I am looking at buying a 1985 SAAB 900S with about 165,000 miles on it. The
transmission was replaced about 30,000 miles ago with a 1991 transmission.
The clutch was replaced about that time as well but feels like it might
need to be replaced very soon.
The car is VERY clean and looks like it was taken car of inside and out.
I am having a mechanic friend take a look at it on saturday but I would
like to find out what I am looking at if I buy this car.
What sort of problems are likely to pop up on this car and what should I be
looking for before I decide to buy?
Thanks!!!!!
KB
Have it checked out mechanically but one thing very much overlooked is the
body and unibody. Make sure it goes up on a lift so you can check underneath.
If they say it has not been in an accident then don’t take their word for it.
The registry is useless as far as indicating a prior accident. If
possible..take it to a reputable body shop and have them look for indications
of major repairs. Usually their trained eye can do this in a half hour or
less and you can throw them a few bucks. Make sure all wheels have alignment
within specs since if not,this can also indicate a problem if they can’t be
aligned. Very important,also, is to check under ALL floor rugs for
indications of water or even prior leakage that is dry. Some leaks in Saabs
simply cannot be found without replacing the entire car but you will spend
all kinds of $$$ listening to whacko theories about where the water is coming
from. Better off determining this now because you can’t return it due to
leaks. Leaks under the mats are annoying and cause rust (obviously). Also
check the trunk for leakage.
also…have the mechanic drive it alone for awhile so he can listen for
problems (bad wheel bearings etc…etc..)
If possible…contact the prior owners and make sure the guage unit was not
replaced which would give a lower odometer reading than actual.
Good Luck
Prax
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
>I am looking at buying a 1985 SAAB 900S with about 165,000 miles on it. The
>transmission was replaced about 30,000 miles ago with a 1991 transmission.
>The clutch was replaced about that time as well but feels like it might
>need to be replaced very soon.
>The car is VERY clean and looks like it was taken car of inside and out.
>I am having a mechanic friend take a look at it on saturday but I would
>like to find out what I am looking at if I buy this car.
>What sort of problems are likely to pop up on this car and what should I be
>looking for before I decide to buy?
>Thanks!!!!!
>KB
Comment by admin — October 29, 2009 @ 6:47 pm