Anyone own a Saab?

[ecutr6]

I have the opportunity to buy a '91 Saab at a rediculously low price. Have known the owner and car for a long time. He is not a "fix-it" guy, and I am. He is having problems with the master and slave cylindars. Is this repair a major undertaking?

 

[Steve]

Don't think so......I used to sell these new back in '91 and '92, and I love them. The weak spot on these cars is the gearbox, if that is in perfect working order then the rest is pretty much LBC level, at least as far as the hydraulics are concerned.

 

[kennypinkerton]

Ask the current owner everything about the car - even the small stuff. I found a Saab once at the junkyard, and couldn't even figure out how to open the hood. All I wanted was the turbo - still under the unopened hood of that car.

In other words, they are a little weird. Designed by engineers - for engineers. Great cars though - as I've heard every day for the past 3 years from a guy that owns 2 of them.

 

[jgbowman1]

The engine in those old 900s was based on the triumph 4.

 

[DrEntropy]

Only BACKWARDS!!!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Eric]

[ QUOTE ]
The engine in those old 900s was based on the triumph 4.

[/ QUOTE ]

Except that by the time the 900s were out, there was not a single part in common with the Triumph motors (we're talking TR7 motors here). The Saab motors were pretty good.

BTW, the Saab hood opens backwards, like a BMW, which may be why Kenny couldn't open it.

 

[DrEntropy]

Geez, Eric! The same thermostat works in either one!

 

[Eric]

Well, OK. But they're probably still not the same. The Triumph one probably opens at 180 F, while the Saab one will open at 82 C! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jayhawk]

Just got a Saab again (2002) but also had an '88 turbo a few years ago. The '88 was pretty costly for repairs like CV joints and other odds and ends but the engines are said to be pretty durable. Others here warned me when I took the plunge and got the 2002 but I talked with lots of folks who have them (including my son with a '99). Generally say you could have a honda or camry and have fewer problems but not the fun. I'm enjoying mine for the funky, fun and the cavernous hatch.

 

[ecutr6]

Thank all of you for your responses. My wife has ridden in the car many times, and thinks we should get it. It will be a daily driver to and from campus. I will post later regarding the removal and repair of the master/slave cylinders.

 

[kennypinkerton]

I knew the hood opened backword, but I couldn't find a release for it. Looked for about 20 minutes, and moved on to the Starion a few cars over.