1997 Saab 900s - ANY GOOD?!

[ukferrari]

Hi there, I am looking at a '97 900s (Stick Shift) with 100,000 miles on it. This is the first Saab I have looked at purchasing so, should I be concerned about the mileage? The seller is asking $4,000 for it, would you guys say that this is a good price? I would call the car in "good" condition. As this is the first Saab I have looked at, is there anything specific I should look for in the car or check when I go and look at it.

Many Thanks
ukferrari

[saabchilten]

you'll be attacked by the c900 crowd here in the lounge! price sounds good to me. my '96 cost $4500 with 135,040 miles, but that's because of how rare saabs evidently are in indy. even at that mileage, i've had no issues. plenty of guides for checking exist out there. there's Radare's guide and Munki's guide. give the car a basic check, making sure things look in good shape (no rust, good service records, clean oil, etc.), and if you think it's good, take it to a saab shop you trust and have them look over it more closely. stay there when they do so you can ask questions. good luck with it. if it doesn't work out, keep searching. i looked at many saabs before finding the one i have now. welcome to SC!

[dmtinker]

For that price, I would also make sure all the climate control features function, including the A/C.

[Si]

Dunno how the price over there compares to the UK but I would'nt pay more than £1000 for a late NG900 with that mileage (paid £950 for my '97 with 107k miles about 18 months ago) , so guess about $2k unless it's had some serious work done to it, if you can pick one up for $2k then you've got another $2k to sort out the ride and maybe a little more power.

[stamonkey]

I would assume the 900s is a non-turbo? If it is, I would hold out for a turbo, for 4k you should be able to find a decent example of a 900se turbo 5-speed, this will give you lots more options and lots more power, equating to lots more

[boon94]

Originally Posted by stamonkey

I would assume the 900s is a non-turbo?

Back in the NG days the "s" vs "se" didnt mean as much as it did when it became the 9-3. I think the only think the s cant have is ACC and wood grain, unless its a vert.

[queryanalyzer]

Looks like the '97 900s is without leather, CD, ACC, power seats, and its a 2.3l engine. I think $4000 is way too much, but thats just my opinion. But is it a 5-door/3-door/Conv ???

Happy hunting

[boon94]

Originally Posted by queryanalyzer

Looks like the '97 900s is without leather, CD, ACC, power seats, and its a 2.3l engine. I think $4000 is way too much, but thats just my opinion. But is it a 5-door/3-door/Conv ???

Is that the actual car or specs of a base 900s model? My 900s was a 2.0 turbo, had leather, sunroof, cd changer, no acc tho

[saabchilten]

you might want to find the comps for your area. none of us from around the world are going to agree on them. i looked at a 900s for $3500 that would have been fine if it wasn't for all the mechanical issues. sure the 900s isn't a turbo, but if you really want the potential better MPGs and one less part to supposedly fail, then it's for you.

[900t]

Originally Posted by boon94

Is that the actual car or specs of a base 900s model? My 900s was a 2.0 turbo, had leather, sunroof, cd changer, no acc tho

There was a 1998 900 S turbo model...

IMO 4k$ is way high for a hatchback, but about what you'd expect for a convertible.

[queryanalyzer]

Originally Posted by boon94

Is that the actual car or specs of a base 900s model? My 900s was a 2.0 turbo, had leather, sunroof, cd changer, no acc tho

Thats the spec for the base 900s. You are right... this particular car could have any possible combination of features.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by ukferrari

Hi there, I am looking at a '97 900s (Stick Shift) with 100,000 miles on it. This is the first Saab I have looked at purchasing so, should I be concerned about the mileage? The seller is asking $4,000 for it, would you guys say that this is a good price? I would call the car in "good" condition. As this is the first Saab I have looked at, is there anything specific I should look for in the car or check when I go and look at it.
Many Thanks
ukferrari

Mileage itself is not a concern as much as its service history.

IMHO, $4000 is a bit much even if the car is a creampuff (I know you guys pay much less for used cars in the US).

Keep looking for more if you can, the only way you can get a good gauge of the market and what to expect at different price points.

[Mattlach]

IMHO you'll get a bit bored with the 2.3L NA engine.

It's the slowest Saab I have ever driven. Not a bad highway cruiser though.

I would poke around for a 2.0L turbo equipped model.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by Mattlach

IMHO you'll get a bit bored with the 2.3L NA engine.

It's the slowest Saab I have ever driven. Not a bad highway cruiser though.

I would poke around for a 2.0L turbo equipped model.

Voila !

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/707867821.html

1997 900SE 2.0 Turbo
113,204 miles
4 door
Leather
Sun Roof
Am/Fm Cd changer
Power windows and locks
5 Speed

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Voila !

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/707867821.html

1997 900SE 2.0 Turbo
113,204 miles
4 door
Leather
Sun Roof
Am/Fm Cd changer
Power windows and locks
5 Speed

Not bad. Cheaper than that N/A, still a 5spd (+++), MORE POWAH, only slightly more milage, and its in the right state.

You sir, are an effective Saab classifieds hunter.

ukferrari:

I think if you test drive this car, you will be MUCH happier with it.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by Mattlach

Not bad. Cheaper than that N/A, still a 5spd (+++), MORE POWAH, only slightly more milage, and its in the right state.

You sir, are an effective Saab classifieds hunter.

Sigh, now if only I could get paid for my services Sort of like a matchmaker/dating service :


"You ....... you're a 9-5 Aero kind of guy. Here's one for ya"

"And you miss, you seem like a classic convertible lady. Bingo ... enjoy"

"Ahem, and you Mattlach, you've been bad this year according to my records. Here, take this 9-7X Aero with LS2 V8. Nobody wants it anyway ......."

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Sigh, now if only I could get paid for my services Sort of like a matchmaker/dating service :


"You ....... you're a 9-5 Aero kind of guy. Here's one for ya"

"And you miss, you seem like a classic convertible lady. Bingo ... enjoy"

"Ahem, and you Mattlach, you've been bad this year according to my records. Here, take this 9-7X Aero with LS2 V8. Nobody wants it anyway ......."

haha... Many used car places WILL initiate car hunts for people if they have requests...

[jayarekay338]

Arguments for the turbo are very easy to make......but to throw in my two cents: The first car that I owned for myself was a '97 900 S and I still regret trading it in for a turbo'd saab. It was an awesome car and I would highly recommend it. I think the question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I want a nice car for transportation, or do I want a Saab?" All of us on here are obviously saab nuts and are very specific about the features we want on our cars and are all fans of turbochargers. If you feel you just need a great car for transportation rather than a new passion, then the S will do you just fine. As a side note, my 1997 had some electical problems pop up at about 100,000 miles and Consumer Reports seconds that the 97 was a bad year electonically.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by jayarekay338

The first car that I owned for myself was a '97 900 S and I still regret trading it in for a turbo'd saab. It was an awesome car and I would highly recommend it. I think the question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I want a nice car for transportation, or do I want a Saab?" All of us on here are obviously saab nuts and are very specific about the features we want on our cars and are all fans of turbochargers. If you feel you just need a great car for transportation rather than a new passion, then the S will do you just fine.

Are you suggesting the "S" NG900 are not true Saabs but merely "nice car for transportation" ?

Why do you regret trading it in for a turbo ?

[ukferrari]

I cannot thank you guys enough for your suggestions and wise words. I will keep you posted on what happens in the near future.

Thanks Again
Ukferrari