9000 Buying Guide

[Kev_Mc]

I suppose things are different now as the newest 9000 is now around 12 years old, so rust and droopy headlining will be more of an issue.

What would you reccomend looking out for when looking at a 9000?

[phoenix]

I'll start this off with some of the really big ones

Engine
- timing chain noise
- head gasket (check for bubbles in header tank)
- mounts



Drivetrain
- listen for gearbox whines
- look for circlip wear esp on FPT/Aero models (manifests itself as sharp forward/back movement of the gearstick in 3rd gear as you come on/off throttle)
- clutch slip on FPT/Aeros, check bite point is not at the very top of travel
- engine mount wear

Body etc
- leakey heater matrix. Move the seats forward and look for evidence of coolant in the under seat vents

Rust
- leading edge of rear wheel arches
- front wings around arch trim
- CS models underneath the lower boot aperture rubber
- along the weld seam of the roof (pull the top seal back)
- windscreen, generally caused by a hack n slash windscreen replacement. It's a bit like an iceberg. There's usually a lot more underneath than on top.

[ylee coyote]

other places for rust :-
Underneath the aero body kit
Rear panel
Bottom of the c pillar
Front edge of the bonnet
underneath the filler cap

Mechanical
Ball joints (wandery steering )
Wheezy power steering rack
Rattly front could be subframe bolts needing tightened
Eectrical
Dim front headlights (can get them re-silvered )
Odd electrical maladies and intemittent starting is usually ignition switch


Also make sure it has its undertray .removal makes the engine run hotter (and you get bonnet flutter over 130 mph .....)

[danilo]

Number of previous owners is Critical.  Fewer owners is Key.  All else follows.
 Original owners,, who paid full ticket usually take V good care, Second owners likewise to a similar degree, But by the time one is into the 4th owner , maintenance is sporadic at best. These cars require maintenance semi regularly.
  Also when one buys a $40K (when New) car for $2000 or less there is rarely much love/respect involved.
A 'beater' gets beaten on :-)

[Saabtech Hampshire]

Hi
First reply - Great New Saab Resource!!
Please check service history on a 9000, must be complete.
Specifically check for frequencey of oil change and oil specification.
Turbo wear can also be a problem - play in shaft - blue smoke etc!
Hope this all helps - I'll add more points later!
Happy Saabing
Simon

[Nelliem]

Also oil leak from front right hand corner of head can warn of problems to come. If its done more than 100k (be lucky if it hasn't!) then it will need a new HG fairly soon if it hasn't been done already.