$aabs

[Lee Levitt <wheelman@shore.net>]

"John Seitz" <jws@megahits.com> asks about $aabs

>does any one out there with any Saab skills know what kinds of problems are
>known for a 1985 900 Auto.  We saw one today that we like it has about 135k
>and looks good but it was a dealer and they were closed?  I would be getting
>the wife a Quattro in a heartbeat but she needs an automatic!!   And the
>pain 4000/5000s are just don't hold up as far as the auto goes?

Yikes. I'd stay away from this one. Older Saabs typically have tranny
problems, and to fix/replace the tranny, you have to remove the engine.
You'll also end up doing a variety of other expensive mileage related
things between purchase and 200K.

I've owned two Saabs, an early 900T and a '91 9000 CD (non turbo), and I'd
say that while their engineering is generally good, their execution sucks.
Lots of things break that shouldn't (worse than door handles,even). And
nobody knows how to fix them properly...a good Saab mechanic is a rarity.

If your wife likes a 900 auto, show her a 500 or 100 auto. My wife moved
from her 9000 in to a 200T and couldn't be happier. 

HTH,

Lee
Lee Levitt
lee @ swedishbricks.net
webmaster, Swedishbricks - http://www.SwedishBricks.net/
1988 Volvo 745T, 125K (gone but not forgotten...not to mention a dozen or
so other Volvos...)
1995 Range Rover County LWB, 55K
1990 Audi 200T, 80K
1987 Wicked Fat Chance, 1981 Condor