1997 SAAB 9000 CDT 2.0

Summary:

The best Eco car I have ever owned

Faults:

Blown the turbo unit and gearbox wouldn't go into final gear.

CV gaiter worn on both sides.

Brake caliper seized.

Fan switch had a fault.

Fan belt snapped.

General Comments:

This car is very rare because it`s a saloon version.

Parts are expensive, but worth it.

This car is so comfortable to drive, and it is very good at long distances; better than most cars.

I have traveled 408 miles with £57 worth of fuel, and that has made me very impressed.

Love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2009

1997 SAAB 9000 LPT 2.0 LP turbo

Summary:

Excellent

Faults:

New battery.

Alternator (own fault due to reverse polarity on radio during D.I.Y. install).

Front pads.

Exhaust back-box.

Passenger central locking actuator.

Interior temperature sensor.

Light switch.

General Comments:

Very sturdy, very well made, solid paintwork.

Handling was atrocious, have fitted poly bushes which are popular upgrade but don't do the front drop link bushes. Bring a certain harshness over small bumps, but the ride is altogether more cohesive now as opposed to the sloppiness that was there.

Previous owner wasn't servicing obsessed, so first thing was to service paying particular attention to oil (Saab synthetic turbo oil), & filter & flushed the engine as pipes can sludge up.

A lot can be done on these cars to improve performance. Do the research on buying via any Saab owners forum (Saab scene), get your initial purchase right and you will be laughing with regular maintenance. Parts all readily available second hand - like C/L actuator was 30.00 and not 130.00 via main dealer. Loads of good independent specialists about anyhow.

If your gut instinct is right you'll do well. Very comfortable well equipped cruiser that doubles up as a mini van. Feels slightly old school but a true motorway muncher.

Oh and they don't make them like this any more. Not even new Benz has this quality feel - truly hewn from granite. Around town it does 27-30 mpg. Best was 700 mile journey on highway at 80mph returned 44mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2008

11th May 2010, 14:37

OK, the car has now done 70K miles - just fitted Kilen lowering springs with Bilstein B4 front and B6 rear dampers. Also fitted Speedparts front strut brace. Took 6 hours, but OH so worth it.

No other faults to report apart from headlight wipers & washer jets - I have now disconnected these. NSR door actuator failed replaced with a new actuator from Maplins for £8 as stated previously - you can run this rocket on a budget.

I am finding the ride a little firm, but much better controlled than a 5 Series. Still fairly comfortable. Lane changes at 80 are rock solid and confidence inspiring.

This will now outpace and outhandle an E39 5 series (523i).

If you have a 9000 poly bushes, front strut brace and lowered suspension transform this car into a true A and B road tourer.

31st Dec 2010, 13:04

Update mileage now 72K. Just replaced lambda sensor for 48GBP and not 170GBP as per Saab dealership.

Mileage now well up on previous figures. Also after new lambda, now very smooth and quite cruises effortlessly and quieter than before, only cos A/F ratio and combustion is now sorted.

Also changed all front bushes to rubber from poly - much better and bump steer now almost gone. Have Eibach springs on limited production run on order; will fit these alongside Bilstein B4 rear dampers. Still all good.

There is some torque steer, but have gotten used to it and learnt how to reduce the effects using throttle progressively through corners, and NOT stabbing the pedal like when kicking down an auto box. Also very easy to drive in the snow, even without TCS/ESP.

1997 SAAB 9000 CSE Anniversary 2.3 litre turbo petrol

Summary:

A splendid car; in fact a SAAB is a SAAB is a SAAB

Faults:

Replaced rear screen motor.

Replaced the exhaust.

General Comments:

I have been driving SAAB since 2 January 1970; I think I must like them!!

My wife also drives a SAAB, but she won't drive my CSE, doesn't fancy Autos.

The car is excellent to drive, with good economy, and handles brilliantly in adverse weather.

Excellent all round vision; I am 5ft 6in, and would like to be able to see the top of the speedometer (for example 60-70) clearly.

The radio/cassette player is in the wrong place; it should not be necessary to have to look down to make adjustments to listening preferences.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2007