I thought I was meant to be getting rid of cars...

[howard]

Oops. Looks like I have ANOTHER car. I bid on it not expecting to win.

Saying that, even though I don't NEED it, for the price I cannot go wrong.

It's Swedish, of course. And it's not a Volvo.

It's a 1988 Saab 900 8v injection saloon, in dark blue. Has done 135,000 miles (nothing for one of those) and is currently MOT'd and taxed, and has a full tank of petrol.

It's tidy, and although it has ONE problem to sort it may well be a very minor one. It starts and runs but occasionally cuts out for no apparent reason. I had a 9000 that had that problem and it was down to that darn valve near the manifold air intake. Apparently, a common problem on 900 8v's is simply the relay. When I bought my other 900, a friend of mine gave me a handful of relays - just in case! So what else is there? Fuel pump? Fuel line clogged? Hopefully something simple like that! Fingers crossed!!!

I am aiming to collect it at the weekend - it's only a couple of miles away.

So how much did I pay for this beastie? £106.

Can't really go wrong!

Pictures to follow!!!

My aim is to check it over, and very possibly sell it on with an MOT if all seems OK. However, I might really like it

[33grinder]

Oh, Howard!!! ;D ;D ;D

You've gone and done it again!

Nice one though! Sounds really nice, we want pictures. But Allegro pictures first of course! ;D

[howard]

It's here:

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270520406105&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Allegro pictures to follow - but not tonight!

[33grinder]

That looks well bought Howard, congratulations.

This reminds me of the one my brother had in the mid ninetees, love the dash layout (and I'll bet it has the ignition key on the transmission tunnel too) and the wraparound screen.

I'm sure you'll soon have it sorted.

[howard]

Oh, it will have the ignition between the front seats and that lovely wraparound elk-proof screen.

For £106 I can't really go wrong. Even if it proves to be knackered (which I am certain it won't) for spares alone it's worth the money - let alone the tank of fuel!!!

I really can't wait to get stuck in and find out if I have a goodie or a baddy.....

[Patrick]

135k? Why! It's just a teenager! ;D

In the eighties a friend of mine's Dad was a big Saab fan. Bought a new one every few years, but always had that model upgraded each year with the latest improvements. He'd graduated onto them from Triumph Dolomites funnily enough. I can remember him saying when rumours were afoot about a takeover by GM even back then that he'd drop them like a stone if they did - Because there was no way you'd get him driving around in a Vauxhall Cavalier in a posh frock.

If only he knew how correct he was.

[howard]

As most of you will know, the lines between the old 900 and the new are VERY firm. The old 900, or Classic 900 or c900 has a huge following, whils the new, despite being acceptable enough as a vehicle, simply does not. Witness the prices of c900 Turbos on eBay and compare with the GM900. Say no more.

I still have a GM900 which I've not used for a while - nothing really wrong with it, and certainly pleasant enough, but despite the central ignition switch you could be in any other car, really.

I know the 900s and 99 I have are all cheapie non-Turbo ones, but that doesn't matter (except to their value!) - I judge them for what they are, not what they are not, or what they could be.

Anyway, I'll find out soon enough what on earth I have bought! I have a horrible feeling I will like it rather too much.

[stefan]

I have had a GM900 and an early 93 (same shape) and i liked them both, they still had some Saab ness to them, although not as much as the c900's.

I lost intrest when the currant 93 came out, looked at them in the show room and you may as well be sat in a vauxhall astra with leather

I got my love for Saabs being driven round in my mates mums 99's she had three in a row in the 80s and i loved them, would still like a 99 or early 900 now.

[howard]

Hmm, might be another c900 on the way, Stefan.....I was offered one at work this afternoon that belongs to a colleague's daughter-in-law. Has a camshaft position sensor issue, allegedly....and you know what dealer prices are like!

I'll be drowning in the sods soon!!

I WON'T be keeping them though - honest!

[stefan]

drowning in Saabs intresting way to go ;D.

Yes Saab main steeler prices are very high, both of my old ones were new enough at the time to be serviced by them .

Since found out we have a good independant specialist in derby, I did almost buy a 1973 99 a few years ago but could not get a replacement water pump for the early engine so walked away

[Onne]

You could see it as a negative sale Howard? Still a sale... well sort of!

[dillyman]

These low Saab prices make me cringe! My 1992 900 drophead - used for summer holidays hauling our small caravan cost me enough to buy nearly forty of yours. I hope that I never have to sell it, I love it to bits.

