900 classic convertible. Advice please.

[Baby Huey]

I've loved the original 900 for many years and I'm considering getting a convertible.

Any advice on the relative merits of each engine, also anything specific to the convertible, and the 900 in general would be welcome.

I'm thinking along the lines of an N/A 2.0 16v, as I want to keep the running costs down. What sort of mpg could I expect with one of these.

[pmanson]

I had use of a Turbo version for a while....

My memories that it was a lovely car, build like a slab of granite, but with plenty of scuttle shake. Wasn't exceptionally quick and liked a good drink.

[Baby Huey]

pmanson said:

I had use of a Turbo version for a while....

My memories that it was a lovely car, build like a slab of granite, but with plenty of scuttle shake. Wasn't exceptionally quick and liked a good drink.

Yes, I believe the turbos are thirsty. From what I can tell the 2.0 16v isn't much less powerful than the LPT, and should be a lot less complex. I've heard the handling isn't up to much so too much power might be a bit wasted.

[pmanson]

It was certainly a car to get in a straight line and push the loud pedal rather than hustle down to the country lanes.

Good car though

[Infernored]

I have one at the moment, Its a '91 900i Auto (Non-Turbo) I got it because it was the best example I could find at a good price, so wasnt too bothered about the auto-box or no turbo, it really is a solid car and built very very well. The biggest problems are that there are so few around now hence the prices are stronger than the later GM cars - they are however great cars - comfy cruisers and very easy to work on yourself, they can also handle big, big mileages easily. There are, as ever lots of things you should know about them just so you are aware of the important things before you buy. They are as the other poster pointed out, not too quick (by modern standards) and a little thirsty (low 20's on any type of engine would be the norm) but an Iconic car that has withstood the test of time, and is nowadays a rare sight on the roads (which is why i bought one over, say an Audi cabriolet of similar vintage and price) they have a charming retro feel about them to drive and a certain style that Saab (under GM)never managed to capture on any later model. Mine has had only 2 owners before me and was garaged all its life being used for sunny days etc, it is superbly reliable and snug, warm and dry in all weathers. They do have considerable scuttle shake but that adds to the charm because they are no sports car, but they can carry 4 adults in comfort and the hood will fold down (electrically) in a few moments. I never worry about leaving mine anywhere as it seems people like it as it is unusual (very little else looks like a classic Saab convertible) and as it is a classic it doesnt have the unpleasant connotations of other convertible cars. I have owned a lot of other metal (930 turbo, 911 targa, classic SL etc etc) and i really like the Saab for its simplicity and the fact that it is pretty much depreciation proof motoring now, as the newest classic 900 convertibles are now over 15 years old!
I am more than happy to answer any other questions you have, as i pretty much know my car inside out now...
Regards,
Infernored

[alfettagtv2000]

Turbos are actually slightly more economical if you drive them 'normally', to be honest I never noticed much difference, they all did 25-30 round town and 35 on a run.....

Otherwise found them pretty good for a 60's design. (relatively) Low weight, narrow and double wishbone suspension gave handling better than you might expect.

[Baby Huey]

Infernored said:

I have one at the moment, Its a '91 900i Auto (Non-Turbo) I got it because it was the best example I could find at a good price, so wasnt too bothered about the auto-box or no turbo, it really is a solid car and built very very well. The biggest problems are that there are so few around now hence the prices are stronger than the later GM cars - they are however great cars - comfy cruisers and very easy to work on yourself, they can also handle big, big mileages easily. There are, as ever lots of things you should know about them just so you are aware of the important things before you buy. They are as the other poster pointed out, not too quick (by modern standards) and a little thirsty (low 20's on any type of engine would be the norm) but an Iconic car that has withstood the test of time, and is nowadays a rare sight on the roads (which is why i bought one over, say an Audi cabriolet of similar vintage and price) they have a charming retro feel about them to drive and a certain style that Saab (under GM)never managed to capture on any later model. Mine has had only 2 owners before me and was garaged all its life being used for sunny days etc, it is superbly reliable and snug, warm and dry in all weathers. They do have considerable scuttle shake but that adds to the charm because they are no sports car, but they can carry 4 adults in comfort and the hood will fold down (electrically) in a few moments. I never worry about leaving mine anywhere as it seems people like it as it is unusual (very little else looks like a classic Saab convertible) and as it is a classic it doesnt have the unpleasant connotations of other convertible cars. I have owned a lot of other metal (930 turbo, 911 targa, classic SL etc etc) and i really like the Saab for its simplicity and the fact that it is pretty much depreciation proof motoring now, as the newest classic 900 convertibles are now over 15 years old!
I am more than happy to answer any other questions you have, as i pretty much know my car inside out now...
Regards,
Infernored

Thanks for that. Sounds like you got one for the very same reasons I like them.

There seems to be a disparity in prices, are there still any bargains out there? There's a nice sounding one near me going for £4000, and one in CCW this week which sounds good in the ad, going for £1300. Sadly at the wrong end of the country for me. I saw one in Brighton not long ago going for a grand. Although the condition was worse than I was looking for it still looked like great value.

