I have the same year and color combo, LOVE HER!! His is just pristine. Mine is rough around the edges with around 300k on the odo, yet she cranks right up. the best part of having a SAAB is the owner/enthusiasts community. They are a great group of people who are there to help answer questions and get the hard to find parts. This was a great video thanks for posting!
I've seen Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, Jag's, 50's chorvettes and Impalas, and heck, I've even seen a Delorean, but I've never ever seen an old Saab (pre GM) I really wish Saab still existed. The 1987 Saab 900 turbo (painted in the color green) is my dream car.
I really enjoyed the casual laid-back approach in this review ... allowing the owner (John) to tell us about his car ... excellent camera work & editing ... oh ... and a beautiful SAAB ...
I love the presentation and information of all your car video's. However, the electronic "music" in the intro is a bit irritating. I felt like I was confined in an elevator waiting for the door to open. I haven't noticed this in your other video's.
As an 18 year old with a 1989 900 Turbo and a 1991 900S I love everything about this review! What a lovely 1988 sir! You are one lucky guy to have one in such mint condition!
Those dash gauges! Those side vents! That windshield! How did they let that company all fall apart! I remember seeing the launch convertible version in the Helsinki airport wow.
Laguna2013 The company killed itself. Sort of. Despite urging from GM, Saab engineers refused to compromise on safety and quality etc so Saabs always came off the production line making a loss. Certainly in the naughties. Sadly, Saab had some beautiful looking cars about to launch around the time it closed but they just couldn't crack the economics, is my understanding. Jaguar was turned around under Ford and it is a great pity GM couldn't do the same with Saab. The fact that most Saabs still look so right today, is a testament to how good their designers were and given how much brands are homogenised these days, Saab styling really is a big loss.
Laguna2013 That's the same question I be asking. I was sure Saab would be here forever it was the best car I never drove anything like the 900 Lord I can not forgive myself for not keeping the ones that i have had in the past. Yes I was young and dumb
They didn’t have the range of vehicle, only the 9-3 and 9-5 (a few crossovers towards the end but too late) If you take other manufacturers for eg they start from a super mini all the way to luxury 4X4 and everything in between. Shame.
The GM management are nuts not able to lead a premium brand like Saab, and their demands. The former mngmt of Saab where also nuts as they not sold 40% from Saab instead to Ford. Why Ford yet? Because they had the PAG-group where they owned Jaguar, Range Rover and Volvo. And all of this brands succeded and are still alive! Saab is the best!
The feeling and handling of these is spectacular. Unforgettable experience, gotta love the og 900. And an interesting and quirky car too but still so highly usable
I live in Trollhättan where they used to build SAAB, and i have acctually worked on the factory. My dreamcar is still an OG 900 Aero, but they are really rare in good condition even here in Sweden.
Wonderful job, as usual! That is such a clean example, it's not even fair! John is a lucky guy to have gotten his hands on it, and seeing some of his perspective was great too. Now I'll be spending the rest of the day trying to find a 900 of my own! Thanks for the great content and for giving me the SAAB bug again!
This brings back some memories; my dad has a friend who had plenty of these. Back in the day these cars were quite expensive, at least where I live, but they depreciated quickly too, which is strange for a quality car like this. These are getting rarer, but you still see them in daily use here in the Netherlands. Most of them are high mileage by now, 200,000 miles and in some cases over 300,000 miles are very common. Finding a low mileage Turbo isn't easy anymore. Apart from the regular 2, 3, 4 and 5 door versions and the cabriolet, there was a CD-version, which was a 4 door with about 8 inches of extra wheelbase. I don't think these were exported to the States, though. I think the absence of torque steer is mainly because of the equal length drive shafts. Also I believe with the double wishbone suspension used here it's easier set up the geometry in such a way to further eliminate torque steer. Love the design of those, distinctive, no thrills and super easy to live with. Funny how John mentions the electric mirror controls, something I always noticed too. The only thing I find a bit clumsy to use is the knob used for the distribution of air. Mercedes of the same vintage had a similar knob that rotated the full 360 degrees and was more intuitive. Another quirk was the ignition key which you could only remove if the car was in reverse gear. Apparently there were quite a few people who tried to jank out the key and had it broken. The front hinged hood wasn't that uncommon on European cars of the time, but the amount in which it moves forward, before it opens on the Saab is. These cars have excellent seats, better than the competition at the time. The heated seats were standard equipment here in the Netherlands.
About two years ago was a 2003 9-5 aero caravan with 630'000 Km in pristine condition and maintenance for sale in the Netherlands. Sold in a week! No questions, its a Saab!! lol
Yeah, turbos are also infinite life so, it is literally a car with out a fault and will last forever without replacing major parts.Especially over 30 years or 300k miles. Because Swedish Premium Quality!
Picked up my 900T in Gothenburg duty free in 1982, $2200 I believe and what a car! It was described as a Mercedes on steroids which was apt; it smoked a BMW 3 series by comparison. I drove it for 10 years and passed it on to my son. Too bad what happened to Saab taken over by GM and now gone. Looking at this video I realize the quality and good design of the car. RIP Saab.
I am in the longitudal front wheel drive club. 1999 Passat 1.8 turbo 5 spped manual. The famous 20valve 4 cylinder under the hood. I love me a 1.8t. So smooth efficent and powerful all at the same time. Like the Saab too. A classic. A friend had one in high school. Not the most powerful thing but unique and cool.
