Any thoughts on Saab?

[BCO]

I found a '98 model 900 turbo for R33k. Looks to be in very good condition, but it has 210 000km on the clock. IIRC these are pretty reliable models though.

Was thinking of buying it cash and using the savings on car installments towards a bond. (Before anyone asks, I'm very happy with the Impreza, was just thinking "out the box" in terms of finances).

Is this a recipe for reliability/financial woes in the future?

 

[Sensorei]

Just my opinion but SAABs all look like boring accountant cars. Definitely no sex appeal.

 

[adamr]

*vomit*

 

[VanZan]

From what I hear - spares availability is terrible and very pricey since the SAAB brand has a very limited network and presence in SA. Also not a lot of technical knowledge available outside the dealer/service network. Means that services could be expensive with little alternative options.

It is lots of car for very little money BUT there is a reason why the secondhand price is so low. Nobody wants is because of possible maintenance/repair costs or problems.

I wouldn't touch it.

 

[Palimino]

The engine converts nicely to an aero-engine.

 

[Fazda]

BCO, what have you been smoking??!

I tried selling Saabs in Cape Town in 97 and they weren't even nice when they were new!!

Of course YSP bought one for his wife if you remember correctly.........not my cup of tea...

 

[BCO]

OK guys, I get the message

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Fazda]

OK guys, I get the message

Thanks for the advice.

 

[BCO]

Mrs R loved her SAAB as far as I remember, though. I must say they have a strong appeal to me because of their quirky nature, but I'm neither headstrong nor stupid enough to ignore a unanimous "no" from you guys.

 

[Fazda]

Mrs R loved her SAAB as far as I remember, though. I must say they have a strong appeal to me because of their quirky nature, but I'm neither headstrong nor stupid enough to ignore a unanimous "no" from you guys.

Mrs R also loved her Alfasud hatch before it was stolen.......not really a great recommendation!!

Stick with the unanimous "NO"

 

[boramk]

I'd get a Saab if I lived in the states... In SA, its best to get a popular car brand, better service/parts/knowledge

 

[BCO]

Will just stick with the Impreza.

 

[HapticSimian]

I dig SAABs - brilliant cars. Wouldn't buy one, though, for all the reasons mentioned. I think the only place you can get away with actually spending money on a SAAB is Sweden.

 

[Pearson6]

We had this topic during the week at work and yesterday I also spoke to a friend about it..........well from what I understand SAAB spares are not all over the show and even if the model is the same your parts might not be exactly the same and all parts has to be order with your VIN number so I guess its a no-no for me too..........I remember this one time on Seinfeld Jerry wanted to buy a SAAB and asked everyones opinion........killed me......LMFAO!

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

Buy it just coz its a turbo...or offer the seller way less like for 20k...coz he knows its a pain to own...its almost like an Alfa, although parts are in abundance as so many people rather strip them for spares and the stealer networked forced lotsa people to open up shop and deal spacifically in Alfa as there is tons of money to be made if your a indie fixing Alfa's.

IMO...Saab should be discontinued!