Faults:

HVAC blower fan died at 115,000km.

CD player died at 80,000.

Suspension starting to knock over large bumps/ speed humps.

General Comments:

This car has been the most reliable I have ever owned.

The temperature here in Dubai is about 46c for 3 months of the year, sometimes reaching 50c on the freeways. I have never seen the temperature needle move, and the A/C has never been above number 3.

It feels like the engine and transmission will last for years to come. The paint still shines, and all of the electrics work. I feel blessed.

I have the car serviced every 10,000km at the only Saab dealer in town; this is where my problems lie. Customer service is minimal, but the work seems to be well done.

I can highly recommend this car for its sheer indestructibility, and its stability and refinement at 160km/h.

If only the seats were more comfortable for the long journeys and the cabin plastics were of a higher grade, then I would keep this car until it finally dies.

Faults:

Hood emblems faded.

Dashboard wears easily.

Battery replaced.

Blows headlight bulbs frequently.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $9500 in 2008 with 49500 miles on it.

Since then, I have replaced a battery, installed Michelin Primacy tires, and performed my own oil and air filter changes. The only service item I did not do was a brake fluid flush for $72.00.

The car now has over 90,000 miles on it, and it still runs great. It was ridiculously cheap to purchase, gets tremendous gas mileage (45 + mpg on highway), is very safe (8 airbags), and has distinctive styling.

Toyota's and Honda's would offer no better reliability than this, and would have cost a lot more to purchase.

Faults:

Right before the warranty was up (between 44000 and 50000 miles):

Driver side window regulator (warranty).

Front and rear struts (warranty).

Blower motor (warranty).

All door handles (warranty - paint peeling).

Both side mirrors (warranty - paint peeling).

Dashboard cupholder (warranty).

Front coil springs (done under extended warranty, 105,000 miles).

Work done out of warranty:

Front and rear brake pads and rotors (done at 45,000).

Replaced power steering pump (80,000 miles).

Replaced serpentine belt (80,000).

Replaced blower motor (again, 85,000 miles).

Replaced passenger front window regulator (90,000 miles).

Replaced fob key (105,000 miles --> buttons fell off).

Replaced front strut mounts and bearings (110,000).

Replaced worn out hood emblem (approx 90,000 miles).

Headlights blow out every 10,000 miles or so. I've replaced both at least 5 times.

Things that are broken and I'm too lazy or can't afford to fix:

Moonroof (broken around 75,000 miles).

Gas gauge (starting failing at 100,000 miles, now reads empty).

Driver's side seat is very beat up and worn - since 90,000 miles.

Dashboard cupholder - broken again, right after it was fixed.

General Comments:

I loved it when I got it. Now I can't wait to get rid of it.

Parts are too expensive, and they don't last.

Faults:

- Rear seat locked in the folded forward position by the seat belt.

- Reservoir on the power steering cracked, and this meant the whole unit had to be replaced

- Aircon duct control units required replacement of complete systems.

- On board computer failed, and both keys stopped working. Meant that entry required unlocking the passenger side door (only one with a key in Right Hand Drive Models), leaning across and unlocking the driver's door, and then going around to enter.

- Driver's side door window mechanism failed, and required complete unit replacement twice in 12 months.

- Regular head light bulb failure; requires a degree in rocket science to replace. And very skinny hands...

- Idling speeding undulations when starting up and standing still.

General Comments:

The car has got heaps of grunt, and is a sipper on the long rides, but the build quality and electronics leave a lot to be desired.

It will cost a lot of money to maintain this car in the long run.