I've read the gearboxes can be a bit flimsy, is there anything to look out for when test driving?

If you see one for sale in black or met blue with brown leather let me know!

Edited by Baby Huey on Sunday 15th March 07:39

[Infernored]

Yes there is quite a difference in prices, which was the same as when i got mine last August - the reasons are numerous, firstly a lot are in poor condition (but they can hide it well) and considered by some as just "old" cars with little value left in them, some are, in my opinion a little overpriced, there have been a few up lately for nearly 7 grand, however if you are looking for the best and have the money then they will sell. Mine was 2 grand from a dealer who took it in as a part-ex from a regular customer with too many toys and was a very solid car. The things to be aware of are rust, mainly on the chassis, below the gearbox and at the bottoms of the doors (covered by rubber flaps) also the bonnet can rust from within (its double skinned) the interiors wear well and are solidly constructed. The engines are solid and are basically the same whether turbo or non-turbo, there are of course both LPT and FPT (identified by a boost gauge in the instrument cluster) and non-turbo. The manual gearboxes, especially on turbo's have been identified sometimes as a weak point but are generally long-lived, as are the 3-speed auto's (all borg-warner geraboxes) which are very solid and understressed. There are always precious few cars around as they are frankly quite old now, and most of the nice ones are tucked away I reckon. However, they seem to be becoming quite a sought after car now, due to their durability and IMHO timeless styling, so good ones will fetch stronger money. the prices will of course rise over the next few months as the sun shines more!. Service history is important but is unlikely to be completely Saab, but as they are simple cars any competent mechanic can service and maintain them (I do most of the stuff on mine, and I am far from being a mechanical engineer)if you see one advertised online, post the link so I can have a gander, its often easy to see from an ad whether its worth a look or not...
Regards,
Infernored

[Baby Huey]

Infernored said:

Yes there is quite a difference in prices, which was the same as when i got mine last August - the reasons are numerous, firstly a lot are in poor condition (but they can hide it well) and considered by some as just "old" cars with little value left in them, some are, in my opinion a little overpriced, there have been a few up lately for nearly 7 grand, however if you are looking for the best and have the money then they will sell. Mine was 2 grand from a dealer who took it in as a part-ex from a regular customer with too many toys and was a very solid car. The things to be aware of are rust, mainly on the chassis, below the gearbox and at the bottoms of the doors (covered by rubber flaps) also the bonnet can rust from within (its double skinned) the interiors wear well and are solidly constructed. The engines are solid and are basically the same whether turbo or non-turbo, there are of course both LPT and FPT (identified by a boost gauge in the instrument cluster) and non-turbo. The manual gearboxes, especially on turbo's have been identified sometimes as a weak point but are generally long-lived, as are the 3-speed auto's (all borg-warner geraboxes) which are very solid and understressed. There are always precious few cars around as they are frankly quite old now, and most of the nice ones are tucked away I reckon. However, they seem to be becoming quite a sought after car now, due to their durability and IMHO timeless styling, so good ones will fetch stronger money. the prices will of course rise over the next few months as the sun shines more!. Service history is important but is unlikely to be completely Saab, but as they are simple cars any competent mechanic can service and maintain them (I do most of the stuff on mine, and I am far from being a mechanical engineer)if you see one advertised online, post the link so I can have a gander, its often easy to see from an ad whether its worth a look or not...
Regards,
Infernored

Thanks again.

I'd like to spend less than £4000, and hopefully get a top example.

Sounds like it's worth having a poke around underneath from what you are saying.

[NiceCupOfTea]

You should get a decent one for 4k. Most of the cheap ones are cheap for a reason.

Personally I feel that the LPT is the best engine for the convertible. It has a very n/a like power delivery but a bit more get up and go than the 16v. The full turbo shows up the lack of rigidity in the body I am afraid.

It's no sports car but they don't handle too badly on the sports suspension (a 900S will be an LPT with the Aero bodykit and sports suspension).

Gearbox will likely be in better shape on a n/a or LPT.

Rust as said: door bottoms, bonnet edges (inside), front crossmember, driveshaft tunnels, in front of rear wheelarches.

They're lovely cruisers, my dad had a very nice ruby red LPT a few years ago.

[drivin_me_nuts]

I had a T16s Convertible. Great little car. scuttle shake is terrible, but it is not shy of a hustle down a country lane at some speed. You just get used to it. Lovely exhaust sound - cackle on the overrun was a treat in tunnels. Get one if you can, they are an absolute joy and they do feel rock solid. Nothing quite like them for a cheap thrill sense of occasion. Serviced mine every 6k, average around 28mpg. Mine was utterly reliable over 80k bar a new alternator. They do make even a jaunt down to the shops seem a little more special.

[aeropilot]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Personally I feel that the LPT is the best engine for the convertible. It has a very n/a like power delivery but a bit more get up and go than the 16v.

Agree with that, I've had both, and the n/a 16v used more fuel than the lpt as you have to work it harder.

I wouldn't discount the auto either, I've had one of those too, and while it will be a tad more juicy, a lpt auto makes a fine cruiser for a ragtop.