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I've got 2.5 - 3k to spend on a Saab no particular model in mind as I don't know much about them. Bit this is where you guys come in, any tips or advice, cheers....
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You will get something good in that price range but the spares prices can be horrendous - if you are lucky you will only need consumables and you may find that you live near a good 'independent'. I'm not suggesting that you buy there but have a look at SAABs on e bay and you will find that there are some good ones for £3k although they might be high mileage.
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Yep checked out e bay, I'll probably go down the auction route, ex rep mobeil, High mileage does'nt seem a problem on these beasts, just need to sort out a particular model, any tips mate?
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Well at the age you will be looking at the 9-3 is indistinguishable, externally from the 900 and is still an old model Vectra reskinned. My partner has run 2.2 Tid from new without much grief but it is 7 years old and worth £2000 having cost £22K new! She has also just spent £1500 on replacing the injection pump (£900 for an independent to refurb it) and an MAF plus labour to make the total. The car is still only worth £2k. Paintwork in excellent and interior wears well. Wheel nuts went rusty, were replaced under warranty and were rusty again within 6 months. Consumption has avereged mid 40s throughout. Can't comment on the 9-5.
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I would go for a late 9000. Easy to pick up for £1k, solid, big, comfortable, reliable. I used to get 30mpg out of a hard driven 2.3t16. I would prob avoid the carlson/aero just because they will have been thrashed. 2l non turbo a bit slow. 2.3lpt should deliver a good performance/economy mix.
In general on oldish saabs watch for the ignition units (few hundred quid), clutches not the cheapest. Engines are chain not belt, if v.rattly there is a kit and the chain is replaced by feeding through so minimal engine dismantling needed. simmer turbos and change oil (good) regularly.
Get to know the specialist parts places (elk?) and join up at saabcentral.
I dont like the GM900/9.3 dont know the 9-5.
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£2.5k is a awkward number to spend - you are as likely to get a dog as a car that will run to the moon and back. You could get a dog and soon find it needs more money spending that it's worth.
I'd take mark99's advice - and keep the left-over £2k for the next car, or a £500 bill - anything more and you just scrap it.
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Don't bother. Troublesome cars that aren't worth the money.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Personally, id have a pre-vauxhall Saab, otherwise, your just getting a Vauxhall in fancy dress and may aswell buy the vauxhall and save a few quid.
I agree that the 9000 is a nice car, as is the 900 of the same vintage. If you look around, for your budget, you could find the very best example of each for that money, rather than buying a slightly newer, but likely to be higher mileage vauxhall-saab.
Id always choose a slightly older design if it means I can get one with FSH and in top condition rather than newer but higher mileage.
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I found a 9000 CSI P reg with 46k, FSH and one owner for £1995.
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Well at the age you will be looking at the 9-3 is indistinguishable, externally from the 900 and is still an old model Vectra reskinned.
Get those glasses replaced A.S.! :o) The hatchback 9-3 has noticeably different front grille and rear lights to the 900, and the bumpers were improved to make them look less blobby.
Admittedly they look very alike, but the 9-3 got lots of changes under the skin, apparently the suspension was tweaked extensively, although the ride/ handling is still not up to the standard of rivals.
Depends what your priorities are - performance, economy, do you do high mileage? In 9-3's the 2.0 LPT is supposed to give the best balance of power and economy. The full turbo and HOT versions will put a bigger smile on your face.
I do like 9000's too, the cabin feels dated compared with a 9-3, but a 9000 FPT is a lot of car and power for your money, and good for high mileages. I took my 9-3 TiD in for a service and for a courtesy car got a 9000 Aero (225bhp) that was entertaining to say the least; made my car feel like it was going backwards when I got it back. But the Aero was averaging 25mpg and my car averages 45mpg.
I had an R-reg 9-5 as a courtesy car recently, a 2.0 LPT, which was a good big car but performance was nothing to get excited about, it did not feel as quick as my old 9000 non-turbo. But if I was in the market for a big cheap fast petrol car, I'd prefer a Volvo V70 T5 (I like 5 cylinder engines).
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Thanks Rich. I haven't done a walk round comparison and I know that there were a lot of invisible changes. I must admit that I was thinking the rear view, which is the only one I have seen! The only difference I could spot from the rear was the 900 or 9-3 badge! I defer to your superior knowledge in these matters!
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Well at the age you will be looking at the 9-3 is indistinguishable, externally from the 900 and is still an old model Vectra reskinned.
The 900 / 9-3 is actually based on the 88-95 Cavalier (though called Vectra in Europe) floorplan, it is the 9-5 that is based on the 95-02 Vectra.
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Have a wander round Sabbscene at www.saabscene.com/saabforum/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0 to get a flavour.
As has already been said, you could get an exceptional late Saab 9000 (1997-8) for the price you want to pay - look for an Aero or late 2.3 FPT Anniversary - they both have the 225bhp engine, with smooth and economical performance with a 0-60 performance of sub-7 seconds. Also, by the way, very clean in terms of emissions.
Alternatively, you could get a newer 9-5 (yes, I know, weird but true!) although the early 9-5s (1997-1999) could have various niggling faults. On the other hand, mine has done 157k on the original exhaust and turbo, and has been exceptionally reliable with few replacements other than routine service items plus other bits & bobs that wear out (e.g. brake discs, clutch, tyres).
You can upgrade the performance on both, the standard 150bhp 2.0 9-5 being an easy conversion by virtue of a new ECU and injectors (which mine has, now up to 192bhp). And a suspension upgrade will vastly improve the drive on older models (pre-2001 facelift).
Look forward to seeing you at Saabscene!
HTH
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