# SAAB 900SE ('95) the costly timing belt

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** saab, belts, timing-belts\
**Created:** [May 26, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003 "2009-05-26T16:39:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jansaab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@jansaab](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jansaab)\
**Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003/1 "2009-05-26T16:39:55Z")

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My SABB is running like a dream thanks to $1400 of recent maintenance/repairs like fuel filters, suspension etc. Here’s the problem: It’s a '95 with almost 150K and I am 10K overdue for the timing belt (incl.water pump) replacement, and getting estimates for $1200-1400. I want to keep this car on the road for another 50K at least, so I think I should take the leap but I hesitate. Any old SAAB owners out there who could provide me some confidence in doing so… or some caution, at this stage?

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**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\
**Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003/2 "2009-05-26T16:54:58Z")

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Whether it’s a Saab or not does not matter. If your timing belt is due for a change you have to do it or risk very expensive engine damage.

You don’t need to have this done by a dealer, many good independent shops will and can do this for less. Typical figures we hear for Hondas and Toyotas are about $900 for the work quoted. So I would start shopping around right away!

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**Author:** ![jansaab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@jansaab](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jansaab)\
**Post date:** [June 3, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003/3 "2009-06-03T19:15:49Z")

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thanks again for your feedback. I paid a fortune after doing a month of research, then bit the bullet. You’re right I was running on borrowed time, and ultimately just had to do it to avoid the inevitable break. By the way estimate was $1200 at least, from 4 independent mechanics. I guess my next care will be a Honda!

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**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\
**Post date:** [June 3, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003/4 "2009-06-03T20:52:30Z")

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Glad you got it done. Saabs are more expensive to keep running than the more garden variety cars like Hondas and Toyotas. Now that you have fixed a number of normal wear items, you should enjoy your Saab for another 50,000 miles.

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**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\
**Post date:** [June 3, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-900se-95-the-costly-timing-belt/31003/5 "2009-06-03T22:42:47Z")

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If you want to forgoe that timing belt maintenance item just find a car with a timing chain. The 2003+ Saab 9-3 and many newer Honda and Toyota have timing chains. Just inquire before purchase.

That being said timing belt replacement varies wildly. For example on Subaru which is typically a pricier Japanese car to repair, timing belts replacements are only $400-$600 dependent on how much extra pieces go in.