Saab - Collectible or Orphan?

Crazy Dazz · 06-04-2013, 04:07 AM

As I'm sure most are aware, Saab (after being dumped by GM) went down the shitter. Saab Australia did have a bucket-load of spares, but they went bust too, so I'm not sure what became of them.
In WA our only Saab dealer shut up shop, and servicing & repairs were handed over to the local Kia dealership.

So here’s the deal; I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the ole Saab, especially in the days when they were butt-ugly yet innovative. Would never buy one for myself though.
However, for reasons known only to God and a few psychiatrists, Her Indoors’ dream car has always been a Saab convertible. Now, after years of gumpy station wagons, people movers and vans, we’re finally in a place where we can afford one, and it’s feasible for her to drive. (Only two kids left.) And I have an opportunity to pick one up at a decent price.

So, what say the collective? Collectable or Orphan?
I'm actually not too fussed about collectability, I figure that’s a pipe-dream. But equally I don’t want to get stuck with a car that busts, that can’t be fixed for lack of parts and expertise, and that we then can’t offload.
I EXPECT some issues with a 2nd hand car, and it won’t always be the daily driver.
They were built in Austria by Magna Steyr, so I’d hope build quality is ok. They share a platform and engine with the Vectra, so that might make SOME parts slightly more accessible.

satria · 06-04-2013, 08:04 AM

I too once had a soft spot for some saab's. Then the drugs wore off and i've been normal again ever since, i think you'd probably regret it.

Rodge · 06-04-2013, 08:09 AM

I recommend intensive therapy for your partner. If you're lucky she will get over her fixation and you can buy a proper vehicle.

Its an Orphan and will cause you a ton of problems and grief. My 2 cents

290GTP · 06-04-2013, 08:18 AM

My old boss had an 03 Saab convertible. It truly was a terrible car to drive as it scuttle-shaked its way down the road.

Orphan.

Crazy Dazz · 06-04-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 290GTP

My old boss had an 03 Saab convertible. It truly was a terrible car to drive as it scuttle-shaked its way down the road.

Orphan.

I think in their day Saab were a good car. They were solid, offered class-leading safety, and innovative engines. Their luxury levels were exceptional for their price, and they were making nice 4 seater convertibles when that market was mostly ignored by other Euro brands. But that was then. This is after all a cosmetically enhances Opel Vectra, and the safety & luxury levels are easily matched by any other “top of the range” midsized car.
As a car, I do think it would suit her well, as she doesn’t need a performance machine. 100% reliability isn’t critical, but then again what do I do when the turbo kaks itself?
To be honest, the money doesn’t bother me, but I might be better off buying her a diamond ring. The positives of gifting her the car of her dreams might be slightly offset when it turns into a garden ornament.
At the very least, I think I would need to befriend a Saab mechanic BEFORE taking the plunge.

Cheese3 · 06-04-2013, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

I think in their day Saab were a good car. They were solid, offered class-leading safety, and innovative engines. Their luxury levels were exceptional for their price, and they were making nice 4 seater convertibles when that market was mostly ignored by other Euro brands. But that was then. This is after all a cosmetically enhances Opel Vectra, and the safety & luxury levels are easily matched by any other “top of the range” midsized car.
As a car, I do think it would suit her well, as she doesn’t need a performance machine. 100% reliability isn’t critical, but then again what do I do when the turbo kaks itself?
To be honest, the money doesn’t bother me, but I might be better off buying her a diamond ring. The positives of gifting her the car of her dreams might be slightly offset when it turns into a garden ornament.
At the very least, I think I would need to befriend a Saab mechanic BEFORE taking the plunge.

Get her the car , alot less hassle than signing your life away . . .

2011G6E · 06-04-2013, 02:14 PM

Being a big two-stroke engine lover, I've always wanted one of the very early two-stroke SAAB cars...the real oddball looking ones.

That, or one of the first Turbos, like a 900 or something.

**GasoLane** · 06-04-2013, 02:20 PM

I had a SAAB 96V4...but that was back in the 70's.

We tried killing it in the 1970 Ampol round Australia trial and failed.

Crazy Dazz · 06-04-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheese3

Get her the car , alot less hassle than signing your life away . . .

Did that 25 years ago...

Now I am trying to BUY it BACK

roKWiz · 17-10-2020, 07:21 AM

Between a guy in Beechworth and one in Chiltern, I think they have cornered the market in these old basket cases. Never seen any of them move yet.

**DJR-351** · 17-10-2020, 01:45 PM

Oh i don't know, i don't mind this SAAB even if it is powered by a Volvo....

**GasoLane** · 17-10-2020, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Between a guy in Beechworth and one in Chiltern, I think they have cornered the market in these old basket cases. Never seen any of them move yet.

Have they got any 96V4's?

**DJR-351** · 17-10-2020, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Have they got any 96V4's?

A very popular (european) rally car back in there day, had a reputation of been tough as nails and reliable.....

**GasoLane** · 17-10-2020, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJR-351

A very popular (european) rally car back in there day, had a reputation of been tough as nails and reliable.....

I did the same thing here. Our first Rally was the 1970 Ampol trial............jump in the deep end eh

roKWiz · 17-10-2020, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Have they got any 96V4's?

