Faults:

The most worrying thing about this car is finding spare parts, which are extremely expensive and difficult to obtain, making maintenance quite complicated. Even the smallest detail comes at a high cost; the price you pay for a well-made car with top-quality materials.

The turbocharger can have problems if you don't use a good quality oil; it happened to me at the beginning.

The most serious problem I had was with the springs and defects in the fuel pump, making the suspension uncomfortable while driving. It cost me several headaches to fix it, but once I did, the problem disappeared.

General Comments:

Despite having only two doors, not counting the trunk access door, its exterior dimensions were identical to those of the five-door model, while maintaining its spacious interior. Its pronounced coupé lines didn't compromise headroom for rear passengers, thanks to a roof that was practically flat up to the beginning of the rear window, which had a gentle slope and a vertical finish.

The generous bumpers, painted the same color as the body, formed substantial and symmetrical overhangs that lent it a certain visual balance.

Its build quality was very high, without neglecting passenger comfort. The interior space was generous, especially for rear passengers, an aspect often overlooked in this type of vehicle. The driver's seat was quite ergonomic, with a traditional instrument panel, notably including a turbo pressure gauge. The center console was packed with controls and buttons.

The SE trim level was comprehensive, featuring standard equipment such as automatic climate control, central locking, power windows, power mirrors, height-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat, interior trunk release, rear air vents, alloy wheels, headlight washers, rear window wiper, fog lights, driver's airbag, seatbelts with pretensioners, and rear headrests.

The engine is another of the car's best qualities. It's a 2-liter (1,985 cc) inline four-cylinder engine with a cast iron block and an alloy cylinder head. Valve train consisted of two overhead camshafts driven by a chain, and it had four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was via electronic injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler. For a turbocharged engine, the manufacturer had managed to achieve good low-end response and flexible performance across a wide rev range. However, its turbo boost was noticeable from 3,500 RPM upwards, giving it incredible agility during overtaking maneuvers.

The suspension is firm, though not harsh. The front axle featured an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs, hydraulic dampers, and a stabilizer bar; the rear had a semi-independent axle with a Panhard rod and reaction arms. It achieved a good balance between safety and comfort, but its handling on winding roads was compromised due to a loss of grip when the accelerator was pressed carelessly. It's surprising that it didn't have an anti-skid system.

The biggest drawback is the fuel consumption, which is very high, both in the city and on the highway. It's clearly a car designed for Sweden, where (as in the US) diesel has never been popular and fuel economy has never been a priority.

In any case, owning or owning a car like this is more of a luxury than a practical vehicle.

Faults:

Control arms, sway bar links.

One CV shaft.

Clutch cable.

Alternator is a bear to get out.

Replaced a few vacuum hoses.

Power antenna inoperable since purchase.

Info display pixel problem like all of them.

Speakers deteriorated from sun/heat.

A/C out again.

Changed the battery a few years ago, and the factory radio wanted a security code to work. Nearest Saab dealer insisted I put the car in for service to obtain a code. Bought a Sony CD deck instead, but aftermarket fitment kits do not fit properly, so there's a hole in the dash above the radio.

Interior has held up pretty well, but small plastic knobs & clips are starting to break, which are difficult to find replacements for.

The most frustrating event was when the driver's door latch mechanism (inside the door) failed & jammed. It made it impossible to unlock the doors, even from the other side.

Clutch disc, outer tie rods and timing chain will need replacement eventually.

General Comments:

Bought the Saab for $1400 from an auction with 105,000 miles on the clock. Was a one-owner car from Long Island.

It's a good car that handles well and has plenty enough get up with the 5-speed. I feel a little "closed-in" driving it, but it has been comfortable on long trips and averages 31 MPG on the highway to this day. Commendable cargo capacity, and the back seats are roomy enough for adults to ride comfortably, even though it's a two-door.

Parts are not cheap, and that's the car's biggest downfall - I'm having a hard time justifying spending around $2000 on upcoming maintenance needs on a 15 year old car I'd have a hard time selling for more than $1500-$2000.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the service it's given us.