Faults:

Power steering leak.

Gearbox replaced due to reverse problems; went for a secondhand unit, which has started to play up 18 months after fitting!!

Front tyres wear quickly.

Roof motor replaced.

SID replaced (cheap from ebay).

General Comments:

I have fallen in love with this car. I love the way it looks, the driving cockpit is a nice place to sit, and it gets down the road with bags of style, especially with the roof down.

I am looking to upgrade to a turbo because I think the car is a little slow from pull away. I wouldn't normally mind, but when I am sat at the lights with the roof down, everyone wants to race me. I sometimes struggle to get up to speed, and I often get beat by hot hatches. The turbo is the way forward, but comes with all the extra problems, so if speed isn't important, stick with the cheaper to insure non-turbo.

Faults:

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)

General Comments:

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.

Faults:

Roof has broken twice.

Drivers sun visor has snapped off.

Front badge has been stolen.

8 tyres in 19 months.

Exhaust had to be replaced.

Discs and pads all round replaced (general wear and tear I guess)

CD autochanger jammed.

Gearstick display pops out.

SID display fading.

Alarm system broke.

Some hoses burst in the engine bay.

General Comments:

This car is a nice car, contrary to all the things that have gone wrong with it.

I am sure this is because I have thrashed it since I have had it. This car has 226 16 inch wheels, bodycoloured grills, bumpers, lowered 60mm.

The roof has broken twice, first time it cost me £1500 to fix. It is still broken now and I will have to fork out another £800 before next summer. As a first car though it's nice.

One bad thing is that it is not fast. If you want a fast car, buy a SAAB Turbo. I often race my car, but get beaten by a lot of cars. Though my car is faster than a BMW 320 Coupe!

The handling in dry is OK. In the wet it understeers, but it's controllable.

Saabs have a good image and you can get girls driving one, and girls think you are cool.