Faults:

The gearbox was the most significant problem I encountered. It was replaced shortly after the 100,000 km mark due to premature wear. It was very difficult to source, but I finally managed to get it repaired.

Ineffective handbrake that acts on the front wheels and often goes out of adjustment or fails.

The engine tends to overheat if the cooling system is not properly maintained.

Power steering hose leaks.

Brakes completely rebuilt exactly two weeks ago.

General Comments:

Although I drove various cars (and even trucks and vans) for work, the Saab 90 is the first car I have owned.

I can say that I got it with low mileage, considering it was already a car over 25 years old, and in very good condition; the previous owner lived in Finland (where the car was built) and moved here to Iceland a few years before I bought it.

I haven't regretted owning this car for a single second—it may be old now, but it is infinitely more reliable than anything modern on the market today.

Just sitting inside and looking around, you realize it is a superbly built car: the materials show no signs of wear, there isn't a single rattle, and the soundproofing is perfect.

It is very easy to drive and comes with factory power steering; the original brakes—while I eventually had to replace them due to wear—were also excellent and highly responsive. You can drive this car every day and feel like you're behind the wheel of a vehicle that is only five years old. Excellent Swedish engineering!.

While the engine isn't fast, it’s 100% reliable—old-school: just change the oil, do periodic checks, and drive! With something so straightforward, why would I spend money on a new car that you have to replace after just a few years? No one is taking my Saab away from me; it’s like a girlfriend to me.

The downside is the fuel consumption; by my calculations, it hovers around 10 l/100 km. That’s high, but for a 2-liter engine from the 80s, it doesn't seem all that excessive to me.

An excellent car, very well-suited for beginners; despite not being a small car, it has all the right qualities. Plus, it looks great on the outside, much better than any Volvo from the 80s.

Faults:

Radiator clogged/replaced.

Front brake calipers/cradles partly seized/worn.

Carb diaphragm failed (limps home on idle when this happens - I now carry spare and top up with recommended auto trans fluid, eg Castrol TQF, not engine oil)

Side/indicator light bulb-holders damaged by someone forcing in single-filament bulbs (doubles needed for both lights on eash side)

Five or six dashboard switches replaced.

Headlining drooping/torn, so board taken out and new cloth attached.

Broken/faded/damaged exterior trim bits, eg wheelarch trims, a door handle, front grille/headlamp surrounds, bonnet badge etc.

Wheels rusty.

Minor rust to front edge of one rear wheelarch.

Surface rust to parts of engine compartment - repaint, prime with redox & waxoyl this and other body areas.

Slight leak into boot & surface rust only in rear corners - seal, prime & paint.

Brake servo pipe bush blew out of cam cover.

New exhaust needed.

Otherwise service items only.

General Comments:

Saab 90 is unusual model - basically a small-production run-out model of the 99 with a 900 saloon rear end. So 99-type dashboard etc.

Fantastic car all round - good value (cost £600), well-built, solid, lots of character, really intelligently thought through (eg 6' flat floor when seat down - ideal for house moves and emergency camping).

Good performance for weight, engine smooth-running, car very stable at speed, very reliable. Excellent long-distance car as quiet & comfortable; great seats.

Running costs: 25-30mpg. Parts/service not as cheap as a clapped-out fleet car, but very cheap for quality of car and the long-term reliability you get. Many more parts available than for a lot of 1980s cars. Many minor bits (shared with 99 and 900 saloon) still available from scrapyards or s/hand specialists.

Dealer service: reliability/helpfulness of all 3 dealers used to date (depending on my location) excellent. Repair work can be expensive so small jobs (eg fitting trim etc) done at home; parts supplied in excellent packaging.

Only possible negative is if you are not physically big - the controls are heavy by modern standards (eg no power steering and clutch & brakes quite meaty) Ignore gear whine - it's normal apparently!

A bonus: engine has timing chain, not cam-belt, and engine is renowned for very long life if oil and filter changed regularly. Gearbox long-lived provided oil kept topped up and not driven brutally. No trouble from mine.

Really excellent car all round; I can't think of a 100,000-mile 18 year old car which would have lasted better or be less trouble/expense to run, and have as much life left in it. Recommended!