1989 SAAB 900 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Quirky, but perhaps one of the most functional cars ever produced

Faults:

It had its fair share of problems upon purchase for being 20 years old.

The drivers seat had a rather small tear in the bolster from age.

The AC is not working (turns out the bearing froze previously on the tensioner pulley and has not been replaced).

The turn signal lever will not stay engaged when you move it to a right-turn position, and the instrument cluster illumination bulb contacts have spread out and no longer make contact with the bulbs. Obviously, that means no illumination. Smacking the instrument cluster results in temporary illumination.

All the problems are easily fixable for myself, but I'm not concerned enough at this point.

General Comments:

It's probably the most fun car I've owned so far. It's not that fast, but it merges on the freeway with ease, and is at the least, snappy.

There are no mechanical problems, minus a somewhat noisy lifter.

The interior, in my eyes, is pretty spacious.

The controls are very easily accessible, and were definitely designed for function.

The seats are comfortable even after 20 years.

The rear hatch has more space than you'll use. You could even fold down the rear seat, and sleep comfortably in the hatch.

As far as function (hauling your junk, carrying passengers, traversing the country), this car is perfect. They also have a certain cult appeal about them that you'll really love.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2010

2nd May 2011, 02:04

Well stated, I have the same year of SAAB, I appreciate the same as you!

11th Apr 2014, 09:12

I agree! This car is my favorite.

25th Oct 2015, 02:03

The earlier review that detailed having to replace half the car sounded out of bounds to me. I have owned 3 Saabs 1991 to 1997 and never had this much trouble. Dollar for dollar Saabs are probably the best built and designed cars on the road (prior to G.M. ownership). This car must have been seriously abused.

FYI... It is now 10/2015 and I am currently considering the purchase of a 1989 sedan... it has 125k miles and has no mechanical issues. Body and undercarriage are not great... but this car will be sound for winter driving... and I have no hesitation to purchase it for such.

Bob in MA.

1989 SAAB 900 Turbo 4 cylinder 16v turbo from North America

Faults:

Water pump.

Transmission grinds - but hasn't broke (yet).

Oil leak in head gasket.

Transmission fluid leaks.

Frame bent in wreck.

Strut bearing started going out.

Turbo gauge broke.

When you take past 80 mph, the seat belts wildly go back and forth - but don't move otherwise... the fuse is fine though.

The car doesn't shift when it is suppose to unless you flip the car from second to drive.

The car vapor locks constantly.

The antifreeze leaks.

General Comments:

I drove this car pretty hard... and it really cost me. I don't know where you're from, but I live in Lewiston, Idaho and I had to travel about 40 minutes to get any service on it. An oil change and tune up was 400 dollars to give you an idea. The water pump was 600.

I got in a wreck going about 60 into a curb, and it put my alignment off 4 inches and bent the frame, broke the rim, and the engine started making some slight clicking noises. It was 550 to replace the rim and over align the tires so it drives correctly. I didn't bother fixing the frame... they wanted 1500 to fix it.

I also bumped into someone once - it bent the headlight and dented the hood. When I went to get a quote, it was 1,800 to fix IF I could somehow find the discontinued parts it needed to fix the head light.

The hoses are to find in the right sizes... and trust; I have had to replace at least 5. I would usually find a tube I would have to force to fit.

I haven't even bother trying to get a quote on the electric problems the car has. Half the time the electrical stuff works and the other half it doesn't (seat belts, windows, sun roof, gauges, ect). The sad thing is that I feel like I'm forgetting more.

Although I will admit... the car went really fast for an old car. Once you hit 60 you can get to 100 in no time. Once you pop the turbo going that fast - all bets are off. That was the only thing I like about that car. Oh... the interior wasn't bad :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd August, 2009

10th Jun 2010, 21:09

Where do you get your parts from?? I got a brand new water pump for $45.99 at Advance Auto Parts...

1st Mar 2011, 18:33

Sounds like you would have Camry. Something you can run into the ground and forget about.

8th Oct 2013, 08:56

"Frame bent in wreck" isn't a fault of the car.