1998 SAAB 9000 Turbo Anniversary 2.3 petrol turbo
Summary:
Fast and furious with a thirst to match
Faults:
A hydraulic pipe burst, which took out the clutch. £150 to fix.
A couple of turbo problems, which were:
* Some kind of "pin" fell out (£30)
* Two boost control valves, the second of which was under warranty (£180)
* Alternator belt needed replacing.
Otherwise, just routine tyres and an exhaust midsection.
General Comments:
It drinks like a fish - 18 to 25mpg - it costs £45 to go 250 miles. However, a 2.3 litre with a full turbocharger isn't exactly going to be fuel efficient, and it certainly delivers the goods performance-wise. The Anniversary limited edition has 225bhp.
Sadly, the body parts and servicing are all expensive. £190 for a wing mirror.
The seats are superb, the driver feels more like he's in a plane than a car - excellent dash and lots of buttons.
For £5,000 a year ago, I couldn't have asked for more, but now I've a kid on the way I just can't afford the fuel! Anyone know of any fast diesels?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th January, 2004
15th Dec 2010, 18:49
The anniversary had the "E" motor, and as far as I know, none had the "R" motor. Your engine, on that basis, should be economical and underpowered to not blow the auto as most were autos). Check your Vin; I'd be surprised to see it as 234R unless special order or modified. My 96 model 9000 2.3L is extremely economical by comparison with my 9000 2.3L Carlsson. Either you are a gear-screaming lead footer or the car has a problem. Have you looked at that? (LOL!!) Reminds me of the bloke who wrote to Saabscene about being "an Aero killer" having he claimed destroyed 2 of them with conrods through the block. The more people even with highly modified Saabs scratched their heads and asked puzzled questions or were incredulous... the more assertive he became about his prowess and the fallibility of the car. Then it all suddenly seemed to disappear when it became evident he held the car in low gears and peak revving... few cars will tolerate that forever, especially if you keep the foot to the floor changing gears so the motor is running unloaded. Cheers.
15th Dec 2010, 19:27
I may have to be apologetic on my statements about the anniversary and the 234E motor. I had let slide that the 1998 produced Aero were all manuals and all 234R's, Sorry. All other comments still apply (LOL!!)
13th Feb 2004, 16:39
Yes, SAAB 9-5 3.0 TID. 176 BHP, 250+ lb/ft of torque and 40+ MPG. I have 2 children and do 20,000 miles / year. Performance is fantastic and has all the usual Saab qualities. Best go for a facelift model (2002 year) if you can afford it.