1988 SAAB 9000 Turbo 2.0 litre turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's the quickest, practical car I've owned and for what I paid for it it's the best value so far

Faults:

"Ignition module" failed which caused the car to lose power instantly.

Heater flap motor burnt out. This caused the automatic climate control (ACC) to blow hot air only.

Roof liner sags. Common fault.

Small amount of rust in roof, but not worth repairing.

General Comments:

My kids call this the rocket car.

It's fast, comfortable and roomy. I can't believe how much rear legroom there is.

On most trips I feel I've hardly driven. The comfort level is unbeatable. I arrive at my destination wanting to keep driving.

I've driven heaps of Australian and Japanese cars and they pale in comparison for comfort, driveability and style next to the 9000 Turbo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2005

1988 SAAB 9000 S 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Very solid and reliable, and fun to drive

Faults:

Replaced clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder and throw out bearing when purchased.

Blower motor started getting erratic at 150,00 miles. for some reason it works well in below freezing weather, but hardly at all above freezing.

Instrument panel lights are out in the electronic readout section.

Replaced all motor mounts, upper and lower.

Repaired power windows all around the car, due to part age and wear.

Repaired burned wire at fuel pump.

General Comments:

This car was slightly neglected, but for its age I would say well kept.

Once tuned it runs great! I drive it every day with no problems.

The manual shift is fun and quick.

It cruises very well.

Body and interior are in great shape.

I maintain my car with a 900 manual and what I can get off the world wide web, it is a simple car to keep up once you get over the sticker shock of some replacement parts. I shop the salvage yards and when I do find one I strip it of all the goodies.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2005

23rd Apr 2005, 16:04

Eureka!!!i have solved my blower motor issue. it sticks a lot. I pulled the bulkhead and whacked the blower housing. is there a way I can lube that thing without pulling the unit out? I ran it most of the day, but it is not hot enough for the real test. seems like a simple thing to pull out (that's what my eye's said anyway). any body out there with this problem?

15th Aug 2006, 11:43

We had an 88 Saab 9000 for years. Other than a computer being replaced at around 300,000 miles and needing a transmission at about 450,000 miles there was nothing else, but regular maintenance done to the car at our local Saab dealer. These are well worth the money new and used as long as it was cared for and you have all the service records. I know a man who bought a 89 with only 45,000 miles that was sitting in a driveway for years. Its transmission is being redone, but he can be assured when it is road worthy, he will have a long lasting car the will provide hours of driving excitement.