I owned 5 of them over the decades, all different models. Starting with a B201 non Turbo engine, also owned one of those rare B212's, up to a Heuschmid tuned 900S B202 with more than 200 hp. I fell in love with the 900 in the late 1980s simply because of the design ... I loved it an still do. I did lotsa repairs on my SAABs by myself and lotsa repairs can be easily achieved with common tools and a car jack. If You get a 900 and wanna do repairs on it, please get TORX-Bits first. Things that have to be taken care about on a more than 10 year old 900 is corrosion. There's a few spots on the chassis that tend to rust badly over the years. Another problem is the transmission, especially on Turbo-models. The transmission wasn't designed for more than 150 hp. Due to the design and the form-factor they could not change the transmission, please refer to next paragraph to explain why. Another factor is that a 900 is a car that wants to be driven. They are not designed for long standing times, they want to be driven. A SAAB 900 is kinda like an everyday-companion. If they stand too long they give You trouble ... brakes, etc. You should see the historical perspective: Please keep in mind that the SAAB 900 was meant to be nothing else than an interim solution. During the 1970s SAAB teamed up with FIAT, Lancia and Alfa Romeo ... a collaboration that ended with 4 different cars all based on the same frame and the experiences / synergy of those 4 manufacturers: The SAAB 9000, the Lancia Thema, the FIAT Chroma and the Alfa Romeo 164. Development delayed for years and years. The SAAB 90 and 99 were kinda outdated in the late 1970s, therefore SAAB badly needed to get a NEW car on the market, which was the 900. The SAAB 900 was nothing else than an interim solution, which lasted for 14 years and wasn't meant to last that long. I'm a huge SAAB enthusiast and I have to admit that the SAAB 9000 was the best car they ever built, imho. I still love the classic 900, for sure. As a car and companion the 9000 is more or less my soulmate, especially the later models from the mid 1990s. Did General Motors mess it up? It would be easy to blame it all on General Motors. General Motors simply wasn't aware of what SAAB Automotive was and did everything wrong. In counteraction SAAB Automotive did lotsa things wrong during the General-Motors-Era. Me, myself and I prefer the 9000 over the 900, as a final statement to this comment.
Hi All! Here is a review of @RocketJohn's 1988 SAAB 900 turbo! This car is totally choice! Watch while John details all the special aspects of this unique and amazing car! Let us know if you have any questions...
i'm absolutely in love with this car. i was going down memory lane on youtube because i was an exchange student to Sweden in 1988 when i was 17. this has to be my most favorite car of all time - so unique, so scandinavian. i'm so sad that the old school SAAB is gone. i would give this man way more money than i should to take this off his hands...hahaha :D
Hey Fran, i just found this by accident and as a european im surprised that americans are interested in our special brand. I had Volvo and Saab thru my life and actually i have 5 Saab; 3x 9-5 the 9-3 and a 99 Turbo from 1978, the first model year of the 99 Turbo. These where the best cars ever made, anything is well conceived and functional. New owners where mostly higher educated who want something extraordinary and quality and who have the income to maintain this extraordinary. To get parts for this old Saabs is not very tricky when you have the right sources. ;)
Absolutely great video. The c900 SAAB is quite simply an amazing piece of engineering, extremely well built, safe and a well kept gem. If properly maintained, the B202 H engine will last many years/miles. With the proper tune, the whole driving experience is enhanced to a new and more enjoyable level. It is really great to see such a well kept example. Hopefully, the c900 SAAB will continue to get more and much deserved recognition!! Kudos to "Heidi and Franny's Garage" for bringing some love and attention to this very practical model SAAB!!!
Cool beans!!! I am subscribing to your channel, very impressed with the quality, presentation and content. Big thanks to "SAAB Planet" for making us SAAB enthusiasts aware of "Heidi and Franny's Garage!!!!
What a find! What retired dentist who stored the car in his garage and only drove it on the weekends did this guy buy it from?! To find a 88' 900T 5 spd with only 67k on it is the find of a lifetime. That car is without a doubt a $10,000 car to many Saab enthusiasts. Considering that those cars have no problem making it to 250k as long as you keep the rust away, go easy on the transmission and stay religious with synthetic oil changes ( synthetic in the gear box as well is a godsend when it comes to smoothing out the fee of the shifter), this car could see another 10 years of daily driving without a hiccup. I mean, look at that paint! I was going to say that he HAD to have repainted it until I heard that he bought it with 67k.. then I was blown away that there was an 88' 900T in the U.S.A. in that condition still. I have owned 29 Saabs in the 22 years that I have had my lisence and have had every package that the 900 came in from a 84' 8V Turbo 4 door manual to a handful of 88' 900 SPG's. I still have two classic 900's, a white 5 spd 91' 900S with a SPG body kit and a 88' SPG with the airflow kit and 16" super aero wheels. It's also fully painted crimson metallic. I also have 3 9000 Aero's, 2 being Eucalyptus Green 5 speeds one a 93' and one a 94' with the last being a black on black 97' automatic. Then there is my black on dark grey 04' 9-5 Aero automatic and my 06' 9-7x with the 325 hp fully aluminum 5.3L LS V8 which I consider one of the best driving SUV made. The things Saab did to Chevy's Generic Trailblazer to make the 9-7x really transformed the SUV into something special. So as you can see, I am quite a Saab guy myself. Love the content and look forward to anything Saab that you have to come!
I owned a 1987 Saab 900 without a turbo. It was monochromatic white and I bought it from my son for $3000.00. That was the best bargain I have made. It had 129,000 miles when I got it as a daily driver and during a backpacking trip to Cranberry Wilderness area in eastern West Virginia, it snowed over a foot and the overnight temperature was low enough to give me some concern about my old battery. That beautiful Saab 900 started right up and even with the older European style Michelin tires, that 900 without chains took us right on up to scenic highway 150. We saw that one truck had been on the highway and since the road was steeply uphill, I wondered if the front wheel drive would spin as the weight shifted to the rear! It didn’t and we made the five hour drive home without incident. That was the early 1990’s and today I owned 2001 Saab 9’3 convertible with turbo. It drives fine, but it is not the car that the 900 was even though it only has 112,000 miles on it and looks brand new. It is not my daily driver and it is more like driving a Cavalier than a Saab! This is just another brand that GM murdered to get rid of the competition! Shame on GM!👍🤠🇺🇸🙏✝️
I owned its older brother - a 1987 900 Turbo hatchback [1st year for the Aero front lights] that I purchased with 47,000 miles and sold with 250,000. Absolutely of all the cars that I've owned, this is my favorite. I never replaced the clutch. I never had the valve cover removed. Sure, the car was always at the mechanic's and that drove me crazy but I loved every moment of driving it! Drove from L.A. to DC alone in 3 days and no fatigue whatsoever. 28 mpg on the road. Great seats and upright position. Great cargo area with easy access due to that long hatch. Pulled like a tank. Elegant and utilitarian with just the right amount of performance. Glad to see that there are some well preserved ones like yours still on the road. Enjoy. All the best!
