1984 Saab 900 Turbo

[Revo]

So, I've decided to plunge headfirst into the wonderful world of classic car ownership.

Recently I met a local Saab enthusiast, who was forced to sell his beautifully restored 1984 Saab 900 Turbo 16S Aero. I was at the right place, at the right time, and had an opportunity to purchace something quite special.

Meet my new car - 1984 Saab 900 Turbo 16S Aero. Top-of-the-line model at the time, it has 2-litre turbocharged engine with 129 kw, FWD and 5-speed manual gearbox. The car has deep metallic black exterior color mated with burgundy red leather interior - very sexy combination.

It is a vehicle that offers a driving experience as rewarding and unique as its character. Picture this - you are sitting in a deep and comfortable seat, smelling mixed aroma of oil and leather (with a hint of gasoline). Step on the accelerator - there is a huge turbo lag at first, then a torque steer with violent thrust forward. You are always surrounded by the faint whining sound made by gearbox. Everything feels so mechanical and robust. I mean, it's bloody fantastic.

Here are couple of pics, please excuse the quality. I really ought to make a better set.... No promises though.

[Ferrer]

Congratulations. Old Saabs are lovely.

Excellent choice.

[Matra et Alpine]

Nice one.
Fell in love with the shape when the 99 Turbo was announced and neighbour got one.
Personally the 900 suffered the way the Golf did ... imrpvovments but extra size and weight removed some of the rawness
However, it didn't lose too much by the soudn of it.
I remember wheelspin in 3rd changing up at 80mph keeping the turbo spinning
He fitted the short sports steering rack too whcih made cornering on power require very large biceps .... a real mans car

[LeonOfTheDead]

Other than the badge on the bonnet (or the lack of it should I say) it looks brand new, incredible for a 25 yo car, excellent choice!
It was one of my favorite cars when I was a kid, then the similarly looking new models somehow ruined the magic...

[Roentgen]

Congrats! It's a beautiful car. Isn't this the ancestor of the current Turbo X?

[f6fhellcat13]

Congrats!
If you do get to take more pictures, can I request some interior shots?

[faksta]

Congratulations indeed, very nice car. Is it your everyday car now?

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Glad you got the manual. My fathers car is serviced at a European specialist and he's known for his Saab repairs.

Basically the Automatics leak like sieves. Having said that. Damn, nice car. and good numberplate

[Revo]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Congratulations. Old Saabs are lovely.

Excellent choice.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine

Nice one.
Fell in love with the shape when the 99 Turbo was announced and neighbour got one.
Personally the 900 suffered the way the Golf did ... imrpvovments but extra size and weight removed some of the rawness
However, it didn't lose too much by the soudn of it.
I remember wheelspin in 3rd changing up at 80mph keeping the turbo spinning
He fitted the short sports steering rack too whcih made cornering on power require very large biceps .... a real mans car

Yeah, it is quite raw and brutal. I did a two hour drive yesterday after which I was pretty exhausted. Not so much physically, but metally. Driving the beast takes all the concentration one can muster.

Originally Posted by LeonOfTheDead

Other than the badge on the bonnet (or the lack of it should I say) it looks brand new, incredible for a 25 yo car, excellent choice!
It was one of my favorite cars when I was a kid, then the similarly looking new models somehow ruined the magic...

The original bonnet badge is in the glove compartment. However, all the paint and coating has faded long ago, so I'll have to get a replacement. Other than that, exterior does look faultless, thanks to two years of hard work made by previous owner.

Originally Posted by Roentgen

Congrats! It's a beautiful car. Isn't this the ancestor of the current Turbo X?

One indeed could say that. Two of them certainly carry the same spirit and image of Saab automobiles.

Originally Posted by f6fhellcat13

Congrats!
If you do get to take more pictures, can I request some interior shots?

Thanks, I'll try to keep it in mind!

Originally Posted by faksta

Congratulations indeed, very nice car. Is it your everyday car now?

No, of course not. 900 is far too valuable for everyday traffic conditions. My everyday car is still my trusty Fiat Punto. Btw, after sitting straight from 900 to Punto, the latter feels like the most comfortable, efficent, easiest-to-drive car in the world. Two of them represent extreme opposites on automotive spectrum and I love 'em both!

Originally Posted by IBrake4Rainbows

Glad you got the manual. My fathers car is serviced at a European specialist and he's known for his Saab repairs.

Basically the Automatics leak like sieves. Having said that. Damn, nice car. and good numberplate

Thanks, numberplate is cool indeed. Valuable too.

[Cyco]

Good choice. I have a slightly later model one.

Don't listen to Saab and change the gearbox oil to a high quality MTF for better lifespan on it.

Also make sure you change the front suspension bushes to Nolathane ones so they last more than 5mins next to the turbo.

Modding the boost controller will also help the fun factor, and is quite easy.

Enjoy!

[clutch-monkey]

Originally Posted by Revo

Yeah, it is quite raw and brutal. I did a two hour drive yesterday after which I was pretty exhausted. Not so much physically, but metally. Driving the beast takes all the concentration one can muster.

i can symphathise, sounds like a bit of a wild ride. nice buy!

[Man of Steel]

Very nice car, congrats. I am saving some money and when my MKIV Fiesta dies (+238.000 km) I am planning to buy an affordable classic as well. No idea what car that will be though. I guess this Saab is quite precious to drive and maintain, but I maybe wrong.

[Revo]

Originally Posted by Man of Steel

Very nice car, congrats. I am saving some money and when my MKIV Fiesta dies (+238.000 km) I am planning to buy an affordable classic as well. No idea what car that will be though. I guess this Saab is quite precious to drive and maintain, but I maybe wrong.

To be honest, I'm expecting the running costs to be quite low, because this car is has done only couple thousand kms since the renovation. Besides, I have no intention to modify it in any way and I can do the basic maintenance myself.

Then again, running costs for my Punto are 150€ per year (maintenance and insurance), surely I won't get off that easy with 25 yrs old turbocharged car.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Revo

Then again, running costs for my Punto are 150€ per year (maintenance and insurance)

What?

[Revo]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

What?

Mind you, it is a Punto not a BMW or Mini.

This year I had only a minor servce (oil change and general inspection of running gear, brakes, steering, body etc) for about 80€. And I replaced one or two main beam bulbs (about 1 or 2 € each I guess)

Mandatory road insurance is about 70€ per year (depends on car power and owner records), which covers the damage caused by me to other cars.

There is no car tax or anything like that.

I'm not complaining.