97 900 SE info plllllease!

[valentinogirl]

Im looking into buying a 1997 Saab 900SE Turbo.
However, I dont know much about these cars,
and I would like to be sure that I am not getting in over my head.

Any info you can provide will be helpful!

How many MPG?
What is the most common engine related problem with this model?
Are parts very expensive/hard to find?

Any informational website you could point me to would be much appreciated as well!

THANK you!!!

[radare]

I'll try and give you a good start:

The typical mileage for a Turbo seems to run 19-22 MPG City, 28-32 MPG highway.

Common engine related problems seem to be (on higher mileage cars), wear of the timing/balance chains and failure of the direct-ignition-control module.

Keep in mind, parts and service for SAAB's tends to be high and these cars do require quite a bit of maintenance as they age. I do all my own repair and maintenance work and I've spent roughly $6k on parts in the last year and a half. My car does have nearly 200k miles, though.

Your best bet might be to start by reading through the FAQ. It will outline most of the problems with these models:

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=53523

Here's an "inspection" sheet I put together for mine, a year or so ago. If you run down this list, you ought to know what condition the car you are looking at is in.

http://www.900saab.com/inspection.html

[radare]

Oh, and don't forget the NG900 Buyer's Guide. It's a good start too.

http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/...yers_guide.php

[turbojohnny]

i've had a lot of coolant system problems with my car, you might want to check and make sure all of the hoses are in good shape

[TROLLhattenschatten]

See if the previous owner knows how often oil changes where done and what was used....

[saabchilten]

well well another indy person finally appears. we're multiplying! everyone else pretty well covered it, but i'd also suggest you be completely anal about checking over everything they said to. i was able to judge the condition of my car, and scare the dealer out of talking to me at the same time! it took me seven months of searching and getting very good at it before i finally found my car and bought her, so take your sweet time with looking things over.

[CleveSaab]

Originally Posted by saabchilten

it took me seven months of searching and getting very good at it before i finally found my car and bought her, so take your sweet time with looking things over.

Best advice ever. Took me almost 7 months to find my current driver. As we approach 100K (99954) I have spent pretty much nothing in breakdown repairs.

[ArmySaab]

I don't have any advice to add other than what these guys have already said.

I just had to say hi to someone that is from my home town. I graduated from Homestead and then joined the Army to get the heck outta there lol.

Good luck in your search and always check to see if they have any service history on the car.