I really appreciate you giving the owner time to talk, seeing as he was so passionate and well spoken- why not? Let him ramble! Eloquent info dumps are what UA-cam is for, really. Very informative!
Fantastic job on the video Heidi. Miracle job on the editing Franny. You turned my unscripted babbling mess into something coherent and palatable! haha Well done!
I like this format, more reviews please! My memory of the 900 Turbo is that you had to let them idle awhile after a hard drive, if you shut it down with the turbos spinning, it would drop oil flow and then destroy the turbo...
I bought an '82 Turbo, new. Didn't know you had one, Franny, but might have guessed! In an act of nostalgia, bought a '95 convertible about five years ago. Been doing research as I prep it for sale, and happened upon this video.
My childhood friend came from a SAAB family. 95s, 96s, 99s. Two cycle, four cycle, three cylinder, V-4s, Sonnetts, the whole enchilada. Great cars great memories.
What a beautiful example of a fine automobile! Great review, too! I had a 1983 900 Turbo in 1985 when I lived in Vail, CO. I bought it at Glenwood Springs Saab. It was the same color/interior combo, but a 4 door sedan. Serious winter assault vehicle. It flew over the passes between Vail and Denver, especially in the winter with a full set of studded snows. I live in Seattle now and have a 2007 9-3t ragtop now. It's post GM, but still enough Saab in it to love. 👍😉 Thanks for the walk down memory lane. Stay safe and healthy!
Just bought and sold an almost identical model, here in the UK. That is an exceptionally well maintained / refurbished vehicle. The vast majority still on the road, here in the UK, wouldn't be quite up to that standard. Here, that vehicle would be worth about £8-10,000 this year. There ought to be minimal turbo lag and no torque steer whatsoever. It does get you noticed, even here, where they are still seen almost daily. People do have overwhelmingly positive associations. When I drove mine, I got almost as much attention as in my Maserati Granturismo :) But, unless very very well maintained, it is a comparatively unsophisticated drive, compared to modern cars. Obviously. You can put in a short shift kit which really tightens up the gear throw and selection. Being a Saab, the safety is second to none, for its age. Depending on which year and model, these 900 turbos had up to 185 ish bhp here in Europe and that's plenty, to keep up with modern traffic. They don't need to be modified. But. Certain Saab engines can cope with mods up to 400+ bhp without upgrading major components. Bracing to improve rigidity can be helpful too. So, plenty of scope for making the car very fast, quite cheaply. Like all classics, if you can afford to, buy the best car you can and you'll have a much better ownership / driver experience.
Thanks for the video guy's I really love and miss these wonderful old classic saabs I have previously owned three all combi 3+5 door cars and always wanted the 900turbo aero but it never happened! The UK weather can be unkind to cars and the 900 had a few spots where they would rust but all things considered were reasonably reliable, I remember the 900 being good in the snow when we had bad winters and were very strong cars well built I particularly liked the steel girder inner side impact protection which you could hit with a hammer and it would bounce off, lol.As you said it has character in abundance I truly miss Saab 🇸🇪👍❤
I just saw this.... great review and a great car, John. I owned SAAB's for over 20 years. All turbos except the 99 EMS. Started with a '73 99 EMS, 4 turbos (81, 84, 88, 89), 2 turbo SPG's 91 & 94. Finished with a '99 9-3 Viggen (GM car)... I actually carried a washing machine in my turbo with the seat folded down... huge. Fabulous cars....
As an owner of a 96 900 I love these cars. Center ignition is just so nice for a right handed user. I would Love to own a pre gm saab someday. But I don't think I'll drive anything else!
Cool! Miss my first car, it was a '89 900 coupe in mint condition. Im currently driving a '02 9-3 and the quality isnt to be compared with the older Saab's.
This video really explains why Saab was held in such a high regard years ago. Each succesive model after this was worse than the one it replaced. Such a shame to see the company fall.
I heard that after the GM takeover, GM insisted that Saab basically rebadge a GM platform to reduce costs. The result, of course, was a GM car which was nothing like what Saab buyers expected a Saab to be. Attempts by Saab engineers to re-inject some Saab engineering into these cars just drove the costs back up again.
Love the car, great video. I also have to say, the rhythm of the conversation (and general style and subject of the video) really reminds me of Portlandia.
I love that the engine is the wrong way around in the bay, the clutch is in front of the engine, with a chain going down to the gearbox. Its one of the very few cars where you can change the clutch without taking the gearbox off. :-) Got a Saab 900-2 convertible 2.3 16v myself as a new project. Saved her from a scrapyard where she'd been sitting for over a year. 150k miles done. Ok, not pre GM, but still has its quirks. Cant wait tl get her on the road again.
I absolutely love everything about the Saab 900 except the dash - I persoanlly don't care about ergonomics; I would much rather aesthetics over function in that case. But aside from that, this one in the video looks stunningly mint.... one envious guy here!
Being a Dutch Saab fan (one of many) and the glad owner of a 2008 95 2.3 Turbo Aero, who hasn't been driving anything else but Saab for 22 years, I love this video. This semi classic 900 T is a very nice and well kept specimen, but due to physical issues I need to drive an automatic.
wow!! now this brings me back to my childhood. my Dad had a black 1986 3-door hatchback (pre-facelift) with 5-speed manual. He loved it like was one of his children. Thank you, Franny, for doing an episode on the Saab its brought back a lot of memories and I wish you both all the best you guys are doing an amazing job and it's always better to watch two good-looking ladies doing a car review on youtube lol. once again thank you and keep up the good job... 😜😀😎💞💞.
@@HeidiandFranny It was a great video. Brought back soooo many memories. We had every kind of SAAB from every era starting in the early 60s with the 93 2 strokes, 95 & 96 V4s, through the 99, 99 EMS, 99 Turbo 4 dr with Hatch, 900 Hatch, 900 2dr w/trunk, a whole handful of 9000 hatches, CDE, and finally an '06 9-3. Also got our neighbors hooked on SAAB and they had a couple of Black 99 Turbos with the whale tails on the hatches and Aztech pyramid rims. And many more. A number of times strangers cmae to the house needing work on their SAABs thinking we were must be a SAAB garage. Ha! Oh how I wish they were still in business bringing the uniqueness of the SAAB to the world.
