1995 SAAB 900 S review from Australia and New Zealand
"An extremely expensive poor performance vehicle that just doesn't live up to the promises"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Cd Stacker jumps on slightest road bump, and despite 5 attempts cannot (apparently) be corrected thus making that aspect of the sound system unusable.
Steering has collapsed twice.
Second new drive belt required at 130,000kms.
Exhaust completely replaced at 130,000.
Battery requires replacement every 2 years.
Drivers seat safety mechanism replaced/repaired on 3 occasions.
Four fuel leaks and the complete splitting of the fuel line (apparently from a loose stone on the road which managed to pierce the fuel line whilst in transit as it isn't protected by any bodywork) have occurred in 4 years.
New tyres required every 3 years.
Brake discs and pads require replacement every 2 years.
General comments?
When it goes it is a joy to drive with great 'creature comforts' and a powerful engine - unfortunately over the past 12 months this has rarely occurred.
Service costs and constant repairs have combined to make this easily the most expensive car I have ever owned.
Most driving is city based and it has not been harshly treated with regular servicing (by authorised dealers) and maintenance.
Each service reveals a long list of additional corrections and repairs that are required, therefore placing my average service bill up to around $1,000.
In regard to holding its value, in Australia SAABs just don't. Purchased as a 4 year old vehicle 4 years ago at $28,000 it is now receiving trade in offers of around $5,000 (yet has books and proof of around $3,000 of recent repairs).
Service and repair costs are prohibitively expensive (IE $85 for a wiper blade!) and rarely work correctly the first time.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Its like cheesecake, which I also love |
| A great car with a few small problems |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 75000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 135000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Falcon |
| Date of Entry | 20th August, 2003 |