Saab 900...

[Kiltox]

These any good? Specifically a 2.0 automatic.

Not needing it to set the world on fire, just drive around it

[deveng]

Showing their age nowadays.

Suspension was a bit of a weak link when I've encountered them in the past, lots of worn bushes especially

[Kiltox]

Are they generally reliable? Don't know much about Saabs.

Need it to do ~3000 miles in 8 weeks and not leave me at the side of the M6

One I've seen is £250 with MOT until November

[LuS1fer]

I had a 1981 900 in the 80s and while it was a worthy enough car, I lost interest after being loaned a Cavalier Mk II 1.6 which seemed like a GTI in comparison. It rusted in the hatch and the engine mounts came loose which was odd. I did like it but these days I think it would really feel its age.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Kiltox said:

These any good? Specifically a 2.0 automatic.

Not needing it to set the world on fire, just drive around it

Which shape? Classic (79-93) or GM (94-98)?

The classics are lovely old buses but condition is everything.

GM cars are not the last word in handling and the 2.0 is slow and very thirsty (especially attached to an auto box). The later the better. A comfy place to soak up the miles though.

[Kiltox]

Ah sorry, it's a GM one, 1996.

[NiceCupOfTea]

As said, suspension will by sloppy but drive train is strong. It will be ruinously thirsty though - low 20s mpg? turbo is a more economical car!

[Kiltox]

Woaaaaah seriously?

Damn. That's that out if it is

[farrendahl]

NiceCupOfTea said:

As said, suspension will by sloppy but drive train is strong. It will be ruinously thirsty though - low 20s mpg? turbo is a more economical car!

Tell me about it, currently run a first gen 9-3 and the fue economy leaves masses to be desired

[Kiltox]

No way I can afford to do 3k miles at 20-25 MPG. Especially in something that isn't a V8 barge.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Sorry, they're heavy!

Have a look at 9000s, find a decent mid-90s turbo car (lpt/hpt, 2.0/2.3, just not the 2.0 n/a), manual, and you will see low 30s mpg easily. Much better car IMHO.

[Kiltox]

TBH I'm on a hunt for anything legal for as close to £0.00 as possible, and a 900 came up in my search.

[NiceCupOfTea]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2765146.htm

Get it bought!

[Kiltox]

It's too far away, not close enough to £0.00 and insurance is a concern, else I would

Toyota Carina for £295 it is, then

[Harji]

I had a GM one once, 1994 model, bought it 110,000, sold at 150,000. Worked like a dream. fantastic in a straight line (very comfortable), takes corners like a whale on a skateboard though. Huge boot as well, swallowed a washing machine once.

A very good workhorse, I had 2.0i manual and was getting 34mpg in everyday driving and alot of motorway miles.

[Kiltox]

The figures for the 2.0 auto suggest 25MPG combined