1987 SAAB 900 Classic, 8-Valve w/ 5-Speed Manual, CA car w/ Only 72k miles!

1987 Saab 900 Base Model Description

Up for sale is a 1987 SAAB 900 3-door hatchback in very good condition with a normally aspirated 2.0L 8-valve 4 cylinder engine coupled to a 5-speed manual with only about 72,000 original miles with a clean title and Carfax. I don’t know the entire history of the car, but it still has the original year of manufacture “Sunshine” design license plates from 1987, so it’s always been a California car. Comes with the original owner’s manual. The 3-door hatch is the most popular body style of the 900 series and the non-turbo 8v engines with a 5-speed transmission is the most dependable SAAB 900 configuration. I have no doubt this will go another 80,000 to 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance if cared for.

I bought this car about a year and 10,000 miles ago. It needed some work when I got it, but have gone through the mechanical and interior and have almost everything sorted. There are still a few quirks here and there, but this is a strong daily driver with no mechanical issues that can also handle long highway trips and cruise at 70-80 MPH for long periods no problem. I’ve been using Mobil 1 10w-30 Full Synthetic in it since I got it and it doesn’t burn or leak oil, and can go 5,000 miles between oil changes without top-offs. Transmission runs and shifts smoothly, doesn’t leak, synchros work great, and no bearing issues. Transmissions are often the weak point on classic Saabs, but this one is in great shape. Interior is in good condition. The original velour seats have been recovered in a more durable and stain resistant medium blue vinyl, the carpet is in good shape, and it has a new headliner, so no issues with a saggy headliner as often is the case with classic SAABs. I’ve put some aftermarket rubber floor mats in it, but the original SAAB carpet floor mats in decent shape are also included. Has a few small cracks in the dash, but that’s the case with almost every classic SAAB.

Has good brakes, 4 good tires, passes smog no problem, and is currently registered through January 2018.

Since I’ve owned the car, I’ve done the following work:

-Replaced all engine drive belts

-Replaced front transmission mount

-Replaced fuel injection line

-Replaced fuel distributor

-Replaced Aux Air Valve

-Replaced air filter

-Replaced O2 Sensor

-Replaced ignition coil

-Replaced rear tires

-Replaced coolant

-Replaced front axle boots

-New spark plugs, dist. rotor, and dist. cap

-Replaced headliner

-Replaced headlights

-Changed transmission fluid (now full synthetic)

-Oil Changes every 5,000 miles (full synthetic)

-Full Diagnostic at local SAAB specialist SAAB Replay in Berkeley

It does have a couple of things that I haven’t gotten sorted yet, but nothing that affects driveability. The A/C compressor works, but it needs a charge and takes the old R12 refrigerant that was phased out. There is a kit you can buy that only costs a couple of hundred bucks to convert it over to the newer R134 refrigerant, I just never got around to it because A/C is so rarely needed here. There is also a bit of surface oxidation in a couple of places. Nothing structural or even very noticeable, but it is a 30 year old car. Frame and undercarriage are straight, strong, and rust-free. There is a small oxidation spot on the edge of the window of the rear hatch. It doesn’t leak and isn’t very noticeable, and is the only oxidation on the paintwork. Never really bothered me, but if it bothers you, you can always find a SAAB 900 hatch from a salvage yard for a hundred bucks or so and throw it on there. Other than the A/C and the very minimal oxidation there aren’t really any other issues.

This SAAB tracks, corners, handles, and accelerates VERY well, and is a blast to drive. The naturally aspirated engine isn’t quite as torque-y as the turbo models, but is still peppy, accelerates well, and can handle highway merges and passing with ease. I’ve driven it from the Bay up to Portland/Seattle and back a couple of times, and it handles long trips no problem. Gets about 18-20 MPG in the city and usually gets around 26-28 MPG on the highway, sometimes higher in perfect conditions.

AM/FM/CD stereo works great, and also has an Aux input for your smartphone or MP3 player. The fuel injection lines for these 8v engines are about the only parts that are difficult to find, and a brand new full back-up set of FI lines will be included in the sale. Will also include 2 new oil filters and 10 gallons of Mobil 1 10w-30, the SAAB service manual, and a Haynes service manual in the sale. It just had an oil change and isn’t due for another until 75,000 miles. The locking Thule roof racks (with keys) are also included with the sale.

Really a cool car. I wasn’t expecting to bond with it and enjoy driving it as much as I have, but I have too many cars, am getting one back from being restored, and just need to make some room. This SAAB isn’t 100% perfect and isn’t a show-car, but isn’t priced like one either. It’s a low-mileage daily-driver in very good condition that will last for years to come, that is also one of the coolest looking and most fun-to-drive cars ever manufactured. Hoping to find a local/CA buyer who will really enjoy and cherish this beauty.

Feel free to message or email (daniels.joshua@gmail.com) with questions. Thanks for looking and be well!