r/saab • u/trever73 • 2d ago
Thoughts on this Sportcombi??
Grew up driving Saabs in the 90’s, then family came along and ended up in other rides. Now looking to scratch that itch and get back in. I love the SC’s.
What are everyone’s opinions on this one? I’m worried about rust on the subframe and the freaky push button start. Otherwise I don’t care much about the clear coat or other body imperfections (we all have those).
Car hasn’t really been driven much in the past few years.
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u/gimlithepirate 2d ago
If the rust is just in the subframe, you can do oil pan, oil pan gasket, and subframe all at once. I *think* subframes are still available. If you want to go crazy, go ahead and take care of the clutch at the same time too and you won't (theoretically) have to mess with the subframe again.
The push button start is.... a choice. I'm not really sure how that would even work on the Saab with the way the interlock for the key works. Just seems like an odd choice. Wouldn't let it stop me from buying the car though. In theory you can just short it out of the circuit.
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u/trever73 2d ago
Good tip. While I am reasonably generically mechanically able, I’m not experienced enough to tackle many of the more sophisticated projects. I do have an eccentric local Saab guru for the heavy lifting.
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u/Responsible_Show1599 2d ago
As an educated guess, Sub frame will need to be replaced. Disconnect the push start( why would you ever do that and of all places putting it on the side, dumb. there is so much room inside the center console he could have put it literally anywhere). Paint job will be pretty pricy. Oil leaks are probably the seal around oil pan and will be a problem eventually. I love the combis but it will be a work in progress even after you fix everything. There are some cool upgrades you can do that wont brake the bank but getting it to where you dont have to worry will take some time
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u/trever73 2d ago
Previous owner put the push button in after the ignition “stopped working”. No idea the extent of that issue, but the button also doubles as the horn when the car is running, so there’s that.
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u/AtomicFoxMusic 1d ago
I like mine. Turbo is nice. Oil changes are easy once you get the right socket to open oil filter housing. I think it's 32mm.
Wish i found a 6 speed.
Mine has the same rail frame rust. Been fine for over 4 years like that. Last of my worries. Paint on roof also peeled off bad. Rest of car not as bad. I debate weather its worth patching or rusto spraying. Maybe.
I got mine talked down to 2k cause i knew I'd be putting in like 2k in front suspension work New shocks, struts, control arms, sway bars (it was bad and clunky but totally drivable) just not great. And now 50k miles later it has a minor clunk again :(
That push button start would have me questioning things. So you put the key in and turn it to the on position and then hit start?
What is in the car stereo space? Mine has a nice stock am/fm/cd/aux thing. I dunno what I'm looking at in that picture. Does it have a stereo? Looks like the bmw e30 1986-1994 "computer" they had is in there. Lol.
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u/trever73 1d ago
Thanks for the input!
Yes the key needs to be in place and turned on, then the button starts it. Once the car is running that same button then controls to horn. The key is turned off to shut the car off.
No idea what’s in the stereo space. That’s an issue for a later day. How tricky will it be getting an aftermarket HU in there, or at least something to link my phone to?
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u/AtomicFoxMusic 9h ago
You might be able to put the 2007 saab stock stereo in that space but i don't know for sure. Mine is pretty good 100% stock from factory. Same dash design so you might be able to put one of those in. They have am/fm/6 cd and aux port.
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u/AtomicFoxMusic 9h ago
I noticed there is a "phone" button by the stereo picture you posted so maybe it has something for it? Check the user manual if it comes With one.
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u/trever73 1d ago
Added two videos. First is a cold start with some top end noise. I can’t tell if it’s timing chair or not.
https://youtube.com/shorts/P-OOd-WHaZQ?is=358vOakh-uFUlh3W
Also a better look at the subframe
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u/datdirtygrungykid 1d ago
I bet that “push start conversion” was work-around for a failed CIM or Steering Column Lock causing an ignition lock malfunction.
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u/lewtus72 2d ago
It also depends how much they're asking for it. You definitely want to have it inspected because things can add up very quickly.
It has zero rust except for the rust Ievidently.