1986 SAAB 9000 Turbo 2l turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A comfortable beast with great road holding

Faults:

Turbo destroyed (my fault from driving with a staling engine in 40 degree weather, due to a fuel issue.

Fuel pressure regulator failed & Pre-pump failed, causing the turbo to go. The thermostat had jammed open so I replaced it to improve efficiency.

Temperature sensor for the main fan failed leaving the fan running.

General Comments:

Despite the above problems this car has been resonably reliable considering the K's and the abusive driving I do. It is very big and comfortable the chassis feels solid and the handling is excellent and very predictable.

The car has some real bite when the turbo spools, but can also be driven as a sedate 4 cylinder. For turbos these cars are very reliable, probably due to the turbo only being active a high RPM, many of the parts I have replaced have been regular maintenance.

I have done much of the work on the car myself which is the best way to maintain reasonable running costs, the car is not easy to work on, but not impossible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2004

1986 SAAB 9000 i 16v 2.0litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Worth my $

Faults:

Faulty high beam~had to replace the entire high beam control switch, which is also connected to the cruise control. Due to the stupid design, I had to change the entire thing, even though the cruise control was still working.

General Comments:

Generally, the car was in excellent condition when I got it off the previous owner. This is the first time I got into a SAAB and I must admit that the feeling was great to say the least. The interior was spacious, the engine was good and when I sat on the drivers seat, the engine felt good, responsive and the control was excellent. I am also impressed with the fuel consumption so far, giving me good performance and good distance for very little fuel. The cruise control is an added bonus, just like the power windows, sunroof. I like my new second hand car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2002

19th Jan 2004, 12:12

It might be worth writing another review when you've driven another kilometre down the road!

2nd May 2005, 19:09

I am coming up to 30,000km in 2 years on my Nov86-built 9000. Purchased in good nick, with only 159,505km recorded. Regularly serviced, with a few big-ticket items early on, but overall good value so far, especially @ an average of 8.5l/100km. Love it so much, have just brought a 92 CST.