1996 SAAB 900 900SE 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Very Good. Great for a single guy

Faults:

Ignition Cassette replaced. This was the first time the unit needed to be replaced as per the repair shop. Car runs like new and is the envy of many. Quick and responsive.

Fuel Pump Replaced. The dealer that sold me the car paid for ½ of this repair.

Problems with CD player needing to be re-set after car’s power is removed. This can be repaired by removing the CD player and disconnecting the main CD cable on the right side of the unit (you will need the CD removal tool) Easy fix however.

Understanding that all U.S. cars I have owned have had many other issues at this mileage level e.g., bearing assemblies, brakes, and fuel and water pumps. The above mentioned repairs should not scare someone away from this vehicle.

General Comments:

The convertible version is very classy. It far exceeds the reputation of the less expensive domestic convertibles, but not as pricey as the German counterparts.

A good handling car that responds well (especially in the sport mode). A little slow of the start (first 2-3 seconds, but revs nicely after).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2005

9th Sep 2009, 15:14

A good review, but I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering- why do you say the 900 is great for a single guy? Do the ladies dig the Saab?

1996 SAAB 900 900S 2.3 liter

Summary:

A good convertible car with great looks and comfort

Faults:

I have completely redone the front brakes (no big deal). The coolant sensor occasionally indicates low coolant when there really is no problem (also not a big deal).

General Comments:

This car has tan leather interior, black cloth convertible top, metallic red exterior, woodgrain dash, CD changer and looks as good as new.

Compared to the Volvo 940 it's ride is rougher and not as comfortable. However, it is a little quicker and handles better, quicker.

Our car has the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder non-turbo. It seems to be a good engine and has been no trouble.

I don't think this car matches the quality of the Volvo 940, but it's reasonably close.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2004

7th Jul 2006, 20:43

It’s been more than two years since I wrote this review. Since that time I had to replace the computer, but nothing else. The car was running fine, but it wouldn’t pass the state inspection (OBDII) That repair was expensive and had to be done by Saab.

That is really all I have done to the car except regular servicing. My wife drives this car everyday, everywhere. She loves the little Saab convertible. We have no plans to get rid of this car. My guess is that we will keep it till the odometer hits over 200,000. That’s about 100,000 miles away from now.

18th Feb 2010, 19:57

2010 and still driving the Saab. Nothing has gone wrong with the car. Nevertheless, we are talking about trading it for something with a little more room. The Saab is a decent and fun car. Some repairs can be more expensive than most other brands. Saab parts aren't cheap. Since Saab has been sold to an exotic car company, it will be interesting to see what happens.

For now we are still driving the Saab. I wouldn't even try to argue that this has been the best car we ever owned. But, it hasn't been a bad one, and we have had lots of fun driving this car. It's very pretty, and since it has been garaged its whole life, it looks close to new. With that said, I know I won't get much on trade. If you have some ability with car repairs, don't be fearful of the little Saabs. As a spare car, this convertible is great for a day in the sun.

1996 SAAB 900 SE V6

Summary:

Too much money for little return

Faults:

Honestly, I don't know where to begin. I have had a new problem with this car every couple of months for the past year. Some highlights:

Valve cover gasket (2x)

A/C compressor.

Lower engine mount.

Ignition wires.

O2 sensor.

General Comments:

Maintenance is also very expensive. You must replace the timing belt every 30k miles ($8-900) per.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th February, 2004

7th Aug 2008, 21:21

The GM V6 engine uses a belt - not a chain like a real SAAB engine.