Faults:

Engine oil sludged up, and engine ready to fail due to oil starvation at purchase.

Interior plastics break easily: both rear cabin lights fall out of their sockets due to broken tabs. Sun visor mounts crack etc. Black plastic trim turns greyish white.

General Comments:

Bought from a car yard after test driving several before. This car was in nice condition and felt well looked after when test driving.

I did have a screaming sound from the engine when first started, but disappeared within 30 seconds. Did some Googling and discovered that that SAAB have big problems with these engines 'sludging up' and seizing. Took delivery Thursday and removed the rocker cover Saturday, and found sludge over a centimetre thick stuck to the cover and head. Removed the sump and the same. The sludge looked like coffee grounds in black honey. The oil 'pick-up' filter screen was almost completely blocked apart from about 10%, this I suspect was the source of the screaming sound. The SAAB filter screen is very fine on these engines compared to other manufacturers, and is the cause of engine failure. I replaced the filter screen with a coarser mesh and replaced the stock oil filter with a Ryco Z9, as it holds about 200ml more oil. Now when I change the oil, I drain the oil through a sieve to check for sludge. I then replace the sump plug and fill the engine with diesel, allow it to sit for half an hour and drain, again checking for sludge. I have not detected any sludge and do not use synthetic oil. If I had not done the above, this engine would have had a catastrophic failure.

Faults:

2/22/2010 - Replaced water pump & upper radiator hose @ 166,417.

3/12/2010 - Replaced lower radiator hose @ 166,916 miles.

5/5/2010 - Repaired evaporative leak by replacing the canister valve; replaced broken valve cover nipple & bushing @ 167,680.

6/25/2010 - A/C needed servicing (evacuated & charged system) @ 168,819 miles.

12-29-2010 - Replaced Direct Ignition Cassette, spark plugs, and had fuel injection service @ 175,431 miles.

General Comments:

It is quirky, but commands high miles if maintained with quality.

This car is fast, durable, safe, and well-equipped. If anything should happen to it, I am hunting for another one.

Faults:

Re-torqued head bolts at 125,000 miles.

Turbo oil seal had failed, so I purchased a used turbo and replaced the failed unit (not bad service for the extreme temps these run in).

Replaced alternator (which is a pain to get to) at 135,000 miles.

General Comments:

For a cheap used car (under $5K) that sold for multiple decade digits new, and gives such great performance and comfort, you can't beat these cars. Don't let anyone fool you. They are just cars; if you can fix a newer Chevy or a Ford, with a little extra research and patience you can fix a SAAB. There are a lot of forums available to help diagnose and help with step by step repairs. I wish I could buy one of these brand new, I wouldn't hesitate. They are extremely well built and engineered.

This 4 banger beats any I've ever seen in a production vehicle in top end. It really is an amazing motor when it spools up and powers the heavy 900 down the tarmac. I became a believer after my wife talked me into getting this car for her.

Faults:

Needed to replace the fuel pump.

General Comments:

Other than replacing the fuel pump, my Saab has run perfect. No issues at all.

5 speed, so gas mileage is excellent.