Faults:

Cylinder head gasket failure.

Fuel pump defects, recognizable by loss of power at full load.

The APC (Automatic Performance Control) system had certain electronic faults that affected performance.

Problems with the reverse gear of the transmission, difficult to engage and noises.

Bluish smoke from the exhaust at high mileage.

General Comments:

This car is a true gem in every sense, from equipment and accessories to the mechanics.

The finishes are luxurious, adorned with aerodynamic details that characterize the Turbo version: front spoiler, rear wing and the highly ventilated alloy wheels.

Interior is luxuriously upholstered in harmonious colors.

Rear seats are a true model of comfort, while the front seats have a particularly well-designed configuration, combining comfort with good support and the ability to adjust (the driver's seat) both in height and seat cushion angle, in addition to the backrest and headrest.

The result is a perfect driving position. All the instruments are within easy reach. On the wraparound dashboard, the controls are arranged in logical groupings and in order of importance and utility.

As for the engine, it's simply a work of art.

Combining 24 kgm of torque at just 3,000 rpm with the turbocharger's action, which delivers 145 hp at 5,000 rpm, results in great flexibility even from very low revs and a minimal, almost imperceptible, response lag. Acceleration is therefore very quick and progressive. Once the turbocharger reaches its boost pressure, the car practically takes flight over the asphalt.

The long suspension travel is very well suited to Finnish terrain.

With a 60 percent front weight distribution, the car exhibits slight understeer, but this tendency is easily corrected by briefly lifting off the accelerator to allow it to settle into its line. It would be more fun to drive with a greater tendency to oversteer; the car feels like it's on a track. You can't even force a drift with the handbrake, as it engages the front wheels. The result is that under heavy loads, the nose tends to drag a little.

A few words about the driving and the brakes.

Controlling the steering wheel is straightforward. With the power steering, it requires just over three and a half turns lock-to-lock. Despite having a split steering column with a double universal joint, road feel is transmitted sufficiently to the hands, allowing you to appreciate the good grip of the tires. The 900 Turbo came standard with Michelin TRX tires in size 180/65 HR 390.

These tires are mounted on enormous alloy wheels that house equally large disc brakes. Braking is strong, progressive, and quite responsive to the pedal. The brake bias, with 80 percent of the force going to the front axle, ensures effective stopping power without rear-end drift, even in the most adverse conditions.

While car parts were expensive, this wasn't a significant problem due to the few major issues the car had in the many years I owned it. The only negative thing I can say about the car is its high fuel consumption, something quite common in cars from the early 80s. But its comfort, quality, and reliability are paramount.

Faults:

Brakes replaced at 4000 miles and about every 10K miles thereafter!

Tranny went out at 45K miles and cost $3000 to replace.

Turbo blew at 58K miles.

Car overheated from day one! It didn't have A/C! The radiator was replaced several times and still the car overheated!

Battery was underneath the turbo! When you need to replace the battery, you've got to remove the turbo. VERY EXPENSIVE!

This car was in the shop more than it was out!

General Comments:

The DEPRECIATION on a SAAB is HORRENDOUS! Have you ever known anyone to be a repeat customer???

My friend bought a SAAB (SOB!!!) about a month before me, blew the tranny at 2000 miles (!) and called me up to tell me, "Don't buy one!" Mine was already ordered! I wish I would have just forfeited the $2000 deposit as the car depreciated from $16K to $1K in just 8 years!!!