Beautiful vid! John, don't sell this car, ever! I had two 900, one was 900 gl '84 non turbo 100 hp and other was 900 8t special '89 produced in just 300 cars in Finland (as i've researched) in Edwardian gray paint (it was SPG in States) and dark red leather interior with aero kit. Beautiful and powerful fp turbo intercooler ran like charm but i had to let her go for about 3000 euros some ten years ago (about 3500 bucks) but now it would have cost much more. All SAAB 900 and 9000 cars had heated seats and mirrors as a standard in Europe (not sure about States) till 9-3 and 9-5 when it became an option. Besides these two, i drove 9000 2.3l dark green non turbo and this was a nice car as well, but not close to mine 900 which was my boys dream and I've fulfill it! Last four years I drive 9-5 '02 2.0l lpt which I enjoy almost as I had in 900, no matter it was produced by GM because this car has been made by Swedish engineers who took care of quality and safety. Beautiful silver pre restyled 9-5 and she still looks like few years old even she is sweet sixteen now. ;) These cars are not expensive to maintain and if you change liquids, filters, belts and sparks on time, you will enjoy countless miles (kilometres) in it. SAAB is special car for special people, hence good community and sense of brotherhood. Every time when I pass by the SAAB, I nod and this other driver nod back, like we know each other. Same thing is when you ride a motorcycle and the other rider nod or push a siren. SAAB drivers love their cars and love people who love their cars too. I drive SAAB for 20 years and planning to drive these till I retire.
I remember when these cars were new.I remember the commercials and reading about them in the car magazines.They called them road scorchers.There one of the best looking cars ever made and that is a good motor they have in them and there one of the best handling cars ever made 2.I always wanted a red convertible with black interior and I wanted 2 put some big wide tires with centerline rims on it.Nice cars.😀🇸🇪
Loving this one thanks for sharing very important information giving thanks blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪
Goodness, I've had a couple of these hatches in the 5 door and loved them... if I could find an early 90s classic 5Door with sunroof to convert to a turbo and whale tail I'd die happy. Cheers from Australia
I loved mine. Bought it new in 1987. After about 3-4 years, it was in the shop with miscellaneous leaks all the time. Gave up on it in '93 and still miss it. Perhaps one day, I'll buy a replacement? I'm not sure. It was definitely a fun vehicle.
I had an '82 Turbo and it had its fair share of issues, but it seemed every time I went to get a replacement part, it was completely different than the original. I loved the innovation. I'm sorry you had so many problems. Every once in a while one gets through :(
If the Chinese NEVS guys are smart they’ll offer this design almost exactly in electric when they come to N American city markets. I had a friend with this and I still think about her car. I’d definitely buy one.
Dr. J had a black 82 with the Inca that sat at the dealership when he was on road trips. Clews & Strawbridge in Philly burbs. Mine was an EMS non-turbo.
No dislikes because you can't dislike old Saabs.
Nice Saab, Us Saab guys would really go nuts for your car...That's a Beautiful gem you have. Saab forever
I have the same year and color combo, LOVE HER!! His is just pristine. Mine is rough around the edges with around 300k on the odo, yet she cranks right up. the best part of having a SAAB is the owner/enthusiasts community. They are a great group of people who are there to help answer questions and get the hard to find parts. This was a great video thanks for posting!
What sites/forums or facebook groups do you recommend for questions?
Beautiful car, SAAB built very safe cars to last.
I've seen Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, Jag's, 50's chorvettes and Impalas, and heck, I've even seen a Delorean, but I've never ever seen an old Saab (pre GM) I really wish Saab still existed. The 1987 Saab 900 turbo (painted in the color green) is my dream car.
How come? Where do you live?
Here in Berlin, they are hugely popular - in my area, you can hardly walk for 10 minutes without seeing a classic 900.
being swedish, they all had a "winter package" - even the base model has automatic heated seats, love it
And those heated seats were genius... They have a heater vent in the floor which directs hot air under the seat ;)
This must be one of the most underrated car channels on UA-cam ... a real gem ... keep up the great work ... A++
Thanks Jack!
I really enjoyed the casual laid-back approach in this review ... allowing the owner (John) to tell us about his car ... excellent camera work & editing ... oh ... and a beautiful SAAB ...
I love the presentation and information of all your car video's. However, the electronic "music" in the intro is a bit irritating. I felt like I was confined in an elevator waiting for the door to open. I haven't noticed this in your other video's.
Always loved the pure beauty of this car.
Best cars EVER MADE! I've owned 5 Saabs in my life. 900s on up to 93 SE convertible, a 95. Awesome sports/luxury, economical/ safe that perfect blend.
The classic 3 door saab 900 is my absolute dream car
Love this car!
Nick Murray hey man if you like this saab you should check me out I’m modding a 2006 saab
not the same (
Not even close. @@ionneifion2012 knows what. WHiitE... not so much.
My family own a SAAB 900, but not the turbo version!
NO mods as the original is perfect!
As an 18 year old with a 1989 900 Turbo and a 1991 900S I love everything about this review! What a lovely 1988 sir! You are one lucky guy to have one in such mint condition!
Hopefully John will see your comment.
Thanks Chayton!
Lucky!
Those dash gauges! Those side vents! That windshield! How did they let that company all fall apart! I remember seeing the launch convertible version in the Helsinki airport wow.
Sad. Sniff.
Laguna2013 The company killed itself. Sort of. Despite urging from GM, Saab engineers refused to compromise on safety and quality etc so Saabs always came off the production line making a loss. Certainly in the naughties. Sadly, Saab had some beautiful looking cars about to launch around the time it closed but they just couldn't crack the economics, is my understanding. Jaguar was turned around under Ford and it is a great pity GM couldn't do the same with Saab. The fact that most Saabs still look so right today, is a testament to how good their designers were and given how much brands are homogenised these days, Saab styling really is a big loss.
