1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A hugely fast and comfortable car at a sensible price

Faults:

Inadequate braking system, brake discs regularly warped.

Leaking head gasket.

Several exhaust system failures.

Numerous squeaks and rattles.

General Comments:

Fantastic car, huge performance at a much more competitive price than a BMW or Mercedes. My 5 speed manual would do 75mph in 2nd gear and 110mph in 3rd gear.

Superb engine, lots of torque, 323nm from 1800rpm right where you need it.

Great experience let down by a few reliability niggles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2000

19th Nov 2002, 03:41

There are complaints about exhaust system failures and a leaking head gasket, together with comments about 75 in 2nd 110 in 3rd.

I'm not a mechanic, but methinks they could be related!

I have had a number of 900s and 9000s over the years. Change the oil every three months with decent (synthetic for Turbos) stuff and you rarely have problems. My current 900 has 194K on the clock.

Patrick.

1st Feb 2004, 07:05

I have owned a 9000 V6 3.0 auto since 30K miles. The car is luxury at its best. I have found the economy better than my old 2.0 Saab of 1989, with more power than you will ever need. At 81K and 8 years the exhaust is the original. Steering with Michelins is OK, but not excellent. The timing belt is costly to replace and the change cycle seems very short. I have the electric roof with climate control and full electric seats at the front. Yes there are a few annoying rattles, and the TCS warning light has appeared on the dash (anybody got any tips on this), but so far I am extremely pleased with it.

Malcolm Place, East Sussex.

28th Mar 2004, 19:04

My advice being a Saab Mechanic is to just stay away from the V6. The costly maintenance and repairs can be disturbing. We dread every time a V6 comes in the shop. The rest of the Saab line is extremely reliable.

7th May 2007, 13:35

The V6 is troublesome.

The problems you describe with the exhaust system could be due to worn out engine mounts. The upper mount is easy to, but the lowers are hard to check without removing the top bolt and jacking the engine up. If your engine doesn't leak oil look for oil and associated caking of debris on the subframe near the engine mounting locations as evidence of failure.

1996 SAAB 9000 CSE 2.3 turbo from North America

Summary:

A pleasure to own and drive, my favorite car on the road

Faults:

Power seat failure, crankshaft pulley, ECS computer, direct ignition system, head gasket, and a few bulbs, switches etc.

General Comments:

I fell in love with the 9000 when I drove a friends 9000 Aero. So I had to get one for myself before they were all gone!! The car has been wonderful. It's the kind of vehicle that is rewarding to the driver. The best decision I made was to purchase a 3yr 36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty on this car, it has easily paid for itself. I just am not sure if I will keep the car once the warranty is up. SAABs are extreeeeeeeemmmlyy expensive to operate. It's not as much the sticker price, as it is the intangible costs, especially the service interval$$$. If you are looking for a excellent automobile, one that you will never mistake for anything else you have driven, then a SAAB may be the perfect car for you.. but you must be prepared to maintain this highly sensitive automobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2000

1996 SAAB 9000 CS 2.3 LPT from North America

Faults:

Power windows, strut bearings, computer management systems (engine), alternator, harmonic balancer, belt tensioner, motor mounts.

General Comments:

Distinctive car with a very nice & large interior. Handles well & has great seats as well as a large hatch for huge cargo capabilities. This car is one of the safest on the road & the engine is a real gem.

Bottom line: finicky car that needs a lot of TLC.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 1999

1996 SAAB 9000 Aero 2.3 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Split fan belt at 39,000 miles, but it got me home. Cause was wear on the tension arm wheel ball race - occurred just the wrong side of the warranty.

General Comments:

Fast, safe (I'm led to believe), looks are quietly impressive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

1996 SAAB 9000 CS 2.3 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Virtually nothing.

General Comments:

Excellent, it is hard to fault the quality, performance, comfort and safety.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 1997