Faults:

Direct ignition cassette (twice)

Intermittent ABS fault. Falsely attributed to modulator/pump by Saab diagnostic. Finally tracked to rear wheel sensor.

General Comments:

A brilliant car, strong on performance, safety, comfort and durability. The CS is as versatile and flexible as an estate car. Not particularly quick in a drag-race, its amazing mid-range performance gives it an edge on the open road, overtaking is easy and safe. Handling is predictable and precise for a front drive car, although its far too heavy to be nimble. Superb value for money.

However, the car is complex to work on, (eg: interior needs removal to replace handbrake cables) although parts are reasonably priced. Owners must stay on top of minor faults to prevent them becoming large and costly ones. Be choosy when buying, there are plenty around and it is worth holding out for a good one.

Running costs are reasonable, with the car averaging 29 to 33mpg even when loaded with roof rack and trailer. Oil consumption is nil. Tyres last around 2 to 3 years.

Faults:

Nothing apart from accepted consumables.

Belts, tyres etc.

General Comments:

This car is without doubt one of the finest cars ever made. It has no major faults at all. It is luxurious, economical, fast and beautifully engineered and exudes quality.

Even at 175k it sailed through the M.O.T. test without any problem. It still drives as though it has done 30k.

At all times it is a pleasure to drive and a rewarding experience. It is a great shame that the 9-5 does not come close to this car in most respects. I can't imagine ever changing this car.

Faults:

Nearside headlamp washer nozzle became completely blocked. New one was £8.

Starter motor was very tired so I had this replaced before it failed. £100.

No other faults.

General Comments:

My second Saab 9000 and yet another superb quality car. The last one was a 2.3 full pressure turbo, this one is a 2.0 light pressure turbo.

I have found the Saab 9000 to be one of the most reliable and consistently excellent cars, with no breakdowns, no undue component failure and faultless reliability and dependability.

Build quality is better than almost every other car I've owned (including a seven series) and I would not consider any other manufacturer.

I bought this 2.0 CDE Eco Auto with an intention to increase the power from the engine. The stock output being only 150bhp (which is actually quite adequate), but with a change of ECU, a new dump valve & actuator and a couple of other modifications, power now stands at 262bhp making it a very quick car indeed.

And still the reliability continues!!!

Only one minor gripe, and that is the non-electric front seats in this 9000 are not as comfortable as the electric seats in my previous 9000.

It just went through another MOT and only needed new wiper blades. That's an eight year old 91,000 mile car.

The automatic climate control works astoundingly quickly, and on the 'LO' setting I can only equate it to a domestic refrigerator.

Top marks to Saab for the ingenious sun position sensor which actively increases cooling to the side of the car which has the sun on it.

The auto box is the smoothest I've ever known and changes briskly and without fuss.

When on the move, all is quiet and the controls are all placed intelligently and EVERYTHING in the car still works superbly.

If you're in the market for a large saloon or hatchback car, with a touch of idiosyncracism, and you don't want to be constantly taking it to your mechanic - look no further!