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Some of you may recall my other thread about buying a metallic silver '89 SAAB 900. Here's some pics in case you forgot: Click here for the full 640x480 image. And  Click here for the full 640x480 image. After buying it for $400 and subjecting it to some bumper to bumper TLC, I flipped it for $1,000. Maybe not a big deal to some, but in North Dakota, an obscure Swedish hatch isn't always an easy sell (due to its shape, this one was). It was a great car, really visceral in a good way but it was missing something. A couple weeks ago, I found a local trade-in at a car lot. A 1993 SAAB 9000 CSE N/A with the 5 speed and only 125K on the clock. Leather, automatic climate control, seat heaters, cruise, headlight wipers, moonroof and all those other goodies I previously did without. Normally I try to do private party sales only, but I had to have this one. After doing the homework, I talked them down $600 from their sticker price, about $500 less than blue book for a total of $2,400 on the head. After doing some basic maintenance, fixing a couple lines, replacing the spark plugs, a little touching up and all that other boring stuff, I came up with a nice ride. It still blows my mind how so little extra money can get you a much better car. The only thing left I have to do is replace the 3 way check valve for the washer reservoir (and possibly the reservoir itself) when I get it. Due to a stupid design, you have to remove the wheel arch or try some other double-jointed trickery to get at it. Aside from that, I plan on flushing the coolant system, replace the t-stat, replace the automatic climate control internal temp sensor and possibly bleed the clutch. I also plan on having a better look at the brake pads. On the plus side, I found a Purolator filter when I changed the oil, Denso spark plugs (though the owner's manual calls for NGKs as all SAABs of this era do) and I think the clutch is fairly fresh. This car drives a lot more differently than the 900, mostly in a good way. Though you lose the go-kart handling factor, it feels just as solid and consistent on the road. The N/A B234 2.3 liter inline 4 feels a lot more powerful than the B202 2.0 (duh), with the biggest difference being the feeling when you're above 3.5K RPMs as opposed to "just more torque." And yes, I'm actually glad I have one of the few N/A engines, because of the infamous electronic throttle/TCS problem (Google "SAAB + TCS + oh poo poo my car is in permanent limp mode" for more). I could go on and on about how much nicer the 9000 is inside and out, but the pictures speak for themselves. Nice side profile...  Front angle  Click here for the full 640x480 image. Other angle  Click here for the full 640x480 image. Everyone loves a shot of the rear  Click here for the full 640x480 image. The interior is pretty much flawless up front...  Click here for the full 640x480 image. ...And in the rear (sorry for the blurry shot)  Click here for the full 640x853 image. So there it is. SAAB man for life here. The quality is tangible and satisfying. I'll have to check back in a year to see if my opinion has changed. And no, I have no intention of even starting a turf war with all the Volvo fans. I just happen to have my opinions of the two manufacturers based on my limited knowledge.  localized posted:Someone should start a Saab thread...  keykey posted:I would like to make an addendum to this thread that really should be in the OP. Never should you consider a Saab fixed, a Saab can only be temporarily repaired. Saabs are as temperamental as a 1 year old while teething. You love the car while everything is taken care of, then 4 weeks after your previous fix, something else goes and there goes the obscenities. The pie chart for swearing as per activity should have equal shares of Mario Kart and Saab breaking again. Francis Baconator fucked around with this message at 03:14 on Oct 10, 2011 |
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Nov 23, 2009 04:43
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That's an unusually nice example. All the 9000s I see around here are totally thrashed. Nice find. 
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Nov 23, 2009 07:13
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A roomate of mine (also a SAAB tech) had a manual 9000 Aero in college, and gently caress I loved that car so much.
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Nov 23, 2009 07:20
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Holy crap, I've never seen a 9000 of that era that wasn't beat to poo poo by now. I've heard many say that the seats in those cars are some of the best ever made. Just don't ever drive a turbo, you'll be addicted. I test-drove a 2000 9-5 Aero with the B234 and broke the tires looks in 3rd gear. Obligatory since it's a SAAB thread: I drive a 2001 9-3.
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Nov 23, 2009 07:26
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I have such an inexplicable love for Saabs. That's a gorgeous example - there's a nice red 9000 CSE much like yours near me and I always stop to look at it when passing by on foot.
