1985 SAAB 90 5-speed review from UK and Ireland

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.

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!