Bubs

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

Roto

what's the asking price?

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

Bubs

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.

Roto

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

Bubs

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

boostpowered

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!

Bubs

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?

boostpowered

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

Bubs

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.

boostpowered

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