Anybody ever own a Saab?

[ewagner]

the automobile, not the jet fighter....

I'm looking at a 1999 9-5 and the price looks pretty good according to Edmunds. With as badly as I got burned on purchasing a car for my son to take to Florida with him, I'm paranoid as hell. (I bought a 96 Ford Taurus with 56K miles on it...so far, transmission has been rebuilt, front discs replaced TWICE, rear brakes replaced, Digital Shift Sensor (in transmission) replaced, brake LINES replaced, 3 replacements of serpentine belt and one idler pulley....geeeeeez) I just don't want to be burned again.

on edit one of these



I'd like one of these too

[Pithlet]

1. No, but I've always wanted one

I'd like an older model, though. I've always liked their distinctive look, and their later models seem to have lost that. I'd love a convertible from about the mid 90's.

Sorry that doesn't help you :)

[ewagner]

3. One thing I know

about Saab engineers...they're fanatics for SAFETY....

this car has (as standard equipment) front head AND chest air bags...for a 1999 model that's pretty good I think...

[Pithlet]

4. Oh, I definitely wouldn't turn one down.

And they still retained a bit of their distinctive look that appeals to me so much even into the late 90's. I can't have my dream car until the kids grow up anyway. Convertibles just aren't practical family cars.

[Capn Sunshine]

2. I had a 900s turbo in the 80's -

and where you live is of paramount importance. The West Coast, no problem finding competent mechanics. I moved to Houston Texas and they couldn't even pronounce "Saab" let alone fix it; parts were always a two to three day wait.

I had to leave it there because the Houston humidity rusted the brakes locked and the clutch too , because I didn't drive it for two weeks, and when the auto shipper showed up, it wouldn't move.


I imagine the south in general is a poor environment for these vehicles.

[oregonjen]

5. My Dad had one just like this and it always had something wrong

with it. My advice, buy a Honda. They're more reliable.

[henslee]

6. Saabs are awesome. I had a 900 forever. But.... when something

goes wrong -- don't forget you are paying for European parts and paying foriegn-car mechanic prices. Though gas prices are a huge factor... ever think of getting your son an old cop car. I had an old Plymouth. My buddy has Crown Vic with the pursuit package -- a mighty fun, safe and dependable ride for a kid and he will not be able to kill it. They are ususally well maintained especially if they have country miles on them. The tranny might go on you but you factor that into your buying price. Four or five grand buys you an awesome, unique and fun car. Sometimes they go even cheaper. ON EDIT -- MY PRICING MAY BE A FEW THOUSAND LOW. ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I'VE BEEN SHOPPING.

[Applan]

7. Good cars Saabs

But research them on the internet. Edmonds, KBB, Carpoint etc. Read the owner reviews. And good luck.