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Nov 23, 2009 07:33
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I own a classic 900 and a '95 9000. They're both wonderful and to anyone considering purchasing one... do it! You'll love these things.  Also, here is my 900. https://wi.somethingawful.com/92/925605dcc1a519c5abce587c9637967485c7db33.jpg https://wi.somethingawful.com/22/2202db443895eb2d9535208eb4ae0d98d4ccdbb4.jpg Tsu fucked around with this message at 16:48 on Nov 23, 2009 |
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Nov 23, 2009 16:36
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Thanks, I'm pretty sure I lucked out on this one. Cosmetically, just a couple chips I can easily touch up and zero rust. I agree with you, though, there's something about a 900/9000 that appeals in a way no other car really does. For the longest time I was a total Volvo fag, but slowly made my over to the SAAB corner after being drawn in by the "baseball cap" shaped 900s. Also, the seats on it are certifiably ridiculous. It's usually about 25 degrees around here in the mornings and those seat warmers make it a lot easier to drive to work. Of course, the 900 had good seats too, just not AS good.Tsu posted:I own a classic 900 and a '95 9000. They're both wonderful and to anyone considering purchasing one... do it! You'll love these things.
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Nov 23, 2009 18:13
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Must be nice living in an area so dead of activity that you can angle the car parked in the middle of the road and have some time to snap a few shots  nice find though, that looks to be in excellent shape.
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Nov 23, 2009 19:18
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This is making me miss my old 900. I mistreated that car as I learned to drive stick on that thing but it loved me back so well.
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Nov 23, 2009 19:50
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That is a beautiful 9000; I'm jealous. Let me know when you decide to sell it next week to get a 9-5.  Edit: I give up.. why's it crying? Thought that was just artifacting (bad video drivers here), but.. what the hell is with the black strips at the bumper? ssh fucked around with this message at 20:09 on Nov 23, 2009 |
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Nov 23, 2009 20:02
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ssh posted:That is a beautiful 9000; I'm jealous. Let me know when you decide to sell it next week to get a 9-5. Also, I'll be sure to PM you when I get rid of it, but I'm sure if I'm smart, I'll hold onto it for a little bit.
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Nov 23, 2009 20:24
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Francis Baconator posted:Well, not totally sure what you're referring to, but it could be due to the wash I had given it before taking it for a drive. The other thing it could be is the "accordian" part of the bumper. I think that's part of the safety design or something. Yep, the accordian is usually hidden more than that. I've only seen one other red with the 'teardrops' showing, but it is a CSE - maybe that was normal? Don't see too many SAABS in these parts. Here's one I almost grabbed, but I got a newer 9-5 for less than a quarter of the price, so I nabbed it, instead:  Ok, you can keep it for TWO weeks. Maybe even three since this is a holiday week.
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Nov 23, 2009 20:32
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Wow, I have never seen an older 9000 in that great shape. It looks brand new! I had a 92 900 Turbo for a while and that car was so much fun, I've been looking for another one ever since I got rid of it.
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Nov 23, 2009 20:32
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Love that 9000, and Saabs in general. When my escort gives up the ghost I'll be buying one no doubt.
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Nov 23, 2009 21:57
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TurboLuvah posted:A roomate of mine (also a SAAB tech) had a manual 9000 Aero in college, and gently caress I loved that car so much.
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Nov 23, 2009 23:16
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The SAAB 9000 may be the most versatile vehicles ever made, but I don't think I could love and hate a car so much. I put a transmission in mine ever 20,000 miles and after 140,000 miles there wasn't a god-damned thing on the car that wasn't broke, except the engine. I beat the ever loving piss out of it though. It was my high-school car, and everything you could possibly imagine had been smoked, spilled or spooged in it. I even jumped the drat car a couple of times. The fact that the rear seats could fold down and have enough room for two horny teenagers to gently caress any which way they want was a big plus. Over the years I used that car to haul firewood, several couches, a shed (in pieces), a bed, misc other furniture and a fridge. It really could swallow anything and at the end of the day the back seats could come up, the parcel shelf re-installed and it was a fine luxury automobile that impressed more than one girlfriend. Mine was a 1988 9000S. Black hatchback with a spoiler, 2.0 liter and the dreadful ZF automatic.