Laguna2013
That's the same question I be asking. I was sure Saab would be here forever it was the best car I never drove anything like the 900 Lord I can not forgive myself for not keeping the ones that i have had in the past. Yes I was young and dumb
They didn’t have the range of vehicle, only the 9-3 and 9-5 (a few crossovers towards the end but too late) If you take other manufacturers for eg they start from a super mini all the way to luxury 4X4 and everything in between. Shame.
The GM management are nuts not able to lead a premium brand like Saab, and their demands. The former mngmt of Saab where also nuts as they not sold 40% from Saab instead to Ford. Why Ford yet? Because they had the PAG-group where they owned Jaguar, Range Rover and Volvo. And all of this brands succeded and are still alive! Saab is the best!
Excellent video about a great car. I wish SAAB would make a comeback.
They should make a small sporty hatchback, it could be great
The feeling and handling of these is spectacular. Unforgettable experience, gotta love the og 900. And an interesting and quirky car too but still so highly usable
I live in Trollhättan where they used to build SAAB, and i have acctually worked on the factory. My dreamcar is still an OG 900 Aero, but they are really rare in good condition even here in Sweden.
I’m a Saabaholic. 🤠👍🏻🍺
Wonderful job, as usual! That is such a clean example, it's not even fair! John is a lucky guy to have gotten his hands on it, and seeing some of his perspective was great too. Now I'll be spending the rest of the day trying to find a 900 of my own! Thanks for the great content and for giving me the SAAB bug again!
This brings back some memories; my dad has a friend who had plenty of these. Back in the day these cars were quite expensive, at least where I live, but they depreciated quickly too, which is strange for a quality car like this. These are getting rarer, but you still see them in daily use here in the Netherlands. Most of them are high mileage by now, 200,000 miles and in some cases over 300,000 miles are very common. Finding a low mileage Turbo isn't easy anymore. Apart from the regular 2, 3, 4 and 5 door versions and the cabriolet, there was a CD-version, which was a 4 door with about 8 inches of extra wheelbase. I don't think these were exported to the States, though.
I think the absence of torque steer is mainly because of the equal length drive shafts. Also I believe with the double wishbone suspension used here it's easier set up the geometry in such a way to further eliminate torque steer.
Love the design of those, distinctive, no thrills and super easy to live with. Funny how John mentions the electric mirror controls, something I always noticed too. The only thing I find a bit clumsy to use is the knob used for the distribution of air. Mercedes of the same vintage had a similar knob that rotated the full 360 degrees and was more intuitive. Another quirk was the ignition key which you could only remove if the car was in reverse gear. Apparently there were quite a few people who tried to jank out the key and had it broken.
The front hinged hood wasn't that uncommon on European cars of the time, but the amount in which it moves forward, before it opens on the Saab is.
These cars have excellent seats, better than the competition at the time. The heated seats were standard equipment here in the Netherlands.
About two years ago was a 2003 9-5 aero caravan with 630'000 Km in pristine condition and maintenance for sale in the Netherlands.
Sold in a week!
No questions, its a Saab!! lol
Yeah, turbos are also infinite life so, it is literally a car with out a fault and will last forever without replacing major parts.Especially over 30 years or 300k miles. Because Swedish Premium Quality!
Love these quirky old beasts! Cool cars and so late 80s!!
Number27 hey if you like this saab could you check me out I’m missing a 2006 Saab 9-3
Yeah, it’s not a Volvo Jack
Picked up my 900T in Gothenburg duty free in 1982, $2200 I believe and what a car! It was described as a Mercedes on steroids which was apt; it smoked a BMW 3 series by comparison. I drove it for 10 years and passed it on to my son. Too bad what happened to Saab taken over by GM and now gone. Looking at this video I realize the quality and good design of the car. RIP Saab.
$22,000 duty free. Sorry about the mistake.
I am in the longitudal front wheel drive club. 1999 Passat 1.8 turbo 5 spped manual. The famous 20valve 4 cylinder under the hood. I love me a 1.8t. So smooth efficent and powerful all at the same time.
Like the Saab too. A classic. A friend had one in high school. Not the most powerful thing but unique and cool.
I absolutely love this car. What a joy it was to watch this video- thank you!
I owned 5 of them over the decades, all different models. Starting with a B201 non Turbo engine, also owned one of those rare B212's, up to a Heuschmid tuned 900S B202 with more than 200 hp. I fell in love with the 900 in the late 1980s simply because of the design ... I loved it an still do. I did lotsa repairs on my SAABs by myself and lotsa repairs can be easily achieved with common tools and a car jack. If You get a 900 and wanna do repairs on it, please get TORX-Bits first. Things that have to be taken care about on a more than 10 year old 900 is corrosion. There's a few spots on the chassis that tend to rust badly over the years. Another problem is the transmission, especially on Turbo-models. The transmission wasn't designed for more than 150 hp. Due to the design and the form-factor they could not change the transmission, please refer to next paragraph to explain why. Another factor is that a 900 is a car that wants to be driven. They are not designed for long standing times, they want to be driven. A SAAB 900 is kinda like an everyday-companion. If they stand too long they give You trouble ... brakes, etc.
You should see the historical perspective: Please keep in mind that the SAAB 900 was meant to be nothing else than an interim solution. During the 1970s SAAB teamed up with FIAT, Lancia and Alfa Romeo ... a collaboration that ended with 4 different cars all based on the same frame and the experiences / synergy of those 4 manufacturers: The SAAB 9000, the Lancia Thema, the FIAT Chroma and the Alfa Romeo 164. Development delayed for years and years. The SAAB 90 and 99 were kinda outdated in the late 1970s, therefore SAAB badly needed to get a NEW car on the market, which was the 900. The SAAB 900 was nothing else than an interim solution, which lasted for 14 years and wasn't meant to last that long.
I'm a huge SAAB enthusiast and I have to admit that the SAAB 9000 was the best car they ever built, imho. I still love the classic 900, for sure. As a car and companion the 9000 is more or less my soulmate, especially the later models from the mid 1990s.
Did General Motors mess it up? It would be easy to blame it all on General Motors. General Motors simply wasn't aware of what SAAB Automotive was and did everything wrong. In counteraction SAAB Automotive did lotsa things wrong during the General-Motors-Era.
Me, myself and I prefer the 9000 over the 900, as a final statement to this comment.
