$400 - Drive (Tow) it away - Owner says they pulled in to get gas and it wouldn't restart - He has the center console out - thinks it's the computer - guess they tried the neutral switch etc - all dash lights but no crank - So should I buy it - I'm a Saab man and have been warned away from the transverse motors - really looking for a 240/740 inline but is this a good deal on an 850 or am I into another money pit ?

It could be a simple ground wire at the starter, a battery with less than 9 volts, ignition switch, or need a new starter.

$300 is salvage price. Plus the tow home of course. The 1993 is a strange year, a lot of the suspension parts are not interchangeable with 94+ cars.

I don't understand, the SAABs are FWD with the rear of the engine pointing to the trailing wheels. At least Volvo points the engine to the driver's wheel :>)

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

You can pick and pull a computer, fuel pump, fuel pump relay, fuel pressure regulator, plugs, wires, ignition coil, and starter motor for about $100 and most no start problems would be solved. If you're OK blowing $500 (though, $300 should be salvageable for selling it as parts/scrap) on it. Now if you get it home, get it running and you find the tranny is shot, wash your hands and part/scrap it out.

There's lots of easy reasons for the engine to not start, and of course plenty of more complicated ones. I assume you can do your own work, none of those jobs are that difficult (or time consuming).

The 850s are good cars, the '93 has a diagnostic box in the engine that gives you lots of power. You can read your Engine, transmission, ABS, etc. codes. It might be worth pulling the transmission fluid dip stick and checking the color/smell. If its black and burnt I'd probably let this one go.

If you really like it, set yourself a limit and don't spend a dollar more. Its when you start jumping into money pits that it becomes a problem.
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?

Thanks for the good info - Trying to avoid buying someone else's headaches - I have enough of those with the SAABS!

So where is this piece of junk, in case others wish to try their luck.

I would put the car in P, turn the key to II, reach under with a long screw driver and ground the starter. If the starter then works, drive the car home! Who cares if the center console is loose. There is nothing under there to prevent the car from starting.

A starter from a P&P is less than $10, and I would also pick up new red battery wires along with a couple of relays - just for fun. Even an ignition switch is cheap.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Jacksonville, Fl. Craigslist under auto parts - volvo