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Nov 23, 2009 23:24
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I love that 9000. My friends 9000 is what originally got me thinking of a Saab. 4 door + turbo + low insurance costs? Sign me up! I'm currently working to get my car to 300HP. (99 9-3, looking for a TD04 if anyone has a lead...) let it be known, I loving LOVE 3-spoke wheels. They kind of remind me of viking axes being spun around and around as you go down the road. Very 
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Nov 24, 2009 04:46
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Uh-oh. Looks like Koenigsegg is bailing out of the Saab deal. I wonder what will become of Saab now? Probably sold to the chinese for pocket change, I'd imagine. http://www.thelocal.se/23458/20091124/
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Nov 24, 2009 17:21
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Captain Crunk posted:let it be known, I loving LOVE 3-spoke wheels. They kind of remind me of viking axes being spun around and around as you go down the road. Very Nuclear Tourist posted:Uh-oh. Looks like Koenigsegg is bailing out of the Saab deal. I wonder what will become of Saab now? Probably sold to the chinese for pocket change, I'd imagine.
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Nov 24, 2009 22:43
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Nuclear Tourist posted:Uh-oh. Looks like Koenigsegg is bailing out of the Saab deal. I wonder what will become of Saab now? Probably sold to the chinese for pocket change, I'd imagine. Well I know someone whose getting drunk tonight, even if there is hope (there probably isn't). Nothing like a US-Government backed company to take longer than six months to say 'we still want to abuse the technology, but..'
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Nov 25, 2009 01:53
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ssh posted:Well I know someone whose getting drunk tonight, even if there is hope (there probably isn't). Hahahahaha, "abuse the technology"? Any and all technology developed by Saab is already in use by other platforms. GM isnt the one loving around with the sale Koenigsegg is. A limited production supercar maker although swedish, was never a great buyer. Keep on raging against the GM machine though man, you might just sound like you have some sort of an idea whats going on eventually.
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Nov 25, 2009 02:14
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The Sicilian posted:Hahahahaha, "abuse the technology"? Any and all technology developed by Saab is already in use by other platforms. GM isnt the one loving around with the sale Koenigsegg is. A limited production supercar maker although swedish, was never a great buyer. Keep on raging against the GM machine though man, you might just sound like you have some sort of an idea whats going on eventually. I disagree. That's why I stated GM bought SAAB, but they still want the rights to pick the carcass clean. GM likely just wants the rights to continue to use any/all of SAAB's technology they obtained through perpetuity and Koenigsegg finally said "Ya know what? gently caress this." So, what color is your camaro?
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Nov 25, 2009 02:24
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I wanted a c900 or 9000 as my first car, but that didn't happen. Hopefully I'll be able to get a nice 9000 Aero later, instead of a rusted, beat up N/A I would only be able to afford at the time. So yeah, congrats on the car, OP! I also really like the look of the Saab 3-spoke wheels, but not like those fitted on the OP's car (are they even 3-spoke?), instead I think they are the Aero/SPG wheels: 
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Nov 25, 2009 03:04
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Its about time there was a SAAB thread. I will literally cry if they go under. I saw it mentioned in passing in another thread that someone was amazed when they saw two SAABs at a stoplight. In Maine, it seems that every other car I see is a SAAB. On another note, has anyone used any JZW Tuning ECUs? They are the cheapest ones that I have seen, but I was wondering if anyone has ever installed one (specifically for the NG900). Link: http://www.jzwtuning.com/products.html
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Nov 25, 2009 04:11
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In this economy, $50 don't get you much: Hit in the right rear quarter, high enough to miss the framerails and all doors and hatch work: (sorry for picture quality)  Left side:  1998 900se, 2.0 turbo, auto trans. Most everything inside works, the engine seems like it works fine, I'll be checking spark plugs, air filter, etc. as soon as I have free time (hah). I'm going to check local yards for this model, if I find one I'm going to drill out some spot welds and pull the rear quarters and whatever else is needed. This is the first car I"ve ever owned with: Power anything except mirrors a turbo some sort of dragon/bird on the badge
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Nov 25, 2009 04:38
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ab0z posted:In this economy, $50 don't get you much I hate you. I really, really hate you. I've spent more on my battery. Good luck; if that tranny is slipping, I'll give you $20 for the car. I like silver SAABs, but white can work, too.