I test drove a 900 in the late 1980s and loved it but I was just out of college and really couldn't afford it.
Hi All! Here is a review of @RocketJohn's 1988 SAAB 900 turbo! This car is totally choice! Watch while John details all the special aspects of this unique and amazing car! Let us know if you have any questions...
In 2018, you posted a video of a 1989 SAAB 900 with 74,295 miles on it? WOW!
Love it! Always loved the look of this one. Very cool.
Love my 1991 900 SPG. Will never sell it.
i'm absolutely in love with this car. i was going down memory lane on youtube because i was an exchange student to Sweden in 1988 when i was 17. this has to be my most favorite car of all time - so unique, so scandinavian. i'm so sad that the old school SAAB is gone. i would give this man way more money than i should to take this off his hands...hahaha :D
I have a red 1987 Convertble with 127k on it that I want to sell. Lemme know
Hey Fran, i just found this by accident and as a european im surprised that americans are interested in our special brand. I had Volvo and Saab thru my life and actually i have 5 Saab; 3x 9-5 the 9-3 and a 99 Turbo from 1978, the first model year of the 99 Turbo.
These where the best cars ever made, anything is well conceived and functional.
New owners where mostly higher educated who want something extraordinary and quality and who have the income to maintain this extraordinary.
To get parts for this old Saabs is not very tricky when you have the right sources. ;)
Absolutely great video. The c900 SAAB is quite simply an amazing piece of engineering, extremely well built, safe and a well kept gem. If properly maintained, the B202 H engine will last many years/miles. With the proper tune, the whole driving experience is enhanced to a new and more enjoyable level.
It is really great to see such a well kept example. Hopefully, the c900 SAAB will continue to get more and much deserved recognition!! Kudos to "Heidi and Franny's Garage" for bringing some love and attention to this very practical model SAAB!!!
Franny has talked about this video for months now, since she used to own one. Glad you enjoyed. Heidi
Cool beans!!! I am subscribing to your channel, very impressed with the quality, presentation and content. Big thanks to "SAAB Planet" for making us SAAB enthusiasts aware of "Heidi and Franny's Garage!!!!
Wow! I did not know. Thanks for letting me know. Heidi
Sweet video guys!! John's Saab looks immaculate. Love the chat, very informative! :)
Thanks.
Franny and I chat about cars all the time, she basically said, "We should record this and share!" :)
What a find! What retired dentist who stored the car in his garage and only drove it on the weekends did this guy buy it from?! To find a 88' 900T 5 spd with only 67k on it is the find of a lifetime. That car is without a doubt a $10,000 car to many Saab enthusiasts. Considering that those cars have no problem making it to 250k as long as you keep the rust away, go easy on the transmission and stay religious with synthetic oil changes ( synthetic in the gear box as well is a godsend when it comes to smoothing out the fee of the shifter), this car could see another 10 years of daily driving without a hiccup. I mean, look at that paint! I was going to say that he HAD to have repainted it until I heard that he bought it with 67k.. then I was blown away that there was an 88' 900T in the U.S.A. in that condition still. I have owned 29 Saabs in the 22 years that I have had my lisence and have had every package that the 900 came in from a 84' 8V Turbo 4 door manual to a handful of 88' 900 SPG's. I still have two classic 900's, a white 5 spd 91' 900S with a SPG body kit and a 88' SPG with the airflow kit and 16" super aero wheels. It's also fully painted crimson metallic. I also have 3 9000 Aero's, 2 being Eucalyptus Green 5 speeds one a 93' and one a 94' with the last being a black on black 97' automatic. Then there is my black on dark grey 04' 9-5 Aero automatic and my 06' 9-7x with the 325 hp fully aluminum 5.3L LS V8 which I consider one of the best driving SUV made. The things Saab did to Chevy's Generic Trailblazer to make the 9-7x really transformed the SUV into something special. So as you can see, I am quite a Saab guy myself. Love the content and look forward to anything Saab that you have to come!
Hello from Finland. My first car was 1988 2 door 900 8 valve turbo. I got my drivers license 1994. Very good cars, i have had 9 different saabs.
I owned a 1987 Saab 900 without a turbo. It was monochromatic white and I bought it from my son for $3000.00. That was the best bargain I have made. It had 129,000 miles when I got it as a daily driver and during a backpacking trip to Cranberry Wilderness area in eastern West Virginia, it snowed over a foot and the overnight temperature was low enough to give me some concern about my old battery. That beautiful Saab 900 started right up and even with the older European style Michelin tires, that 900 without chains took us right on up to scenic highway 150. We saw that one truck had been on the highway and since the road was steeply uphill, I wondered if the front wheel drive would spin as the weight shifted to the rear! It didn’t and we made the five hour drive home without incident. That was the early 1990’s and today I owned 2001 Saab 9’3 convertible with turbo. It drives fine, but it is not the car that the 900 was even though it only has 112,000 miles on it and looks brand new. It is not my daily driver and it is more like driving a Cavalier than a Saab! This is just another brand that GM murdered to get rid of the competition! Shame on GM!👍🤠🇺🇸🙏✝️
Remember that huge chunks of this car date back to 1968 ..... that makes it all the more impressive as a drive in 2023.
My father had this exact 900 turbo when I was 16-19 years old. A lot of good memories.
I owned its older brother - a 1987 900 Turbo hatchback [1st year for the Aero front lights] that I purchased with 47,000 miles and sold with 250,000. Absolutely of all the cars that I've owned, this is my favorite. I never replaced the clutch. I never had the valve cover removed. Sure, the car was always at the mechanic's and that drove me crazy but I loved every moment of driving it! Drove from L.A. to DC alone in 3 days and no fatigue whatsoever. 28 mpg on the road. Great seats and upright position. Great cargo area with easy access due to that long hatch. Pulled like a tank. Elegant and utilitarian with just the right amount of performance. Glad to see that there are some well preserved ones like yours still on the road. Enjoy. All the best!
One day soon! My dream car sents 1984. Great seeing it in great shape. Thank you.
I had a 87 naturally aspirated in same color combo. Miss that car terribly. This car here, absolute dream car. Always wanted the turbo. Sigh
I really appreciate you giving the owner time to talk, seeing as he was so passionate and well spoken- why not? Let him ramble! Eloquent info dumps are what UA-cam is for, really. Very informative!
