1989 SAAB 900 S from North America

Summary:

Unique, quirky, pricey to fix, most reliable of Saab models

Faults:

A/C died at 140,000 and couldn't be fixed at a reasonable price.

Reverse gear is making crunching noises.

Some electrical quirks.

General Comments:

I bought it to drive to the train station every day as I worked in NYC. Not too much of a strain on an old car. However ended up using it much more than anticipated and it performed reasonably well. The car is fast for a 4 cylinder non-turbo and handles well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2003

1989 SAAB 900 S 2.0 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A dependable friend

Faults:

Alarm failed, blowing engine management computer fuses, fuel pump now sounds dodgy. 1 exhaust, 1 alternator, 3 sets front disc's, 1 bye pass valve on throttle body.

General Comments:

After owning a 99 and loving it, I bought this 900 after my second house, it is still with me 13 years later, and is without doubt the best most reliable and cheap car to run I have had. I had it fitted with Saab performance suspension and it handles like a Subaru impreza, got the same tyres on some 17" alloys. Looks superb still and is soon so carry my new born baby around, I wouldn't allow the kid in anything lesser. Fuel consumption is OK at an average of about 30, but goes up if the cruise is used, it also tows our caravan, around the UK and has been seen mixing it with landrovers and other 4x4 pretentious situations. Has started to get looks at the petrol station etc as did my 99 previously, driving a Saab is about being different, it isn't every day you go out and see another car the same on the road, could I drive a silver ford focus? no I see about 100 each day, I am not a stereotype, therefore I drive a Saab, applies generally I think, when I pick it up from the garage, it is expected I want to know whats been done, most Saab people are like that. By the way did you know the later 9-3 side indicators in smoked finish fit the old 900's and they look pretty cool too, mine is white with a simple black pinstripe down the side so adds to the minimalistic appearance of the car, oh the car is also to feature in my wedding later this year, just trying to find a nice white cabrio too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2003

31st Jul 2003, 11:35

That sounds like a beautiful car. I have a 85 900 turbo hardtop and I agree with the view that driving a Saab is about being different, I think that's why if you buy one, you have to get another.

14th Oct 2003, 13:38

A former boss of mine gave me his 1989 900S Saab for my 50th birthday last year when he purchased a new one. All it needed was a body job and a little tender loving care in order to reclaim its former elegance. The plan is for it to drive me to work until we're both ready to retire and, personally, I think we'll both make it!! In the year I've been driving it, I've not seen another in the Montreal area, which suits me just fine. Enjoy!

Anne.

1989 SAAB 900 16 valve Turbo 2 litre turbo from North America

Summary:

Great sensible safe rocket

Faults:

02 Sensor started acting up when I first got the car, quick fix took me 30 minutes and part cost me $40.00, ground on rear light out, 20 minutes and $10.00 of parts, driver power window not working, 35 minutes and some WD40 no parts.

General Comments:

Just pick up the car around 2 months ago, this thing has got 132,000 km on it, so very little for a Saab, this is my second Saab, I had an 1988 8v 4 door for about a year, this was a great car, never spent a cent on it other than regular maintenance.

This is one of the most comfortable car I've own, and just a fun car to drive, this 16 valve turbo is a rocket, very hard to keep under 100 MPH, so watch the speeding tickets, when the turbo is on boost it just wants to go, and my last mode of transportation was a 255 HP GMC sierra short box pick-up, so this car is impressing, and there's nothing else like it on the road, one month of driving and I've only seen one other like it, and I live in a 3 million people population area.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2002