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Just got an old Saab 900 convertable

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Giovanni

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
It drives really well and it is pretty quick. All it needs is brake pads and an oil change, I think. I always wanted one of these and would have been happy with a hardtop too. I was surprised how clean and well taken care of it was.

These are pics from the CL ad. The clutch was done at 67K miles and the oil changed religiously. The motor purrs like a cat.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/4948575925.html



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#4 ·
Wow, that’s a steal for a manual turbo ‘vert, it looks really clean too! I love these—I used to have a coupe, and one of my best friends had a convertible. Lots of great memories working on both cars, and driving them. I hope spring will start soon so you can start enjoying it with the top down! :beer:
 
#6 ·
Ive owned 2 of these. I'm assuming you paid $1100-$1200 which (if it is structurally sound) is a very good price, even with a salvage title. It is an 89 or newer so you shouldn't have to worry about the trans exploding, but it isn't indestructible either. The engines are an absolute GEM: Turbo B202 slant 4 DOHC chain driven. routinely good for 300-400K miles.

These are known to get hot if you aren't moving and it is a warm day. No big deal, the cooling fan should kick on.

Rust is an absolute killer on these cars, even with high quality steel. The inner and outer fenders as well as strut towers are very common areas. If you didn't inspect the floorpan yet, get it on a hoist with haste. These cars CAN leak and once water gets under the carpet it is only a matter of time. I suspect that is what happened to my current car. FWIW, it looked rust free when I purchased it, but like W123s, it hides it really well under the heavy factory undercoating.

If you are worried about longevity, I have somebody in Baltimore with a 93 Vert with 231,000 miles on it, who paid $600 and has done the "T5" conversion, so allegedly it keeps up to a 2.8T 9-3:laugh:

Heres said $600 Vert.

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Discussion starter · #9 ·
ryannyc said:
with the ct salvage title you might have a problem with registering it in ny.

you might have to take it to get a 907A ny inspection to get a ny rebuilt title to register the car.
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Uh oh, I did not think about that as a potential problem. I will try to get plates anyway.
There is a tiny bit of rust under the car but hardly nothing. The exhaust looks new. Some rich dude owned it and then another rich guy got had it. They both maintained the car to the point of an obsessive compulsive disorder. The oil was changed based on mile and time. I have never seen a car have such extensive records.
I blew out the weep holes by the windshield with a compressor when I got home since the seller said that the driver's side might be clogged. The carpet was a little wet but he had it under his deck at home all winter and did not use it. I looked underneath and it seemed pretty rust free but I should get it on a lift. The fenders and strut towers are free from rust.
They white one for $600 is really nice too. What is a T5 conversion?
 
#10 ·
T5 is an ECU tune that replaces the entire wiring harness and ignition system. Plus new flywheel, rad and clutch.


Here is my $2000 1992 Vert I bought in high school (2011) I learned to drive manual on it. 140K miles. Sold for $2000, had a new clutch and roof when I bought it.

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My current one I'm trying to get rid of. 1988, 90,000 miles, paid $1900.

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Heres why. Looked perfect back in 2013.

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Discussion starter · #13 ·
There even is a plastic three piece cover for the top when it is down. It is in mint condition and has its own duffle bag. The guy said that was a really rare part and I could sell that for some nice coin. I just put the cover on and it really cleans up the look. I took pics but I do not have anywhere to host them. There is not rust under the car, but I wonder what I will have to do to register it.
 
#14 ·
Son said:
Yay, these cars were assembled in Finland. At the same plant as Boxsters and Caymans of the prev gen, and the Fisker Karma.
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sure it wasn't in Trollhaten:confused:

Giovanni said:
There even is a plastic three piece cover for the top when it is down. It is in mint condition and has its own duffle bag. The guy said that was a really rare part and I could sell that for some nice coin. I just put the cover on and it really cleans up the look. I took pics but I do not have anywhere to host them. There is not rust under the car, but I wonder what I will have to do to register it.
Click to expand...
Eh, I wouldn't call it really rare. Both my vert's had/have the 3 piece boot cover. With my 88 however, the bottom seam is full of glue, so I can't use it.

Need a parts car;):laugh:
 
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Discussion starter · #19 ·
Just what I paid for it. The ad on CL still works. I got it for $1500. It is very clean and has a new exhaust and the clutch was done at 67K. Car drives like a dream. It costs more for me to insure than my 1999 Suburban 1500. The salvage title thing is a real PITA for me too. There was some front end damage and the hood, grill and one light were replaced.
 
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