Pre-millenium Saab floppytop

[DSdriver]

I've got some cash left over from selling the Safari and am getting the itch for a convertible to put in the barn ready for next summer. Prices seem to be just over a bag. 

What should I look out for? (Bear in mind that I have a DS23 and an XM so nothing much scares me). I've read one comment on a forum about rust at the sides of the boot floor but haven't found a good helpful Saab specialist forum for cars of this era.

Gen me up please.

[DSdriver]

In 1986 I could have bought a DS decap for two grand. I don't want to miss the boat again

[gadgetgricey]

Sounds strange but I'd ensure you have Air Con.

Not really for the hot weather, just in winter and the damp, keeps the windows from steaming up.

 

If its a 900 floppy, check the roof motors all work. They dont take kindly to not being used and go out of alignment.

The 9-3's are hydralic and a simpler system.

 

Pixels can go on the SID display, but are are easyish fix if you want to try yourself. Or ebay sellers have guaranteed repairs.

 

Heater blender flaps can break behind the dash, so check all the heat goes to where you direct it too.

 

Cupholders: You can get a posh slide out one between the SID and radio on the 9-3. Quite rare though.

900's can have a cupholder installed in the cubby hole between the fromt seats.

 

Finally I would urge you to invest in one with the wind delfector. Quite easy to fit if not, but makes a real difference when driving along with the hood down. Especially if you have heated seats as well.

 

Owned mine for a few years and was great fun.

[Fat_Pirate]

I'm only familiar with the GM 900/9-3 variants.  You'll find lots of info online about cracks in the bulkhead around the steering rack, and sludge issues on certain engines.  Have you actually driven one though?  My Mrs loves hers, but I can't stand the dead steering, crashy ride and body flex.

[DSdriver]

The only Saab I have ever driven was an early 900 turbo. What I remember most was that when the turbo eventually kicked in it brought a smile to my face.

We will just be using this one for sunny summer cruising.

[simon8201]

Personally would advise against the NG900 and early9-3 for reasons suggested above. They handle poorly and have a few potential weakspots. I had a Viggen convertible which was v fast but v scary!

Would suggest a classic 900 which can be had for a grand especially in non turbo form. Rust is the killer on these, driveshaft tunnels and windscreen surrounds, wheel arches etc. I bought a solid but slightly down at heel one of these for £500 about four years ago and have spent a fair bit more on improving it! Leaks from the hood around the rear window are also to be watched for if our example is anything to go on!

Finally, my everyday car is a last of the line 9-3 TTID which is a superb all round car. Economical and speedy and handles like a saloon with noe of the creaks and groans you get with the first generation 9-3. Bit more than a grand though!

Where are you located?

[DSdriver]

Kent. I think I may have already missed a beaut last night which was sold before I could get there. Looking at one in Rochester tomorrow if the weather holds up. The ad isn't very forthcoming though and they have covered the plates so I can't check its MOT history. 

[Junkman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-Saab-900s-convertable-/131958050973

[DSdriver]

Thank you Junkman for your diligent research on my behalf.

Did you know that statistically, pink cars are the least stolen colour so no need to remove keys or put the hood up when you park it...

...apart from the risk of people using it as a skip/urinal.

[DSdriver]

I've been checking the MOT history of cars that look suitable and it really is quite shocking that two of the three cars I have so far checked have had MOT fails for tyres so worn that the ply/steel cords are showing.

Is this the lifestyle of couldn't care less that I am buying into? Or do these cars chew through tyres so fast you can't keep up?

[Rocket88]

My bro-in-law has a 900 turbo aero floppy, which he neglects shamefully...............and he hasn't managed to kill it, it all still keeps working. Gearboxes are a known weak point, as is rust in places that aren't immediately apparent.

[DSdriver]

Looked at two more today at a dealershit* in Rochester, one had bald outside edges to both front tyres and the other had extremely worn front discs but as the salesman couldn't be arsed to turn up for my appointment I unfortunately had to give them the swerve.

