[john97900S]

I am looking at a used Viggen Convertible. Overall the car is nice but the ride is rougher than I expected. I realize the Viggen is more performance oriented than regular Saabs and I realize the convertible body will not be as stiff as a sedan. The current owner has installed the factory body braces and rear anti-sway bar.

As a point of comparison, I have a 2007 9-3 and had a 1997 900S before that, so I am familiar with Saab. I just got rid of a cherry 1972 MGB so I am well acquanited with rough riding, low slung convertibles.

I guess my question after all of this setup is ... is this typical? Do Viggen Convertibles kind of shake themelves loose as they age? I really want this car but I am trying to remain objective and not buy a buzz box that is only going to get worse.

BTW... the guy is asking $12500 for a 2002 Convertible with 55K miles. According to Edmunds it is a bit high, according to KBB it is about right. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[fiveiron9688]

What do you mean by the factory braces? As far as I know, there were not special braces installed by the factory. Does the seller mean aftermarket items? Such as Genuine Saab parts? If it has these parts it should ride a lot nicer.

If the oil changes have been done at under 5k intervals with synthetic and the PCV #6 update is done, that would be a decent deal I think. $12,500 sounds a little high, but then again, I haven't seen an '02 Viggen vert with that low of miles. I would try for around $10-11K depending on how she checks out.

Good luck!

 

[Viggen225]

If the car has the GenuineSaab braces (6-point under engine, rear and front tower brace) I would be worried if it felt unsettled going down the road. If you havn't drived a properly maintained Saab 9-3 vert, I would suggest driving one first. If the Viggen you speak of still feels structurally poor, I would worry about constant track or autoX abuse and would shy away from the purchase reguardless of the miles.

 

[belfastcarlsson]

Have to say my '99 Viggen vert gave me a shock when I purchased it last autumn. The ride, crash and creaks are dreadful, but apparently 'par for the course' when you combine a Viggen's hard ride with a convertible. Just had all 4 alloys diagnosed as buckled , so hoping with new rims things might settle down a bit!

 

['97 Saab SE Turbo]

Is this the Viggen in Chicago near the airport? It looks nice, but seems overpriced, especially in the winter. It's not at a Saab dealer, so I would assume they don't know much about it... Ron

 

[john97900S]

"Factory" is probably not the right word. He had a Saab dealer install a rear sway bar and sub frame brace.

 

[john97900S]

Thanks for the answers and opinions.

The rims are relatively new. He swapped out he Viggen rims for the Saab 60th anniversary rims, so I am 99% sure the wheels are round. He still has the original rims which would be included.

This car is not near Chicago, It is near NYC.

 

[I_Dream_Of_Viggen]

I think the more noticeable creaks atc are going to be apparent it any convertible. That's one of the first things I noticed in my new Viggen. Some of them I suppose you could fix by tightening bolts and reinforcing the frame. For the rest I've found 80's metal and other forms of rock music tend to take presidence in my brain over those creaks and cranks