Fantastic job on the video Heidi. Miracle job on the editing Franny. You turned my unscripted babbling mess into something coherent and palatable! haha Well done!
I like this format, more reviews please! My memory of the 900 Turbo is that you had to let them idle awhile after a hard drive, if you shut it down with the turbos spinning, it would drop oil flow and then destroy the turbo...
Ya know, that is what I always did with mine (82) as well. Thanks for mentioning that. I still do that out of habit with anything with a turbo :)
Such amazing engineering and design approaches! A Swedish delight!
I bought an '82 Turbo, new. Didn't know you had one, Franny, but might have guessed! In an act of nostalgia, bought a '95 convertible about five years ago. Been doing research as I prep it for sale, and happened upon this video.
My childhood friend came from a SAAB family. 95s, 96s, 99s. Two cycle, four cycle, three cylinder, V-4s, Sonnetts, the whole enchilada. Great cars great memories.
To answer your question about the heated seats and mirrors, they were standard equipment on the 88 900 turbo, as was leather.
This is museum grade hands down. Wow. Good interesting review. Thanks for the great video.
I really like the way you edited the video and such a good review ! Well done 👍
Thanks so much!
This car is in amazing shape!
What a beautiful condition this 900 is in. They were beautiful cars.
I know, right? John keeps his immaculate. It was a complete joy to have the privilege to shoot this.
They still are!
Such a nice Saab. I'm so jealous. Wish I had one of these.
I know, right?
My Dad had this exact same Sabb 900 and I miss it sooooooo much. The Saab 900 Turbo is amazing.
Awesome!! 😍
SAABs are so special, I'll always drive one
You'll probably see mine if I visit sometime with my parents (Judy and Eric)!
I didn’t know you knew about our channel. Awesome. Say ‘hi’ to your folks. Heidi
The most mint saab ive ever seen!!!
Great review!!!!
What a beautiful example of a fine automobile! Great review, too! I had a 1983 900 Turbo in 1985 when I lived in Vail, CO. I bought it at Glenwood Springs Saab. It was the same color/interior combo, but a 4 door sedan. Serious winter assault vehicle. It flew over the passes between Vail and Denver, especially in the winter with a full set of studded snows. I live in Seattle now and have a 2007 9-3t ragtop now. It's post GM, but still enough Saab in it to love. 👍😉 Thanks for the walk down memory lane. Stay safe and healthy!
Just bought and sold an almost identical model, here in the UK.
That is an exceptionally well maintained / refurbished vehicle.
The vast majority still on the road, here in the UK, wouldn't be quite up to
that standard. Here, that vehicle would be worth about £8-10,000 this year.
There ought to be minimal turbo lag and no torque steer whatsoever.
It does get you noticed, even here, where they are still seen almost daily.
People do have overwhelmingly positive associations. When I drove mine,
I got almost as much attention as in my Maserati Granturismo :)
But, unless very very well maintained, it is a comparatively unsophisticated drive,
compared to modern cars. Obviously.
You can put in a short shift kit which really tightens up the gear throw and
selection. Being a Saab, the safety is second to none, for its age.
Depending on which year and model, these 900 turbos had up to
185 ish bhp here in Europe and that's plenty, to keep up with modern traffic.
They don't need to be modified. But. Certain Saab engines can cope with mods
up to 400+ bhp without upgrading major components. Bracing to improve rigidity
can be helpful too.
So, plenty of scope for making the car very fast, quite cheaply.
Like all classics, if you can afford to, buy the best car you can and you'll
have a much better ownership / driver experience.
Thanks for the video guy's I really love and miss these wonderful old classic saabs I have previously owned three all combi 3+5 door cars and always wanted the 900turbo aero but it never happened! The UK weather can be unkind to cars and the 900 had a few spots where they would rust but all things considered were reasonably reliable, I remember the 900 being good in the snow when we had bad winters and were very strong cars well built I particularly liked the steel girder inner side impact protection which you could hit with a hammer and it would bounce off, lol.As you said it has character in abundance I truly miss Saab 🇸🇪👍❤
I just saw this.... great review and a great car, John.
I owned SAAB's for over 20 years. All turbos except the 99 EMS.
Started with a '73 99 EMS, 4 turbos (81, 84, 88, 89), 2 turbo SPG's 91 & 94. Finished with a '99 9-3 Viggen (GM car)...
I actually carried a washing machine in my turbo with the seat folded down... huge.
Fabulous cars....
Thanks for the video. My first car after I graduated from law school was a 88 Turbo. Had it for years. Still my favorite car.
I had an '82 with an aftermarket intercooler. Loved it! Great car. I was a moron to sell it...
I’m ready to buy it. I love 900’s
immaculate condition - what a purchase and an owner !! thanks
As an owner of a 96 900 I love these cars. Center ignition is just so nice for a right handed user. I would Love to own a pre gm saab someday. But I don't think I'll drive anything else!
Cool! Miss my first car, it was a '89 900 coupe in mint condition. Im currently driving a '02 9-3 and the quality isnt to be compared with the older Saab's.
Great video - the audio quality using two sources was great! The editing fun.
We didn't even script it. I just rambled her editing saved the day! :)
wow what a car i love saabs!!!!!!!!!!!
This video really explains why Saab was held in such a high regard years ago. Each succesive model after this was worse than the one it replaced. Such a shame to see the company fall.
I heard that after the GM takeover, GM insisted that Saab basically rebadge a GM platform to reduce costs. The result, of course, was a GM car which was nothing like what Saab buyers expected a Saab to be. Attempts by Saab engineers to re-inject some Saab engineering into these cars just drove the costs back up again.
I had a 1979 Saab 900 and drove it in Europe for several years before bringing it back to the States. It was a great car.
Love the car, great video. I also have to say, the rhythm of the conversation (and general style and subject of the video) really reminds me of Portlandia.