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Nov 25, 2009 04:40
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ssh posted:I hate you. I really, really hate you. I've spent more on my battery. Good luck; if that tranny is slipping, I'll give you $20 for the car. I like silver SAABs, but white can work, too. It's silver (don't know if that's clear based on my horrible pictures). Trans seems fine, if you stomp on it it'll kick down right away. Seems to hang on the upshifts at light throttle, but this is the first auto I've driven in 5 years so I can't really say if it's normal.
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Nov 25, 2009 04:45
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ab0z posted:It's silver (don't know if that's clear based on my horrible pictures). Trans seems fine, if you stomp on it it'll kick down right away. Seems to hang on the upshifts at light throttle, but this is the first auto I've driven in 5 years so I can't really say if it's normal. It looked silver, but I wasn't sure. NG900 and C900 trannies are difficult to find on the west coast right now; I'd baby the living hell out of it. If shifting is slow, you might want to check for vaccuum and sludging - but the 900 wasn't a big issue for sludging. They're temperamental, but theat them right, and they'll last you for years. Check out SAABnet - there are great folks there always willing to help.. as long as it isn't a 'blinker fluid' level question. E: Threat is not treat 
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Nov 25, 2009 04:48
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ab0z posted:1998 900se, 2.0 turbo, auto trans. Most everything inside works, the engine seems like it works fine, I'll be checking spark plugs, air filter, etc. as soon as I have free time I'd preemptively change the oil, and stock up on a DIC while you're at it.
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Nov 25, 2009 10:24
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kimbo305 posted:I'd preemptively change the oil, and stock up on a DIC while you're at it.
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Nov 25, 2009 14:18
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What's a DIC fer?
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Nov 25, 2009 15:26
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ab0z posted:What's a DIC fer?
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Nov 25, 2009 15:57
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Francis Baconator posted:DIC stands for Direct Ignition Cassette. Also called DI Cassette. It takes the place of your distributor, rotor, spark plug wires and all that good stuff, hence the name, direct ignition. They cost about $300 but are easy as hell to install. Be sure to use the spark plugs recommended by your owner's manual or you can shorten their lifespan considerably. Thanks, I remember hearing the term but couldn't recall the definition. I'll certainly use OEM plugs. (anyone have the model number handy for this car?)
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Nov 25, 2009 16:03
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ab0z posted:Thanks, I remember hearing the term but couldn't recall the definition. I'll certainly use OEM plugs. (anyone have the model number handy for this car?)
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Nov 25, 2009 16:11
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mobby_6kl posted:I also really like the look of the Saab 3-spoke wheels, but not like those fitted on the OP's car (are they even 3-spoke?), instead I think they are the Aero/SPG wheels:
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Nov 25, 2009 21:55
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ab0z posted:Thanks, I remember hearing the term but couldn't recall the definition. I'll certainly use OEM plugs. (anyone have the model number handy for this car?) I just put four new plugs in mine a couple weeks ago. I used Bosch FR 7 DC+X I think. I have the Haynes Manual right here, so if you have other easy questions I might be able to answer them.
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Nov 25, 2009 22:52
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'98 900se, turbo 2.0, automatic. What should I see at full throttle on the "boost" gauge? Most of the time at 3/4 throttle it looks like I'm getting mid "yello". Should it go into the red zone if I'm really on it? What do these colors correspond to in actual pressure?
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Dec 18, 2009 16:29
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Thinking of a 2006 9-3 Aero wagon with 100,000 kms on it - what are the typical maintenance issues that I'd be looking at, aside from the normal car stuff? this is the car, specifically - Kijiji, in Nova Scotia
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Dec 18, 2009 17:33
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ab0z posted:'98 900se, turbo 2.0, automatic. Just go buy an Autometer vac/boost gauge. Factory gauges are generally horribly inaccurate.
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Dec 18, 2009 20:49
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Prescription Combs posted:Just go buy an Autometer vac/boost gauge. Factory gauges are generally horribly inaccurate. So you're saying when it's saying I'm making yellow PSI I might only be making green PSI? Are these gauges known to fail in a way that causes them never to read in the red zone? Does this system coordinate with the homeland security color system? What I want to know (from somebody familiar with the model) is what gauge readings are normal, and what the actual boost pressures should be normally. Even if I measure it with a gauge marked in PSI/bar, I don't know what to compare it to.
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Dec 18, 2009 22:27
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