Went back to the first car I looked at on Saturday and had a test drive in it. MrsDS liked it best because it has the same number of pedals as she has feet. It drove nicely so we put down a deposit and will pick it up when it has been tonsed up to look pretty and they have removed the bulb from the engine management light.

[DSdriver]

If it had been my choice it would have been the pink one

[CortinaDave]

the 9-3 convertibles look fantastic but are utterly dismal to drive. I was hugely disappointed with the 2 I had.

[DSdriver]

It depends what you are comparing it with

My three cars:

Compared to the DS the ride is harsh but the cornering is superior.

Compared to the XM the ride is harsh but the cornering is crap.

Compared to the Peugeot of last resort it is dreamy.

MrsDS is looking for a cast off Princess Anne headscarf.

[DSdriver]

Tis dark blue/cream interior on an 02 plate by the way

[Vantman]

Tis dark blue/cream interior on an 02 plate by the way

 

If it's a petrol engine,205/235 variant make sure it has had a sump drop/clean and uprated crankcase breathing system.

[DSdriver]

Thanks, Its petrol but not sure what engine, how do I find out? I will check the service history and if I can't find it having been done will get it sorted, we have a Saab specialist quite near us.

[Vantman]

The engine type is followed by the engine number, B2XX 123456,it is normally on the V5.

[buckbuckbuckie]

Up to 2000 it is a B204/B234 B204 is 2.0 litre, B234 is 2.3 litre.

 

After 2000 it is B205/B235 B205 is 2.0 litre and B235 is 2.3 litre.

 

Up to 2000 uses Trionic 5 engine management and post 2000 uses Trionic 7 engine management.

 

As long as it is a turbo you can get it remapped for about £70 to get about 250 bhp.

 

I would suggest joining www.uksaabs.co.uk and if your face fits you will get along just fine.

[barmatt]

Tis dark blue/cream interior on an 02 plate by the way

 

If you need any bits let me know, I've still got some parts left over from one that I broke a while back.

[DSdriver]

 

 

As long as it is a turbo you can get it remapped for about £70 to get about 250 bhp.

 

I would suggest joining www.uksaabs.co.uk and if your face fits you will get along just fine.

 

I think I will do the populace a favour and not let MrsDS loose with 250bhp under her right slingback

 

will be joining uksaabs, have already lurked.

[DSdriver]

One of the cars we didn't buy had just been Kosovaned and when the hood was being folded away I noticed there was some water in the well in which the hood parks. Is this normal and should there be drain holes to be checked?

[Asimo]

From an investment point of view the "real" SaaB 900, derived from the late '60s 99 must be a better bet than any of the GM era convertibles which don't really seem any more interesting than a floppytop Megane or Golf.

They have much more "SaaB-ness" and already carry the classic stigma.

Hard to find without rot and neglect now but if a good one should show up....

https://www.gumtree.com/p/saab/saab-classic-convertible-1991-non-turbo-2-owners./1191952395

 

[DSdriver]

That is:

very close to me

not much more than my budget

very red

a car that would need a thorough inspection by an expert 

too late, the deal has been done on the SE turbo

[twosmoke300]

If it's got a red coil pack it's a b2x4 engine and ok for sludge

If the coil is black it's a b2x5 and prone to sludging

[SiC]

If it's got a red coil pack it's a b2x4 engine and ok for sludge

If the coil is black it's a b2x5 and prone to sludging

Unless someone has put a replacement coil pack of a different colour on. Still will run with the wrong colour, but the knock detection sensitivity will be different.

[DSdriver]

News update

We picked up the car last Monday and have been hooning about with the top down this week... as you do when you acquire your first convertible in late autumn. The car is now tucked up in the barn ready to be sorned until spring with a new 50 quid cover off ebay. I also scored a wind deflector for a very reasonable £50 from a guy who was mistakenly hoping there would be more than one person willing to collect-only in our area.