I love that the engine is the wrong way around in the bay, the clutch is in front of the engine, with a chain going down to the gearbox. Its one of the very few cars where you can change the clutch without taking the gearbox off. :-)
Got a Saab 900-2 convertible 2.3 16v myself as a new project. Saved her from a scrapyard where she'd been sitting for over a year. 150k miles done. Ok, not pre GM, but still has its quirks. Cant wait tl get her on the road again.
my dream car, especially in this colour combination black with bright interior :3
I absolutely love everything about the Saab 900 except the dash - I persoanlly don't care about ergonomics; I would much rather aesthetics over function in that case. But aside from that, this one in the video looks stunningly mint.... one envious guy here!
that windshield structure is super strong, I heard someone hit big moose with this and this windshield took the impact
Being a Dutch Saab fan (one of many) and the glad owner of a 2008 95 2.3 Turbo Aero, who hasn't been driving anything else but Saab for 22 years, I love this video. This semi classic 900 T is a very nice and well kept specimen, but due to physical issues I need to drive an automatic.
wow!! now this brings me back to my childhood. my Dad had a black 1986 3-door hatchback (pre-facelift) with 5-speed manual. He loved it like was one of his children. Thank you, Franny, for doing an episode on the Saab its brought back a lot of memories and I wish you both all the best you guys are doing an amazing job and it's always better to watch two good-looking ladies doing a car review on youtube lol. once again thank you and keep up the good job... 😜😀😎💞💞.
Thanks. Always fun to bring back memories.
The only car to have! 900 Turbo Hatch 5 speed. Amazing find. I hope you're still enjoying it 5 years later!
I think he sold it.
@@HeidiandFranny It was a great video. Brought back soooo many memories. We had every kind of SAAB from every era starting in the early 60s with the 93 2 strokes, 95 & 96 V4s, through the 99, 99 EMS, 99 Turbo 4 dr with Hatch, 900 Hatch, 900 2dr w/trunk, a whole handful of 9000 hatches, CDE, and finally an '06 9-3. Also got our neighbors hooked on SAAB and they had a couple of Black 99 Turbos with the whale tails on the hatches and Aztech pyramid rims. And many more. A number of times strangers cmae to the house needing work on their SAABs thinking we were must be a SAAB garage. Ha! Oh how I wish they were still in business bringing the uniqueness of the SAAB to the world.
Beautiful car in such nice condition!
Had one like that, 8 valves!!!👍👍👍
Beautiful vid! John, don't sell this car, ever!
I had two 900, one was 900 gl '84 non turbo 100 hp and other was 900 8t special '89 produced in just 300 cars in Finland (as i've researched) in Edwardian gray paint (it was SPG in States) and dark red leather interior with aero kit. Beautiful and powerful fp turbo intercooler ran like charm but i had to let her go for about 3000 euros some ten years ago (about 3500 bucks) but now it would have cost much more.
All SAAB 900 and 9000 cars had heated seats and mirrors as a standard in Europe (not sure about States) till 9-3 and 9-5 when it became an option.
Besides these two, i drove 9000 2.3l dark green non turbo and this was a nice car as well, but not close to mine 900 which was my boys dream and I've fulfill it!
Last four years I drive 9-5 '02 2.0l lpt which I enjoy almost as I had in 900, no matter it was produced by GM because this car has been made by Swedish engineers who took care of quality and safety. Beautiful silver pre restyled 9-5 and she still looks like few years old even she is sweet sixteen now. ;)
These cars are not expensive to maintain and if you change liquids, filters, belts and sparks on time, you will enjoy countless miles (kilometres) in it.
SAAB is special car for special people, hence good community and sense of brotherhood. Every time when I pass by the SAAB, I nod and this other driver nod back, like we know each other. Same thing is when you ride a motorcycle and the other rider nod or push a siren. SAAB drivers love their cars and love people who love their cars too.
I drive SAAB for 20 years and planning to drive these till I retire.
Well i have a Saab 900 II in the European Version (obviously as a german) and don't have heated seats
Owned this exact car, but an '87. Had leased it. Still own a SAAB, A 2008 9-5. The car is bulletproof.
Keep her forever. 😊
I remember when these cars were new.I remember the commercials and reading about them in the car magazines.They called them road scorchers.There one of the best looking cars ever made and that is a good motor they have in them and there one of the best handling cars ever made 2.I always wanted a red convertible with black interior and I wanted 2 put some big wide tires with centerline rims on it.Nice cars.😀🇸🇪
I'm about to buy a 1986 , I think this cars were built with a whole lot of style,
Loving this one thanks for sharing very important information giving thanks blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪
Goodness, I've had a couple of these hatches in the 5 door and loved them... if I could find an early 90s classic 5Door with sunroof to convert to a turbo and whale tail I'd die happy. Cheers from Australia
I loved mine. Bought it new in 1987. After about 3-4 years, it was in the shop with miscellaneous leaks all the time. Gave up on it in '93 and still miss it. Perhaps one day, I'll buy a replacement? I'm not sure. It was definitely a fun vehicle.
I had an '82 Turbo and it had its fair share of issues, but it seemed every time I went to get a replacement part, it was completely different than the original. I loved the innovation. I'm sorry you had so many problems. Every once in a while one gets through :(
Great job, your example is absolutely gorgeous, keep it rollin!
What a nice looking car , I don't see to many of them around Austin Tx. to much these day's , great review of a great car. !! Thanks
Christopher Mann thanks!
simply the best :-)
Great pickup and video. Love these Saabs 😃
Clean!
Suuuuper clean...
I loved my 900 and I miss it!!!
If the Chinese NEVS guys are smart they’ll offer this design almost exactly in electric when they come to N American city markets. I had a friend with this and I still think about her car. I’d definitely buy one.
This is one sweet C900. Nice looking slopey with a clean cabin and some sweet options.
In my Top 5 cars all time. #saabgeek. Stationed as a Soldier here in Italy and there’s a stock pile of old Saab’s!
Dr. J had a black 82 with the Inca that sat at the dealership when he was on road trips. Clews & Strawbridge in Philly burbs. Mine was an EMS non-turbo.
I have one 1989 8 valve special, but look like Aero, i change engine to 16 valve and 175 hp, i love this car.
A car whit loads of personality and style.
Beautiful 900!
Cleanest I've ever seen! Looks fresh off the lot!
I'm So jealous. Beautiful