Anyone know anything about Saab?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 2
From: Shreveport, LA
Anyone know anything about Saab?
I'm ditching the POS Mitsubishi Eclipse that I bought new in '02 and a vehicle that caught my eye is Saab.
The model that seemed to fit what I want most is the 9-2X Aero.
I dont really know anything about this make of vehicle except that I always thought they were in the $80K+ range. Mistake.
From the specs on the car, it seems like it'd be really fun, but what about reliability? I NEVER see them driving around. Maybe that's a sign that they dont work well??
The model that seemed to fit what I want most is the 9-2X Aero.
I dont really know anything about this make of vehicle except that I always thought they were in the $80K+ range. Mistake.
From the specs on the car, it seems like it'd be really fun, but what about reliability? I NEVER see them driving around. Maybe that's a sign that they dont work well??
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
They're very unpredictable. I know people that have them and love 'em, and I know others that will never own one again because of all the problems. Either way, when something does have to be fixed, get out the platinum card AND the home-equity checkbook.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 799
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
My boss has a 92 that I have worked on. I have another friend that lived with his wife in Sweeden for a while, and he worked with his fil at a garage on them (he was trained as an airline mechanic). One other machinist friend that likes them. They are a different breed as they seem to change designs more often (engine from one country, etc). They are really an econobox (small motors). I have seen people change the Transmission fluid on them because the trans is in front of the engine, and they thought it was the oil plug. Try to get factory manuals for the one you get, and a good multimeter. The machinest friend of mine compared it to his old "switching staion" at the phone company. They were originally designed for colder climates, but I think that has changed with the ownership. Gm has had issues since they can't figure out the target audience.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Saabs used to be a decent car, they did have problems with the automatics in the late 80s-early 90s, and fuel system problems from lack of maintenance, but overall pretty reliable. GM is showing their true colors and destroying the brand. First, they get rid of what makes a Saab a Saab, with unique styling and engine layout, then when sales die they add in a rebadged Subaru wagon, then a very uninspired remake of the trailblazer. Just making it another way to sell GM corporate vehicles.
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Originally Posted by psychlopath
I'm ditching the POS Mitsubishi Eclipse that I bought new in '02 and a vehicle that caught my eye is Saab.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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I had a 1986 years back that had a leak in the cooling system. It would lose all its water in about three days and I would fill it about once a week. It took this abuse in Florida for months and I never was able to kill the engine. The old 900s before GM were really neat cars.
That said the new Saabs aren't really what Saab purists would consider a Saab. Lots of universal platform stuff going on there with other GM brands. I read the 2.0 turbo they use starts out as the ecotech engine in the Saturn Ion and Cobolt? Sure, I'd like one.
Posts above are correct on the 9-2 being a rebadged Subaru. Subaru makes good stuff.
That said the new Saabs aren't really what Saab purists would consider a Saab. Lots of universal platform stuff going on there with other GM brands. I read the 2.0 turbo they use starts out as the ecotech engine in the Saturn Ion and Cobolt? Sure, I'd like one.
Posts above are correct on the 9-2 being a rebadged Subaru. Subaru makes good stuff.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Many years ago I bought a used '86 Saab 900 and it had a lot of problems, among other things a cracked head. At the time I had no time or resources to work on it myself, so it ended up costing me a lot of money to keep on the road.
I will say that I did like the styling and the handling. Up to that time I hadn't really had a car like that before, so it was my first real taste of a "finer European sedan".
I will say that I did like the styling and the handling. Up to that time I hadn't really had a car like that before, so it was my first real taste of a "finer European sedan".
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Their side drafts are a pain in the butt, and components are high priced.
A 'strib is likely to go out, and you should shop the cost on the replacements....
HELL no!!!!
I would not touch one with someone elses pole!
A 'strib is likely to go out, and you should shop the cost on the replacements....
HELL no!!!!
I would not touch one with someone elses pole!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
The pre-GM Saabs have their quirks and IMHO more than average. Once understood and a reliable source of parts is located they are really an amazing piece of machinery. The handling and power curve are unequalled.
Had a 1989 900Turbo and interestingly enough the transmission was mounted on the front of the engine with a big chain arrangement. Scratched my head and fixed it anyway. Had a Beck-Arnley parts distributor who had most anything needed or could get it in 24 hours. An altercation with a city bus and deployment of the airbags was the cause of its demise in 2001. New airbag cost more than the car was worth with 190k on the clock. Could sure haul a lot of "stuff" with the back seat folded down.
Russ
Had a 1989 900Turbo and interestingly enough the transmission was mounted on the front of the engine with a big chain arrangement. Scratched my head and fixed it anyway. Had a Beck-Arnley parts distributor who had most anything needed or could get it in 24 hours. An altercation with a city bus and deployment of the airbags was the cause of its demise in 2001. New airbag cost more than the car was worth with 190k on the clock. Could sure haul a lot of "stuff" with the back seat folded down.
Russ
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, CA
Personally did not find the Saab any more or less reliable than other cars. Like Fords, Chevys and the like, they all have their quirks - Saabs more than others but nonetheless quirks. Learn to deal with them and it is a great car. Sure was fun to drive.
Russ
Russ