How would a Classic Saab 900S fair as a first car?

"ToyDeathbot" (ToyDeathbot)
08/12/2014 at 11:00 • Filed to: first car, saab, 900

I need to have my own car soon, possibly towards the end of the year and I've only been thinking this, a Low-Pressure Turbo Saab.

What I really want:

Something that can start off running and learn to wrench (Parts don't have to be everywhere, but reasonably easy to source).

Something with adequate safety.

A boot.

It has to be fairly easy to insure.

Do better than 20 mpg.

Cost less than $4000.

What I don't mind:

Auto or Manual, I really don't care.

Has to be Any-Wheel Drive as long as it is not an odd number and/or zero.

The number of doors as long as it is between 2 and 5.

What I don't want:

Not feel like it's made out of origami (that cuts out 60-70% of Japanese cars...sorry to those who are offended).

Have the steering wheel on the left side.

Be a rust machine or end up being a parts donor for someone else's project.

A Miata.

Do you guys think it's a good choice?

Right now I'm looking at this car exactly:

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Any other suggestions?

DISCUSSION (14)

RoadHead -- Armand > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 11:13

Seems to be a solid choice. I don't know about the mechanical dependability of that particular Saab though. Anyone else?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 11:21

If you don't mind getting places slowly, might I also suggest an old Volvo or diesel Mercedes, perhaps a W123 or W126?

Sam > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
08/12/2014 at 11:36

I love my mom's W123 TD. I mean, it's 0-60 is slower than tectonic shift, but it makes people so happy when they see it trundling along.

Nibbles > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 12:56

Why an LPT? That's a gateway drug. Shoot for an HPT of any year except 1989 and be immensely more happy.

Nibbles > RoadHead -- Armand
08/12/2014 at 12:59

Million mile engines. Transmissions, that's another story. Vacuum lines never follow diagrams; they were installed at the whim of whichever technician was on the line that day. Few rust spots (door bottoms, hatch glass surround, axle portals). 1989 had a failure-prone ECU, easily taken care of with an ECU from 1988 or 1990-1993.

ToyDeathbot > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
08/12/2014 at 15:41

old volvos are rare here (850 onwards it's fine) and w123s have already appreciated a bit to classic car prices since it's not common

ToyDeathbot > Sam
08/12/2014 at 15:43

seeing a W123 on the road gives me more of a grin than seeing any of the BMW M cars or Mercedes AMG

ToyDeathbot > Nibbles
08/12/2014 at 15:45

well I was thinking that the LPT is going to be cheaper, slighty more fuel efficient, and the lack of a turbo gauge might bring the insurance down (am I right to think that?).

Nibbles > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 15:54

I don't know for sure on that. I know my '87 HPT Aero/SPG gets me 34.5MPG US and, with 200 HP on hand, is a lot more fun than an LPT model. The big difference between LPT and HPT is the lack of an intercooler (I believe) and APC boost controller system - the LPT models are held at base boost only, which is about 6 PSI and 140 HP. Much more worth it to get the added benefit of 12-14 PSI.

As far as insurance, geographical differences keep me from commenting on that :)

ToyDeathbot > Nibbles
08/12/2014 at 16:11

wow! 34mpg isn't bad at all for a 2.0 turbo. I'll probably keep an eye out for the FPT then. Given that they use the same turbo, going from LPT to FPT shouldn't be too hard I assume?

Nibbles > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 16:17

This site has a lot of good info on turning an LPT car into FPT. Not hard, but time consuming.

ToyDeathbot > Nibbles
08/12/2014 at 16:28

sweet! Thanks for all the info!

Nibbles > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 16:31

Any time - I love helping people become addicted to SAAB. Beware - once you've driven one, you'll find yourself never being completely satisfied by another make ever again.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > ToyDeathbot
08/12/2014 at 19:44

Yeah, by old I meant 1985-2002, not like the Amazon.