

[RGunner]

IIRC, the alu. heads are applicable to only the (relatively) later-year saabs ('99-onwards), otherwise noted by a Trionic 7 Engine/Ignition Mgmt system, while earlier Saabs with the Trionic 5 have great engines. For quick reference (again iirc) T5s have a bright red "cassette" across the engine bloc, T7s have an identical black one.


Well I respectfully disagree as I had a 76 Saab 99 as well as a 82 900 and both had problem heads. Anyway, no need to carry this discussion further in this thread, good luck with the search!

I re-read your post.. I would not wish a 9000 on my best friend. I would agree the SPG 900 was their best product.


'02 Audi A4
'01 986 Boxster

[debroglie]

Hey, I'll see if I can get more details but there is a Saab for sale on my way to work. I'm in Grand Ledge, MI (right by Lansing) so not far from you. I'll try and snag some details and a phone number for you on the way home tomorrow. All I could see from the street is that it's a Saab, I think it's a 4 door, late 90's model, and they are asking ~$5500.

Oh, and I'm not a Saab nut, but aren't they ALL turbos?

First of all, not all Saabs are turbos, as mentioned. Many state that all 9-3s are turbos, but that is not true either. I believe that the first half of the first 9-3 production year they made some 9-3s without turbos.

Mr. Green, that would be OUSTANDING if you could get those details! If its anything like what I am looking for, I will definitely make the trip out there to check it out! Let me know what you find out

[ZuluDaddy]

Hi debroglie,

I have a Pre-GM Talladega Red 900 SPG with a brand new transmission, brakes, fuel pump, exhaust, etc., etc... it is a little older, but running great with loads of documentation on all repairs, etc.. Lovingly maintained by Wayne of Wayne's World of Saabs - no fooling. Would part with it for under 5k. Interested?

-ZuluDaddy

[Demon Hunter]

I'd sell you my mom's, but I don't think she would appreciate it. :D

[kingcrowing]

:D I've got an '89 900 Turbo 5-speed with ALL the options including a super sick EQ, its sick, I'd def reccomend getting a pre-GM one, or a 9-3 or 9-5. from 94 to like 99 the first GM ones kinda sucked, a lot of tranny issues and suh, and the prices on parts are really high for some reason. So I'd totally agree, If you could find an SPG (with the Aero kit espically) like a 93 that would be sweet.

This summer I'm gonna pop an SPG engine in and get an Aero kit as well, and the just go through the engins and do some tuning to get it up to like 250-300hp, and It'll own

*Picture below*

[mrgreen4242]

First of all, not all Saabs are turbos, as mentioned. Many state that all 9-3s are turbos, but that is not true either. I believe that the first half of the first 9-3 production year they made some 9-3s without turbos.

Mr. Green, that would be OUSTANDING if you could get those details! If its anything like what I am looking for, I will definitely make the trip out there to check it out! Let me know what you find out

Hey like I said, not a Saab nut, but I am a car guy in general (are MOST Saabs sold in the last 5 years Turbos at least? Why am I thinking that?! :)). Anyways, I can stop on the way home, but I looked closer as I went by today (it's on the left on my way into work, right on the way home) and it's metallic blue, 4 door, $5500, and after taking a minute to look at some pics of Saabs over at CarPoint it's definitely a '94-'98 900.

If you still want more info I can check to see if it's a turbo and a manual, and also the year, mileage, etc. It's not far from the highway, and it's going to be nice this weekend, so probably can get over here in about an hour and fifteen minutes to take a closer look. :)

[debroglie]

I believe that all Saabs in the last 6 years are turbos, so you are right there!

That all sounds great - now if you confirm that it is a manual, I will make my way down highways 6 and 196 and check it out this weekend!

Thank you so much!!!!:D What a helpful bunch these MR people are

Hey like I said, not a Saab nut, but I am a car guy in general (are MOST Saabs sold in the last 5 years Turbos at least? Why am I thinking that?! :)). Anyways, I can stop on the way home, but I looked closer as I went by today (it's on the left on my way into work, right on the way home) and it's metallic blue, 4 door, $5500, and after taking a minute to look at some pics of Saabs over at CarPoint it's definitely a '94-'98 900.

If you still want more info I can check to see if it's a turbo and a manual, and also the year, mileage, etc. It's not far from the highway, and it's going to be nice this weekend, so probably can get over here in about an hour and fifteen minutes to take a closer look. :)

[mrgreen4242]

I believe that all Saabs in the last 6 years are turbos, so you are right there!

That all sounds great - now if you confirm that it is a manual, I will make my way down highways 6 and 196 and check it out this weekend!

Thank you so much!!!!:D What a helpful bunch these MR people are

Ah, good to know I'm not crazy [about turbo Saabs that is]! No problem, btw, if you can't take 5 minutes to help a stranger, what kind of Mac user are you? ;)

[keysersoze]

FYI:

SAAB stand for Something Always About to Break

FWIW:

I still love my 9-3.

:)

[mrgreen4242]

Well, I stopped and checked it out.. it's a turbo automatic. I took some pics with my cell phone, if you decide you want to consider it. Ah well!

Good luck!

[debroglie]

Well, I stopped and checked it out.. it's a turbo automatic. I took some pics with my cell phone, if you decide you want to consider it. Ah well!

Good luck!

Well thank you for checking it out! I have another month before I *need* a car, so I'll keep looking for a manual.

[ZuluDaddy]

Hey debroglie,

Taking some pics today of the red SPG. Let's stay in touch on this...

Best,

-ZuluDaddy

[debroglie]

Hey debroglie,

Taking some pics today of the red SPG. Let's stay in touch on this...

Best,

-ZuluDaddy


I'm sorry, Rhoda Island is simply too far away:(

[ZuluDaddy]

Hey debroglie,

Let me send you a few pics and specs - if you'd share a working email address - and make a bid if you'd like.

Bottom line: nearly 10k in parts and repairs over the past 5-6 years, and we're looking to sell it for as close to 5k as we can get... New transmission, new water pump, new oil pump, new fuel pump and fuel computer, new clutch, new exhaust, new serpentine belt, new brake rotors, new tires, new alternator, new sunroof switch/relay, etc., etc., etc. This is my wife's car, and she's about to get my Saab convertible...

Someone will be getting a nice ride, and the cost of transport to MI is probably less than you think...

Your thoughts?

-ZuluDaddy

[baby duck monge]

If anyone wants to pay for my flights, gas, and hotel, I would happily make the drive :)

I have gone about 1,000 miles in a day a few times before, so it would only take a few days to make the trek.