1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.0 LPT 2.0 Light Pressure turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Stealth bomber in a suit

Faults:

Faulty waste-gate actuator needed to be re-fitted.

General Comments:

This is my second car (first Saab).

I bought the car after I found it was cheaper to insure than a Vauxhall Astra TD Estate (I'm a musician).

The interior is among the smartest and most comfortable I have ever had the pleasure of travelling in. Everything is within easy reach and the ergonomics are excellent.

In my quest for more power, I have fitted an uprated ECU, Sports Air-Filter, Atmospheric Motorsports Dumpvalve, and a 3" Sports Exhaust system. Power has increased from 150bhp/156lbs ft torque, to 230bhp/260lbs ft torque. Performance is now 09/10!

0-60 is not among the elite, but mid-range acceleration (where it really matters!) is mind-blowing.

This car provides all of the comfort and safety you could ask for, discerning looks, and rapid acceleration which always make the car a pleasure to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2004

27th Feb 2007, 06:16

Interested in the mods you have done.

Where did you get it all done?

1996 SAAB 9000 CD 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A complete dog

Faults:

Resale value - the value of this car goes into free-fall the moment you sign for it.

Dealer service - when asked about how come the value falls off so quickly, the main agent dealer salesman says "you just have to accept it". When his boss is asked about this, he says "you just have to accept what he says". Every query about this car was met by "you just have to accept it". Well, I don't.

Handling - it wallows all over the place. This may have been caused by the trailing link falling off for no apparent reason. Except of course, the car was supplied by the main dealer.

Fuel economy - there isn't any. Best I've got was 27 miles per gallon, worst was 22. It's a joke.

Fuel filler cap lock. Motor failed after 11 months. Main agent didn't want to replace it even though it was still under warranty. I made them replace it or I wasn't taking the car away. They put a new motor in the lock - which failed, 11 months later.

General Comments:

The car is deceptively fast - you can easily be doing 90 before you really think you're doing over 70.

Overall, steer well clear of these - there is no dealer support and you just lose money on them.

If you want to look like a high speed loser who accepts zero service and buys on the cheap, it would be a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd May, 2001

2nd May 2001, 13:11

Why do you keep going back to the same dealer? Perhaps if you found a more professional, more sympathetic dealer you wouldn't be too hard on the car. Unfortunately as with many reviews here, bad dealer experience is one reason that an owner would stay clear of a marque next time around. Another thing -- try an independent SAAB garage, since you're stuck with the car, you've got nothing else to lose.

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE Ecopower 2.0 light pressure turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

1st class alternative to big BMWs and Mercedes

Faults:

Nothing, the car has been totally reliable.

General Comments:

An excellent buy, roomy, comfortable, safe, rapid, economical (31 mpg average - mixed driving).

Excellent ergonomic control layout.

Best all round car I've owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2001

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

A HUGE disappointment!

Faults:

The engine seized up with no warning.

There were numerous problems with the cooling system which went without any warning.

I meticulously took care of the car, continuing to return the car to the dealer for its service intervals.

In addition there have been several other problems with the transmission and drivetrain.

In the past 6 months it has cost me over $4000 to repair and it is still having problems.

General Comments:

After having owned a Saab 900 for ten years with almost 200,000 miles, the 9000 has been disappointing to say the least. After 60,000 miles it has gone into self-distruct mode. I am now in the process of trading it in for an Audi A6. Goodbye Saab.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th August, 2000

2nd Jan 2001, 11:50

Agree with your review. I purchased my 9000 less than two months ago and it only has only 25,000 miles on it.

HOWEVER, I have replaced the battery, all four tires, several blown fuses, and now I have found out that the fuel injector wiring harness must be replaced to a tune of $1000 PLUS labor!!!