END OF THE ROAD

[collywobble]

The time has come for my 9-5 2.2 TiD to go.  It has 189k on the clock, is coming up for an MOT - last years had a long list of advisories - corroded brake pipes, corrosion on rear suspension arms, corrosion in real wheel arch near seat belt mounting.  That's apart from it never having had a clutch, new shock absorbers, sub frame bushes, anti-roll bar bushes, drop links and the like in my ownership (12 years and bought at 88k miles).  Apart from that there is the SID 1 with most of the pixels missing and the alarm not working both having been repaired by an idiot in Gloucestershire who doesn't honour his life time warranty!  Have had recent problems with an intermittent EML, air conditioning not working and a replacement tailgate lock which has never functioned properly.!

Living in North Devon it is a 100 mile + round trip to a Saab specialist and no-one around here has Tech 2 I have decided to scrap it on the principle that it is uneconomic to repair.

SWMBO and I have enjoyed the car immensely, it is her daily drive and wonderful on a long run but I don't have the time, room or inclination at the age of 72 (at end of month) to work on it myself as I still have my own small business.  We are going to use my Astra G for longer trips (109k on the clock) and buy a smaller petrol engine car for SWMBO as a daily drive.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with advice for the last 12 years and hope that your Saabs continue to give you motoring enjoyment.

I have lots of spares collected over the years and will put the up for sale on here when I have sorted through them.

[carrera]

Oh well, that's a great shame, I think we should thank you for your contributions over those 12 years. It's a shame you don't have a decent specialist nearer to you.

Will you be removing useful bits from the car to sell on before scrapping it, or just selling it on complete ?

[collywobble]

Carrera, We did have a Saab dealer in Bideford but it closed down in about 1995. I will be removing the rubber mats, rubber boot liner but apart from that it will just go to the scrappie. I do have a collection of bits and pieces that I will put up for sale on here.

[sgould]

It's a shame, but it comes to all cars in the end.  When my 9-5 gives up, I'm not sure what I shall get. I still take my car 40 miles for a service, but I can get a train home if needed. 

Would Chris Hamley in Yelverton give you a scrap price for it?  It would keep the useful bits in circulation if he could.  The good Saab specialists are still employing apprentices who need things other than customers cars to practice on...

You can still look in here from time to time and contribute.

And thanks for all your previous help and contributions.

[TomPaine]

I'll add to the valedictory best wishes collywobble. I too reluctantly contemplate where to go next marque-wise after nearly two decades in Saabs.