Buying a used Saab 900i/900 Turbo Cabriolet (1987-93)

Saab's almost boutique production and development prior to current General Motors ownership meant that the final Saab-developed 900 was directly derived from the 1967 Saab 99, the model that established Saab's loyal local following.

After sharing Ford's German V4 Taunus and Transit engine for the later 96 series, Saab built its later ranges around Triumph's Dolomite/Stag overhead cam engine family before it re-engineered the B-series four-cylinder version into its own long-lived and more durable H-series engine from 1981.

This establishes the 1987-93 Saab 900 Cabriolet as the most desirable expression of the only Saab four-stroke model that owed nothing to other manufacturers.

The first 900 Cabriolet prototype was built by the American Sunroof Company for the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983. Saab then commissioned Valmet of Finland, who also assemble the Porsche Boxster, to build the Cabriolet from 1986 based on the stronger sedan body. As one of the first prestige full cabriolets with four seat capacity that was affordable, it generated a strong presence after it was launched locally late in 1987 as a 2.0-litre Turbo 16 valve only. It was joined by a 2.1-litre non-turbo 900i version for 1992 that cut new price from $75,000 down to $45,000. The final Turbo version became the exclusive Turbo 16S with aero body additions. Only 10 sold at over $85,000 new. 

Prices: Prices for the early Turbo models span the $12-15,000 range while later non-turbo examples cluster at the bottom of this range. The rare and very best of the final Turbo 16S examples will top $16,000. 

Experts advise semi-synthetic oil changes every six months or 5000km to extend turbocharger and hydraulic lifter life. Listen for loose timing chain, rattly lifters and whistly turbo. Check for oil build-up around base of turbo and inside inlet tract. Worn turbos can also generate excessive white smoke at idle. Exhaust manifolds can split over time so listen for ticking noise in this area.

Failed harmonic balancer rubber is a potentially catastrophic fault when it allows main pulley to shift then grind through oil pump. Listen for high-pitched screech when cold, similar to slipping belt.

Plastic radiator end tanks and seals now ready to fail. Welch plugs are starting to let go with age especially behind the exhaust manifold area. Failed heater cores can drop coolant into lower duct. Heater tap behind dash can sometimes leak. Split hose ends can affect vacuum-powered heater controls. Air-con hose ends and compressor seals can leak.

Hood may require replacement especially those often driven with it down. Look for damage around rear pillars. Allow for $2500-plus for replacement. Check electric-hydraulic hood mechanism and its fluid circuit for leaks and low fluid level. Specific windscreen mouldings and mirrors can no longer be sourced new.

Manual gearboxes can have worn 2nd gear synchro and failed or chipped reverse if owners don't engage a forward gear before reverse. The worst can jump out of gear. Clutch slave cylinder is inside bell housing which can leak clutch fluid or engine oil depending on which seals have failed.  A noisy diff pinion on the overrun is an expensive repair. Dependable B-W 37 three-speed auto forces engine to work harder while cruising. Even minor work generates extra costs to remove it so a fluid check is vital.

Cabin leather can be dried-out and cracked especially passenger seats not covered when the hood is down. Cracked dash tops, sun damaged plastics and split cloth trim in 900i now showing up. Original Alpine sound was popular theft item and often missing.

Inner CV joints now showing wear. Upper front control arm bushes suffer from turbo heat. Outer left front tyre tread can wear prematurely under constant U-turns.