1996 SAAB 900 SE Turbo review from UK and Ireland

Exhaust needed replacing.

A couple of suspension bushes.

Manifold bolts rusted out.

Left CV joint or wheel bearings on their way out and need replacing.

Rust bottom of right hand doors. (Weak spot on Saabs)

I love to drive my Saab and to be honest, I smile when I put my foot down and feel my body being sucked back into the seat.

The cabin is very comfortable had has a lot of space. I feel safe and secure inside the cabin when I am driving. Saab have kept the updated model of this 900, the 9-5, pretty much the same, they have improved the seats to make them safer. (Particularly the head rests.)

The car has too much power to perform well taking off quickly. (wheel spins are very easy) The Saab's best power is is given in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Driving in snow requires skill also due to the car's power. (You have to be very gentle on the accelerator.) A car with this much power has it's advantages for being able to overtake quickly, however, the biggest drawback is the fuel consumption in traffic - it's quite poor. Because of it's power, I'm surprised (but very happy) that you don't see 'boy racers' driving Saab 900s.

On the open road with the cruise control set, fuel consumption if quite good. Last week, I drove from Penzance, Cornwall to Sittingbourne, Kent with about 70 miles of fuel left.

My Saab's handling is brilliant. It's suspension is firm and it handles corners well.

Many people who deal with Saabs have told me that since General Motors took over Saab, Saabs have not been as good quality and that this edition of 900 will probably become a classic in the future.

I haven't made a firm decision yet, but I am considering keeping my 900 permanently, rather than updating it after 2 years like I normally do. I think it's a classy looking car, both inside and outside.