Faults:

Front brake pads.

Sump cracked by speed hump.

General Comments:

Mine was nicknamed the Millenium Falcon, as it had the same Hyperdrive performance. My previous car was a BMW M3 non Evo model, and even that couldn't touch the Aero for mid range punch. I paid less than a grand for it (my fifth Saab), and to date it had taken on and beaten much more exotic cars; there is an arrogant, queue barging Audi TT 225 driver somewhere in Stockport who still has shellshock at how comprehensively he got demolished on a slip road onto the M60.

To date the only vehicle the Aero hasn't managed to beat in an overtaking dogfight is a late 90's 911 turbo, and even that couldn't pull away. It combines the performance of the Millenium Falcon with the reliability of a Honda, the comfort of a club lounge, and the subtlety of a Ninja warrior. Unlike my M3, I can park the Aero anywhere without having to worry about it getting nicked/keyed/broken into, and it costs me half as much to insure.

Faults:

Alternator failed at 134,000. Sourcing a reconditioned replacement proved difficult and expensive.

General Comments:

I've always been an Audi fan. I love German engineering; the build quality is always impeccable, the ride is always comfortable, if not slightly firm, and the engines are always willing and torquey.

But what disappointed me the most with Audis, was the lack of standard equipment you get with one.

I switched allegiance to a Peugeot 405, as I needed a good, cheap, reliable estate car. It was fitted with all the gadgets a man could ask for. Air conditioning, electric everything; it was a lovely car, and not bad to drive, but alas, thanks to a major oil leak, the Peugeot got consigned to the scrap heap.

When the Peugeot finally gave up on me, I decided to hunt round for another Audi, until that is I found a cracking alternative.

The Saab 9000 is often underrated. It's not the best or most modern looking car in the world, but if you are after excellent build quality, gadgets galore, space, good handling and performance, then you may want to consider the 9000 CS (hatchback) or CD (saloon).

I bought the 2 litre CDXE model. I was surprised at how large the boot was for a saloon. The interior is well appointed, with firm but comfortable seats, and a lovely walnut dash.

My car is equipped with a trip computer, electric windows and mirrors, heated seats, PAS, ABS, and air conditioning.

The Saab is also very pleasing to drive - well balanced steering, willing engines (even my 2 litre injection power unit is adequate enough to haul that large heavy body), and superb handling.

For performance, select the 9000 CS Aero 2.3 litre full pressure turbo. They are scorchers, and come with every conceivable gadget and toy.

The CD Griffin saloon is also a fast luxurious executive express, achieving 0 to 60mph in around 7 seconds. As with the Aero, it comes with every conceivable gadget you could imagine.

There are few cars around that give this sort of driving pleasure. It's not quite a BMW, but it's not far off, and having driven Audis for many years, the Saab was an excellent improvement.

Saabs are very reliable for the most part, but be warned, when they do go wrong, then expect your wallet to be well and truly empty!

My alternator failed, and sourcing a reconditioned one was the route I took, as a new one from Saab direct cost in excess of £300!

But all that said and done, my Saab has been extremely reliable, and I'd even go as far to say that it's the best car I've ever owned.

Faults:

Quite a lot in the last few months. Alternator belt. ECU. Ignition Control Unit. But it has done 130k and has a fairly hard life.

General Comments:

A supreme (and underrated car). Long distance comfort is quite astonishing. I regularly do stints across Europe with no discomfort. Performance is a 7 only because my other car is a TVR and, frankly, the handling is pretty wayward. Overtaking ability, though, is first rate. Interior space is good and levels of equipment put Mercs et al to shame. Would recommend the Climate Control for real long distance comfort. Eats front tyres on a regular basis. In my opinion there is no other executive car that has this mixture of space and performance and true 30mpg potential.

Faults:

Clutch failed at 90K.

Brakes replaced at 80K.

Original battery replaced at 101K.

Minor electrical problems.

Loses tune after 5K after service.

General Comments:

A stately car to drive and own. Unsurpassed for comfort and safety but don't push it on the bends!

Build quality first class, a strong and willing load carrier too.

2 litre petrol engine a bit under powered.

Faults:

During my period of ownership (15 months), various minor items have needed attention, all rectified during routine servicing. However, I was warned that at its next service the car would require a new catalytic convertor (£600) and replacement rear brake discs & pads (£300?). Yesterday I sold the car!

General Comments:

My example had done 124k miles from new, but still drove like a new car. Comfort and equipment levels were very high, and the low-pressure turbo gave civilised cruising, reasonable (30+mpg) economy and easy motorway overtaking. To set against this, the 9000 is a big car and so not very "nimble", and running costs have been fairly high (especially main dealer servicing charges).