Hiding in plain sight

"and 100 more" (nth256)
06/17/2015 at 12:33 • Filed to: None

Have you ever just had a sudden inspiration, one that you should have had probably years ago, but your head was so far up your own ass to see it?

I just started trawling CL for Saabs.

Ho, Lee, Sheet. Why have I not noticed these before??

Most of them are early- to mid-‘00 models, pretty much all of them are in cherry condition, and damn near 90% of them are selling for under $8,000... most under $5,000. That puts them right in my price range.

I realize the last few years of Saab suffered GM’s dirty touch, but how did that affect the cars themselves? What’s the reliability like on later-issue Saabs? Why are they selling so damn cheap?

I’m eyeballing a 9-3 SportCombi or 5-door,, or a 9-5 sedan since they’re all about the same price, and I’m flexible on year and mileage, as long as the reliability is there. Please tell me it is!

Here’s a pic of an older Saab for sale here in Austin; a bit too old for my needs, but still something you don’t see often.

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DISCUSSION (14)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 12:37

They’re selling so damn cheap because they break because GM. I wouldn’t get a post-OG Saab. They’re still cool, but there’s a reason for Saab stories being a thing.

Hoccy > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 12:38

They’re considered quite reliable after what I’ve heard, but of course, som turbo versions could be driven hard and suffer from it.

McMike > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 12:49

Are they fast?

Kinja'd!!!

505Turbeaux > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 12:52

I’m eyeballing a 9-3 SportCombi or 5-door,, or a 9-5 sedan since they’re all about the same price, and I’m flexible on year and mileage, as long as the reliability is there.

Reliability not found

You need a stock of direct ignition cassettes and crank sensors to even start thinking about it, or in the case of a V6 spare engines. Don’t do it unless you know the cars inside and out and can do your own work, and have access to a friend with a Tech2 interface

and 100 more > 505Turbeaux
06/17/2015 at 13:09

Ugh, reality...

Thank you for bringing me down off my cloud, I thought I was really onto something there for a minute.

and 100 more > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/17/2015 at 13:11

Fucking GM... I swore, after i traded in my ‘01 Blazer, I would never own another GM product. Guess I’m sticking to that plan.

505Turbeaux > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 13:12

I didn’t want to sound too harsh. There are some out there worthy of a glance, and too many that aren’t because of the depreciation. The classics can be reliable, but the GM ones are too fickle for my tastes. $1000 banger as a spare car, sure.

punkgoose17 > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 13:12

I really want that 96. The 07-08 2.0T the intake valves often wear out / burn.

http://www.saablink.net/forum/car-prob…

and 100 more > 505Turbeaux
06/17/2015 at 13:21

No no, I appreciate the honesty. I mean, Saab was marketed as a “luxury sports car” brand. If you look at other luxury sports cars of that vintage, they generally sell for more (though used BMWs of that era seem pretty inexpensive as well, hmm). So, the old axiom comes into play... “If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.”

And like you said, I’m sure there are some that are in great shape mechanically; but its just a matter of time.

Maybe Nat’l Electric Vehicle Sweden can bring the brand back around.

bob and john > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 13:25

they arent horrible,...not jag levels at any rate.

but if the car has been visibly abused,. id stay away from it.

Berang > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 13:32

Check out Subarus too. Probably more reliable, plus not orphaned.

Berang > and 100 more
06/17/2015 at 15:22

BTW, I actually looked at that yellow 96 before buying my red one. The only thing it really has going for it is the low-mile rebuilt engine and a few small performance mods. Unfortunately the rest of the car needs lots of little annoying jobs taken care of before it would pass inspection (no horn, no parking brake, etc.) and the floor has some rust (although not bad by 1970s standards). When I looked at it the seller wanted 3K and wouldn’t budge on the price - this was a year ago. I would think if he’d take $1800 for it, it would be a fair deal, plus with a little work and some paint you’d pretty much double the value.

and 100 more > Berang
06/17/2015 at 15:31

As a project car, I could almost justify $2000,considering it comes with extra large, and knowing it would need work.

I’m just looking for a replacement daily driver (possibly).

Any pics of yours? Do you hit up any car shows around here?

Berang > and 100 more
06/18/2015 at 02:40

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/this-is-my-fir…

ask & u shall recieve

I don’t go to any car shows really, but with any luck I’ll stop by this month’s cars & coffee.