I've been in the car market for a while and have mainly been looking for a Subaru. However, this '93 Saab 900S popped up and I'm going tomorrow to take a look at it. Who knows how it will actually be when I get there, but here's the seller's info.

Five speed manual (would not be buying any other way)
Good clutch
Everything works, drives surprisingly well for the age
178k miles
Virtually rust free

I'm 18 but have been buying and selling cars for a while and know if it sounds like a good deal, chances are there's something major wrong with it. But let's just say it's exactly what he says. My father used to have one of these so I know how they run. Only issues the seller points out is the usual shabby headliner and missing radio faceplate. What tends to go wrong at this car's mileage?

Are these interference motors? Either way, what are the timing belt intervals?
What will I need to pay close attention to at this car's mileage?
Anything specific I should ask the seller other than the usual crap?

Thanks, if this car turns out to be a nice deal I'll be around here a lot.

Edit: So this forum does that thing where it adds more apostrophes to everything as well. xD

what's the asking price?

edit: that thing with extra apostrophes will be gone soon.

He's asking $1250. I'm a little skeptical about the car because it's at a little independent dealer. Good chance he could be an honest guy but nearly every dealer I've ever visited is run by a shyster. But, if it's really what he says, I'll probably buy it.

Well I personally can't help with the older 900 questions. May be Saab Fahrer or Boostpowered have some input on this.

I've got until noon tomorrow so I'll be eagerly awaiting some info.

does it have up to date servicerecords? how many owners before him have owned it?
have you test driven this car? if so are ther any clunks ,whirrs,clanks or rattles when driving?
did you look under the hood?was itclean or dirty under there? look at the exhaust make shure ther isnt any significant rust on any part of the car. pay special attention when looking at the shock/strut mounts this area is common to rust out and needwelding!

I will be going tomorrow to take a test drive. He claims it drives perfect. I'll see about that.

So, are these interference motors?

So, are these interference motors?
i dont understand this term.please explain.

You know, an interference motor. I'll explain it the best way I know how, with the Subaru EJ22.

The 1990-1996 Subaru EJ22 used in the Legacy and Impreza are non-interference. This is because the valves can be wide open and the piston will not collide with them. So, if the timing belt breaks, no engine damage occurs. In 1997, Subaru made the pistons taller. This gave the motor something like a five percent increase in power and made it an interference motor. This is because the valves open and close microseconds before the pistons enter that space. So, if the timing is not spot on, the valves and pistons collide and, in most cases, destroys the motor. Or, at least requires an expensive valve job. If the timing belt snaps, the motor is usually destroyed with an interference design.

that helped . and yes if the chain breaks your pistons and valves will collide in the worst way
it wont wreck the whole engine unless there are massive amounts of boost
normally just a new head and pistons can be thrown on
if the chain and tensioner are in good condition you need not worry

Oh, these are timing chains...that's a sigh of relief on my part. I hate rubber timing belts on interference motors. What's the interval that these chains need replacing?

If there is no clear record of the chain being replaced it's probably time to replace it.

i agree! you might as well change belts/waterpump while your in there.it will save time to do it all at once.

Well, I will let you all know how things are when I go see it tomorrow. If it's good, I'll have it tomorrow night. Thanks for the input.

if it doesn't go well I would look for a newer 900 or 9-3. You can find one for around 2K that might need a bit of work, but you'll love it regardless.

My highest budget is $2000 and even that's a stretch. I have gotten a good car before for much less than $1,000. It's just harder to pull off in this economy.

I feel ya there. I've gotten cars way below 1K that were good and reliable.

Drove all the way out there for a ticking motor. Thanks anyway guys.

Keep looking, I'm watching a 9-3 on ebay that's under 2K...if it wasn't an automatic I'd use <Buy it now>, but I don't want to pay 2K for an automatic.

I've turned down a lot of good deals because they're automatic. I can't stand automatics.

i love my auto gearbox. i know they are harder to work on to begin with but over time and a little patience you can learn to rebuild them as easily as a manual tranny

I just prefer manuals because they are more engaging and fun to drive. Automatics have their strengths, but I can't stand the simple "stop. go. stop. go."

im more into being able to have both hands on the wheel when doing an 95 mph s turn on a dirt/rocky road i guess if i was street racing it i would want the manual for that extra pep on the starts

I'm all set with street racing, but I still prefer manual.;)