Thinking of buying 900 turbo?

[X- Saab Guy]

I just saw a 1980 900 turbo for sale. I use to have a 1997 900S which I sold (kind of sorry I did) . I was wondering can any one tell me if this is a good car. Like handling etc , ride, acceleration? I kind of think they are cool. I would like to know if this would make a good daily driver or is it just to old?? It supposedly has only 41k on the mileage and is like new. Just wondering if this a good year to get and such? What would be a fair price to pay also?? Thanks in advance.

[Jezzadee]

It should handle very well and have a good amount of power - more stable than your '97 in the handling. But it is quite old. If it has been well maintained it could be good, but the mileage might be a problem - its so low it is either dodgy or if genuine could cause problems due to lack of use, perished seals, all sorts. 1980 was only the second year these were ever made, and there were improvements added later to the transmission from 1990 on. Classic 900's are very very good cars but at 24 years of age it will be tired if it hasn't been restored. Still fun though. I am not sure about a daily driver - there are people on here with similar or older cars who use them daily, but you have to be prepared to replace things. Have a look at the buyers guide here:
http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/...yers_guide.php

Welcome to Saab Central 8)

[garry]

I used to have a 97 900s talladega ..... before that a 87 c900i and now a 92 c900 t16s...

Even when comparing the 87 classic to the 97 with ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution) I found the 87 handled better..although SAAB did a good job of making the ng900 (new shape) feel very much like its predecessor on the road.

Power seemed to be approx the same

The c900 definitely is noisier on the road but from a drivers point of view gives you loads of feedback from the road in comparison....
the 1980 car is only worth it if it is in extremely good condition.... Although rust may not be evident it can hide in some odd places, like under the fuel tank (very near to the rear suspension mounts)... I know all about this as we also have 3 99's which share the same layout.

When late 80's 900's can be picked up for peanuts a 1980 model should be pretty special.

[92-Vert]

Can it be driven? Just like "Jezzadee" says sometimes its that it has not been driven that may be the problem. Where was this car all that time? If it were stored outside, the rust from underneath like the chassis, the exhaust system and drive train. Get it on a lift and have a look see. Although this may be a very good car it should be completely checked out before driving it very far. Unless it has been driven more lately and it could be a real find. But anything of that age with that low a mileage on it kind of makes you think. I never saw that little old lady drive a Saab 16t to church.

Saabs Ride On' 8)

[Dr Rock]

Well, I got an '81 with 90k on the clock and it drives really well. Then again, previous owners have spent over 4k on it since '98....

If the 1980 is really good, buy it and keep it for special days. The first 2 years of manufacture are quite different to '81 onwards. It is a bit old for a daily driver. In fact, I would say most c900's are getting on a bit to be used as daily drivers

[pda]

Originally Posted by Dr Rock

Well, I got an '81 with 90k on the clock and it drives really well. Then again, previous owners have spent over 4k on it since '98....

If the 1980 is really good, buy it and keep it for special days. The first 2 years of manufacture are quite different to '81 onwards. It is a bit old for a daily driver. In fact, I would say most c900's are getting on a bit to be used as daily drivers

there is nothing wrong with driving a C900 everyday,as long as they are maintained/serviced......
they are different to every thing else on the road thats why you should drive them everyday.....
I have had cars as old as 24 years as everyday drivers nothing wrong with that...
most cars you see broken down along the side of any road/motorway are new ones less than 5 years old.......
cos you can`t repair them without a computer/laptop & a shop full of factory tools.......

sorry "RANT" over
Paul

[Dr Rock]

Ah, but, trying to get spare parts for the older cars gets harder and harder with every passing year (and more expensive).

I am not a fan of modern cars at all. My youngest is 15 years old, oldest is 34, all of 'em fixable by me

[pda]

as for spares shops open all the time ,but you only need the internet PFS,G&S,ECP,etc
even the main dealer has bargains, at times new old stock etc.... :wink: :wink:
trips to scrapyards help as well

Paul