1992 SAAB 900 S review from North America

Previous to my purchase, the following went wrong:

-Headliner Sagged (reupholstered)

-Headlight wiper broke (replaced)

-AC Failed

-Seat Heat Unit Failed

-Cruise-control failed.

Since purchase:

-Transmission Slippage/Failure (replaced)

-Power Doorlocks Fail Intermittently

-Fuel Rail Leak (Repaired)

-Oil Leak (Repaired)

-Leather Seats Wearing at Seams.

SAABs are often dubbed invincible. This is only true, because their owners love them. It's not uncommon for a SAAB to have a million miles on it, but ask the owner how much time and money has gone into its maintenance.

You can see my car at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2153509/1.

I love my 1993 SAAB 900 S. It's my first car, and I will certainly only replace it with another one like it.

I bought it used, and I opted for the naturally aspirated engine. All the turbos that I drove had been badly abused, so the NA engine was a good way to avoid heavy-footed previous ownership.

As you can see from the above link, I have modified mine quite a lot, but this review will focus on the pros and cons of the stock car.

PRO:

-Low purchase price (now)

-Quirky, unique, and (some would say) pretty

-Satisfying and confidence-inspiring in turns

-UNSTOPPABLE in all weather conditions

-Dependable (for the most part)

-VERY safe, especially for the time it was built

-Comfortable and intuitive cabin and instruments

-Leather interior can hold up very well with care

-ENORMOUS cargo-space 21cu.ft./58cu.ft, seats down

-Oil is never dirty

-None of the maintenance concerns of a turbo.

CON:

-Engine requires careful maintenance

-Some features work, but are temperamental:

=Power door locks

=Heated seats

-Parts/upgrades take dedication to find

-Sluggish acceleration in the cold

-Not the turbo model.

I find the SAAB 900 S is the perfect car for the American who likes to stand out with subtlety. It is not a loud, wild car. Rather, it is an understated, well-built work horse.

There is plenty of room for modification. The stock intake and exhaust are fairly restrictive, and the suspension is a bit on the soft side.

Overall, though, I would buy the same car, if I had it to do over again. I would recommend it for both first time car owners and Swede speed enthusiasts.