1989 SAAB 900 Turbo review from North America

All amounts in USD.

The day I bought the car, the rusted exhaust broke off at the catalytic converter. Magnaflow muffler and 2 1/2 inch exhaust, $300.

A week and a half later, the shifter came off in my hand. The little plastic ball broke. Got a used one from junkyard, $60.

Shortly after, I found out the left front CV boot was torn, and the joint was surely damaged. Replaced it. $85.

At the same time, I found my right rear brake caliper was frozen. Replaced at the same time as CV joint. $75.

I thought the car was ready to go. Left front wheel bearing went out one week later. Just finished replacing it. Didn't have a press, had to have an auto shop do the bearing pressing for me. $85 for parts, $75 for labor.

I hope I'm done for a little while.

I love this car.

The way it drives and handles is amazing.

At low speeds, turbo lag is severe, but once on the freeway it passes other cars like they're sitting still.

Leather seats are beautiful and comfortable.

Shifting is very rubbery, but I'm used to it.

Don't like the slippery plastic steering wheel--I want to leather wrap it.

Moving seatbelt on passenger side doesn't work--doesn't matter too much, I'm the driver, not the passenger!

Missing the cargo cover.

I've had this car for about 6 weeks and spent nearly $700 in repairs, and that doesn't include the Friday and Saturday nights spent working on it instead of cruising in it.

I paid $2500 for it, which is WAY too much for a project car.

Now I'm so far upside down that I'm going to keep it. However, that may just be a cover excuse, because I've been bitten by the Saab bug.

I haven't driven many cars that feel this good at 100 mph, and even fewer that go from 60-100 so quickly.

The moral of the story is, when buying a car, don't get the "gotta have it's." Check it out, make sure you know what you're getting.

I don't regret buying a Saab, I just regret buying THIS one.