My 1995 SAAB 9000 is getting a bit unreliable, and I'm looking to upgrade into a S40 but have a few questions. First, how likely is it to find a 6 speed manual with AWD? Anyone have production numbers of total numbers for what I seek? I'm finding all automatics in my area (Colorado), and unfortunately, the only 6 speed I found appears to have been driven by a boy-racer (speed stickers, fart cannon muffler, and rattle can painted interior trim) at a super high price at a but here-pay here lot. Secondly, in stock form how is the performance? I'm driving a stock SAAB and this thing flys between 40-80 due to the turbo, and I'm looking for similar performance. I would assume it's as quick if not faster, but thought I would ask.

Lastly, can someone send me links for what to look for when I find one? I know enough to check for leaks and damage, but not enough to know quirks on this car. What should I look for when I inspect maintance history? Thanks!

 

How far are you from Commerce City? I Started a search with Autotrader.com and filtered for AWD and standard transmission years 2005+. Found a 2005 with 107K miles for $7500... When reading maint. history look for whether the big items were done - ie timing belt to start. look for regular oil changes or factory recommended maintenance intervals, miles since the last brake pads etc. Make sure all works right but beyond that I can't say how to look for quirks... other than inspecting for leaks near the #1 cylinder end of the head (ie VVT mechanisms can go and leakage is a sign.