Faults:

Alternator failed shortly after purchase, replaced with a rebuilt unit from ebay for $20; only took 2 hours.

Brakes, replaced with Brembo rotors and new pads for $100, took 45 minutes.

New ACC belt--failed because of alternator.

Exhaust broke at resonator, more a result of a cheap aftermarket exhaust put on the car by PO.

General Comments:

What can I say, this is an old warrior that just keeps fighting. I've owned many cars despite my young age; three Saabs, two Porsches, and a Subaru. This is currently my winter car, the Porsche goes into storage. More reliable than my previous Saabs, but it was also better cared for.

The negative side of the car is that as it has aged the handling has softened--worn out shocks and such. What makes up for that is the blast of power from the turbo. I have already performed the APC modification for about 13 psi and the car is now as fast as my 944 Turbo. Absence of wheel hop is nice too. Somewhat notchy H-gate and a stiff clutch are normally expected only of a sports car.

Definitely a car for those who like something unique. Tons of space to carry things, and if some punk in a Honda pulls up to race...well, let's just say that 1/4 throttle takes care of most cars.

Oh, and one more thing- I bought a Subaru Loyale thinking it would be more economical and cheaper on parts. All that car did was be horribly slow, break often, and roll morbidly. The 4 wheel drive was the only reedeeming factor. This car is better in every aspect. I would venture to say this car is superior to the E30, if RWD handling isn't ones forte.

Faults:

New transmission installed around 150k miles.

Little rust over wheel well, very little.

General Comments:

This car is absolutely awesome, it is extremely safe, super fun to drive, and has performance you wouldn't expect, I've clocked the speed at over 140mph.

I think that anyone who wants a sedan that they can drive to work everyday and a car that loves to fly on the weekends should look into a 9000.

Faults:

Motor mounts(upper and lower).

Fuel pump.

Bosch computer (used).

Air mass sensor (used).

Water pump.

"Will soon need": rebuilt turbo, clutch, timing chain.

General Comments:

One of the nicest cars I have ever owned/driven. Hasn't been as reliable as I'd like but with over 218k miles, I accept that.

Still original turbo and timing chain! Fast as H*ll in cooler weather but still averages 27mpg.

Get a black one and it's nearly invisible. Great fun to blow off kids in little Japanese cars with a big 4 door, "old people" sedan.

Love the hatchback & huge cargo area.

The closest SAAB garage is 16 miles away but they have "loaners" and use used parts when available.

Faults:

Water pump, clutch, pressure plate, t/o bearing, master and slave cylinders, alternator, power steering pump, exhaust system, timing chain and tensioner, headliner sags, normal brake wear and tune ups.

General Comments:

Great car, but if you don't want to work on it yourself, it will put you in the poor house. Quick car, especially with aftermarket intake and exhaust kits and engine boost controller. Good handling, with premium tires (Goodyear Eagle F1). The best part about this car is that you can drive it very fast without drawing attention to yourself. It's kind of urban camoflage. Much less visible than a sportier looking car. It also can haul a ton of stuff in the rear hatch with the rear seats folded down.

Faults:

Regular wear and tear, ie. brake rotors and pads, front struts, distributor and rotor, exhaust system, AC heater plastic fan blades broke into pieces, a few minor electrical problems ie. power antenna will not retract fully, body rust.

General Comments:

Overall a good reliable car. Parts expensive.