[howard]

Classic 900s, 99s and 9000s are lovely things - they, along with DAFs, are my weakness, I'm afraid. Miles apart market-wise, but quirky and individual. I admit over the last seven years I've truly been sucked in by Saabs and their similarly quirky and individual owners! Friendly clubs, without a judgemental eye cast on what your car is or isn't. Where a garish lime green five door 99 is just as interesting to people as a 9000 Carlsson or 900 Ruby.

I get a feeling I don't need to convert you, Marcus - and as a man of many mopeds AND a Rover P4 you are obviously a man of impeccable taste!

Talking of Saab prices, dealers often charge ludicrous sums, even for quite ordinary cars. Whether they get it or not, who knows. I will see if I can find pictures of my friend's 900 show car that cost him £75, just to show that bargains still do turn up!

The "engine problem" of the latest 900 is going to make or break it - literally. I've driven the thing and it all seems fine, and although it has rust patches here and there it's sound enough and sooner or later there aren't going to be any of these left. Trouble is, if £600 will get me a minter (8-valve injection) it's pointless throwing money into a deep pit. Besides, not only will it yield £60 of petrol but enough parts to smarten my 99 and 900 quite considerably!

I'll think long and hard about it before I do anything though!

[howard]

To conclude the non-DAF stuff and cars I am getting rid of, the ones that are/will be for sale are:

DAF 66 estate, DAF 33 saloon (1973), Triumph Mayflower (1953), Renault Minibus (1992), Rover P4 (1960), Triumph Dolomite (1978), Austin Allegro (1977) and Saab GM900 auto (1998).

What does that leave me with? 13 cars. That's surely more than enough for anyone!

Anyone who might be interested in any of the above, please ask for more details (the 66 estate looks like it has a home though) or they'll end up on eBay!!!!

[33grinder]

I take it you won't be interested in any swaps then Howard?!! ;D ;D ;D

[spunkymonkey]

I don't want it but if you have a few more details of the Dolomite I know a few people who might...

[howard]

No! No swaps! If I had the space I'd keep 'em

As for the Dolomite, it's a sandglow 1978 1500HL manual. I've had it about 12 years now, and I drove it every day. It has a very valuable registration plate (TAM99S) which I was offered £2,300 for back in the day!!!

Stupidly I didn't take it.

It has been sat outside for 8 years so will have some rust and will need some work, but the interior was lovely. The exterior I'm sure will clean up nicely too but I fear it will need some work. I stopped driving it when a truck ran into the side of it and damaged the passenger side rear quarter. Would probably pull out - it's not THAT bad!

The mileage is low but it will need reconditioning so expect brake renewal, stuck clutch, that sort of thing! I know as a Saab owner I should love the plate but obviously I can't nobble it without an MOT and I don't have the time or money. You know the routine.

What's it worth? No idea!

But I'd rather someone could use it, even if it's for parts. Sniff.

[dillyman]

Having just bought Becky, much to wife Betty's disgust, I have no more room/money or I would have loved to know more of another car which I have long coveted - the Mayflower. Please don't tell me that it is as new, taxed and tested and that you would accept £15 o.n.o.!! My P4 is a black 80 in good condition - what's yours?

[spunkymonkey]

Ok, no nibble on the Dolly yet but someone's asking about the Mayflower if you "don't want silly money for it". He's one of their reliable members but I have no idea what his idea of "silly money" is so if you could PM me the general area you'd be thinking I'll pass it on.

[howard]

The Mayflower hasn't been on the road for a couple of years. It's remarkably solid, but has had the odd wadge of filler over the years. I have given it a good going over and to be honest many of the bits I expected to find filler I only found shiny metal. It is of course nearly 60 years old and although it runs and drives I would budget for an engine rebuild eventually.

I have a BRAND NEW wing for it although the metal is ludicrously thick and any holes can surely be repaired quite easily.

The number plate incidentally is transferable (for those who care) and was valued by Elite at £2,300 which means that those on a budget could make it all very worthwhile.



I'd be looking for around £500 for everything including the often daftly-priced on eBay workshop manuals and driving instructions - and also an immense Ekco valve radio.

[howard]

Obviously, since work has started it doesn't look as tidy any more but all the work that is required is visible. The boot hinges were broken so I have fitted new ones and the boot lid needs painting.

I have the keys and the V5C. It could be a very lovely car but you know the story.....

[spunkymonkey]

Well, I've sent him the details - reluctantly, having worked out that I have no cash and no space and can't possibly justify having it myself