Saab 900 turbo, 1986---asking for trouble

Actually the Saab 900 turbo is one of those rare cars on which the turbo version proved be be more reliable than the non-turbo version. There was a lot of speculation about the reasons why, but l think the general consensus was that the non-turbo version was relatively under-powered & the owners tended to flog them to get them to accelerate, while the turbo version breathed a little easier & did not require u to stomp the gas pedal all of the time to get it up & moving.

Of course , as with any used turbo car, listen carefully to the turbo operating & in particular for a sort of singing sound as it winds up that might be indicative of a pending bearing failure.

Total pain in the ass car. I've had three 900 turbos & every one was worse than the last.

They r GREAT to drive & good looking & some parts of the cars r very rugged (like the bottom end of the engine). But they r rattle-traps, the interior disintegrate, & they r constantly breaking down from one malady or another.

Among the weaknesses of the 900 Turbo r the head gaskets, the transmissions (both standards & automatics) & various electrical glitches.

The turbos themselves r pretty durable.

Oh, also the upper control arms like to crack.

I'd say if it runs well, checks out okay, u might take a chance---but do not pay very much for it ($1,500 is PLENTY) & be prepared to have a new hobby on weekends.

Sorry to be discouraging, but that is the way it is.

The Saab 900 Turbo is a great car, but repairs will keep you broke. If you can get it cheap and as a second car or project, l would say go for it. It is already a classic at 20 years, and in 5 more you can get historical plates.