The
Saab 9000 is one of the most under rated cars
ever built. It has huge carry capacity, massive
build strength, and in turbo form, it's one
of the quickest cars on the road.
The
9000, if driven carefully, will also give
excellent mpg. Servicing is straightforward.
If your budget and insurance allows, go for
a Turbo, which is much more fun to drive and
can do the same mpg as an injection.
2.
Engine
Sharing
many of the same components as the 16V 900
engine, it is straightforward to work on.
As
with 900's, check for timing chain problems.
Early
turbos (1985-90) can be hard to change. Regular
oil changes are essential to prolong turbo
and engine life.
2.3
litre engines (1989-93) have a balance shaft
system, later used on 9000 engines from 1994
onwards.
Listen
when cold for timing chain noise, and when
hot for a lighter less rhythmic noise indicating
balancer chain or sprocket wear. If this is
present it needs to be rectified as soon as
possible.
Should
the balancer chain break it could damage the
timing chain, which can destroy the head,
which could be very expensive.
3.
Transmission
Early
gearboxes can suffer many problems, but were
gradually improved over the following years.
Automatic gearboxes are
just the same, and again improved on the
later cars. An oil cooler is incorporated
into the engine radiator. Check the colour
of the gearbox oil, if it is milky the rad
is leaking coolant into the gearbox. This
will cause the gearbox to fail.
A
complete reconditioned manual gearbox will
cost £500-1000 fitting around 5-6 hours.
Automatic
reconditioned gearboxes cost approx. £850-1500
and 6-8 labour.
If
there is a lot of play in the gearstick check
the damper between the stick and gearbox.
If
on driving there feels a lot vibration /wobble
on acceleration, inner drive shaft joints
may need to be examined, and replaced as necessary.
4.
Body
Surprisingly,
the Saab 9000 can look a little frayed around
the edges. Doors and wings can all show corrosion
but it is normally superficial. Later 9000's
don't seem to suffer so badly.
The
Griffin is most well appointed with every
extra listed as standard, even including rear
air-conditioning.
Interiors
wear very well. Even with high mileages the
seats don't sag. Leather is very hard wearing
and a must if you have small kids.
Interior
fan resisters can fail with only the 4-speed
working, but is cheap to replace.
Also
check the A/C, if fitted, works correctly.
It may just need a gas top up or could be
something more serious.
5.
Suspension and Steering
Firstly
check the power steering when cold. If it
is heavy but lightens when the engine warms,
it's suffering from morning sickness. A reconditioned
rack should cost about £170 and fitting
about 3 hours.
Next
check the steering column. If you hold the
wheel and rock it side to side you should
not feel any play. If play is present it may
just need adjusting, half hour or more serious
a new collapsible support.
On
the front, wishbone bushes need replacing
regularly, costing approx. £25.00 each
and 1 hour labour, and the same for rear anti-roll
bar bushes at approx. £10.00 each and
half hour labour.
Brakes
are very good , although rear callipers become
non-adjustable and need replacing, approx.
£150 parts and 1 hour labour.
C/V
joints can be noisy the same as 900's and
again £100 parts and 1 hour labour.
ABS
fitted to 9000's are generally OK. An ABS
light that stays on is normally traced to
nearside front wheel speed sensors costing
approx. £100 parts and 1.5 hours labour.
1.
