[Immo]

I have a 2003 9-3 Arc, and don't know alot about older models. I'm looking for a project car...

The following is an e-mail from a friend I have at a Saab Dealership. He says he can get me this car for $800.00 I know it's hard to judge a book by it's cover, but is this a good deal:

"How about a 1985 SPG, first year, all were black and tan. I know the history of this car, well kept and needs little. A/C blows warm, but the car runs great."

 

[Immo]

I have some more info...

I went to go see the car... I didn't go through it with a fine tooth comb...

It has a small spot of rust on the driver's side quarter wheel well. The A/C doesn’t work. There are a few spots where the paint needs to be touched up. The speedo doesn’t work.

They have another 85 SPG for $3000 which is much better shape. It needs nothing major, and has some nice replica 9000 Aero seats.

 

[DrSquirley]

Well, if your looking for a project car the first one seems like it coul dbe a project... 800 is also alot less expensive than 3000 as long as you can sort the rust out pretty well. ac and speedo dont seem like major problems, and if theres no easy fix for them, well just replace them with bits from a scrapyard.

however if the other car is in pretty good shape you could go with a safer bet, and still a reasonably good deal over all.

-Alex

 

[Raub]

You might be pleasantly surprised. I just bought a 1987 900 Turbo for $600 last week because the guy said the reverse gear was out. About 6 hours of work in the garage and I had the reverse fixed. It had the usual 900 problems (sagging headliner, cracked dash, worn drivers seat), but other than that it is in great shape. You can find decent 900's for bargain prices.

I'd check and make sure the turbo is strong and the tranny shifts smooth and doesn't whine in 5th. Oil leaks are usually a cheap fix if you can DIY. O-rings are cheap, just takes some time and patience to change em. Also check out the steering rack and see if it's leaking. Yank the dipstick and see if there's any antifreeze in the oil. Check expansion tank for oil in the antifreeze. Drive it and get into boost...see if any oil smoke comes out of exhaust. Those are the big things I usually look at when buying a project.

 

[Immo]

I think I'm going with the better of the 2.

I took some pictures, the current owner is out of town for the next week or so.

photos.yahoo.com/paulimmo

 

[eggsngrits]

Nice car. Those bullnose SPGs look darn good. I really like the way that the front air dam wraps around the bumper like that. Good choice.

 

[Immo]

photos.yahoo.com/paulimmo

So what is it worth?

 

[eggsngrits]

I would compare with similar cars that you see advertised. If it needs work, get them to include in the price or price the work by asking a Saab mechanic or looking up the part yourself and deducting some for the work. You know the car better than any of us...

As far as losing money, you're probably good since the wheels and body kit would bring a fair amount parted -- maybe $250 for the wheels and $400 for the body kit? Look at the ads for those, too. Remember that the facelifted body kits and 1988+ wheels will bring a little more since there is more demand.