A what now ? They just look like rusty old SAABs to me.

EDIT......just googled it, nothing that nice. Didn't they rebuild one of those on Wheeler Dealer, Ed China.

roKWiz · 17-10-2020, 04:35 PM

Yeah they did this 72 with Ed and a 73 later without Ed.

**russellw** · 06-04-2013, 08:53 AM

Definitely an orphan but then there isn't anything wrong in having something that no one else wants. It should be cheap, they are mechanically simple enough and while the convertibles weren't the nicest thing to drive they are generally reliable enough.

Cheers
Russ

ryeman · 06-04-2013, 08:58 AM

Once you buy it, it's yours for life til the scrap merchants are given it.

frankie86 · 06-04-2013, 09:09 AM

i used to work at a saab dealer selling spares, mate don't do it, terrible terrible cars

flooded one · 06-04-2013, 09:44 AM

I've know 3 people too have saabs. all 3 where mid 90s models with the 2.3L engine. (think the 900 model?? I don't know much about saabs) motors seemed alright when looked after. I seen one person I haven't seen in years driving his the other day so thats one that I know off that is still going!! I don't know what parts are like and that would be what i'd be worried about myself if I wanted too buy one. I cant see them ever being a collectable but in saying that who cares. so long as you like it that's the main thing. try and look for a well maintained one that's had a rather easy life

pauljh74 · 06-04-2013, 10:54 AM

The low volume of Saabs sold here, Saab being sold off by GM and Saab Australia going under means that parts supply will be worse than before and quite possibly more expensive. For a "luxury" car they'd be pretty cheap, but I'd give them a wide berth as cost of maintenance could be high due to parts issues which could also result in your car being off the road while waiting for parts not in stock locally.

stevanford · 06-04-2013, 11:00 AM

I know a family who have had 3 (2 convertibles and then a 4 door) Never had problems in the 10+ years of Saab ownership. Only changed brands because they saw the writing on the wall a few years before they closed.

revcore · 06-04-2013, 09:31 AM

I've never been a SAAB fan although I did like the fact that the 4 stud 15" Interceptor rims on the earlier models fitted perfectly on Cortinas.

Yellow_Festiva · 06-04-2013, 11:29 AM

Only one I would get is a really old one from the 50's or 60's as I like old cars...

If it were a newer model it would be the Viggen, something like 180kw through the front wheels... Neither would be a daily driver.

nstg8a · 06-04-2013, 11:47 AM

Probably at that point where you could buy a real nice one for not much, then a very average one for parts for bugger all.

351hardtop · 06-04-2013, 01:01 PM

I was just talking with a bloke a few weeks ago who was complaining about the horrendous cost of a part for his wife's convertible SAAB (if the part could be found). I don't remember exactly what that part was, but it was crazy what he was quoting.

Aside from anything else SAAB specific, maybe look at typical replacement cost for vert parts before you pull the trigger on one.

SAAB has been around for a very long time and pioneered the turbo charged factory passenger vehicle. They can't be that bad. They're certainly well built and very safe.

I suppose they'd be the same as BMW, Volvo etc. as far as reliability and cost of parts. If they're not cared for or abused, they will make you pay and they get a bad rep but I would think a well cared for car with proper service records shouldn't be a problem (other than the availability of parts).

One thing's for sure, if you need to get out of it, it will be hard to sell.

The C70 Volvo convertible might be an alternative?

Imparts in Osborne Park are an independent retailer of Euro car parts if it helps.

Yellow_Festiva · 06-04-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 351hardtop

The C70 Volvo convertible might be an alternative?

The exact car I was also considering buying when I wanted a turbo coupe. 2.3/2.4L with almost 180kw as well in certain models. If memory serves they were almost all auto and I wanted a manual. The late 90's / early 00's coupe and convertible C70 is still a good looking car IMO, and now not all that expensive.

Ended up buying a 96 Fiat Coupe.

**Kingsley** · 06-04-2013, 02:37 PM

My wife recently bought a 97 Saab 900S Convertible 2L. She loves the thing. Picked it up dirt cheap from the original owner who kept every receipt from new and kept it serviced on time. It's in immaculate condition. The car has been very reliable to date but I'm expecting parts to be hard to get and expensive. I'm actually surprised how well it goes.

**GasoLane** · 06-04-2013, 02:42 PM

Join the SAAB club. They will have contacts for parts etc.

A bit like AFF

**Charliewool** · 06-04-2013, 03:16 PM

I had (well the ex did) a 1998 2.3l manual 900s saab convertible. Wasn't too bad a car with exceptional luxo touches for a car of that era.. Heated seats, mirrors, incredible factory audio system, leakfree quiet ragtop and great solid finish. These things are geared pretty high for European roads and the top speed something you'd never expect from a 4cyl. (130plus mph from memory)
It did hate over 38deg days though, suffering fuel evaporation probs.
Over the years, I put a clutch kit and clutch cable in it, brake pads, various hoses and a water pump. The parts were surprisingly cheap and freely available through Alan Mance in Footscray.
There's a Saab owners forum ("Saab Central"based in US) with every conceivable bit of info you'd wish for.. I would have been lost without some of their workshop info.. Especially the clutch cable (it's a doozy)