1998 SAAB 900 XS 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Heater switch broke, so it is stuck on window defrost.

The crankshaft pulley and power steering pump went at 102000k.

Clutch replaced at 57 K, clutch cable replaced at 70K.

Aerial broke.

Inside lights keep fusing.

Rear brakes keep seizing.

Second gear keeps popping out and is hard to engage.

Sync with gears and clutch is clearly a problem that was not solved with a new clutch at 57k.

The seat are comfortable, and I can get 35mpg on the motorway.

Vision out the rear is dreadful!

Cost of parts is very dear; it's not worth buying new as the parts are priced at a ridiculous price? How do they justify such prices?

Steer clear, it's not a great car; dressed up GM crap!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th August, 2007

13th Jul 2022, 16:03

The 9000 was way better than the 900.

1998 SAAB 900 I 2.0L petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best bargain I have ever bought!

Faults:

I have broken the heater direction switch!

The heater temperature switch was broken when I bought the car.

General Comments:

Having only bought this car as a really cheap stop gap for my wife, I have fell in love with it, as its so comfortable and a very quiet car on the motorway run.

The fuel consumption doesn't appear to be too bad and considering a similar aged Audi diesel is around 5 times the price of this, I won't be switching to diesel any time soon!

It has a quality feel and the sound system (10 stack CD) has some reel kick (Sony).

It handles fine and it can eat miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th May, 2007

1998 SAAB 900 SE 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Dependable, good drive, watch for lemons

Faults:

Purge Valve Failure 111000m

Leather Seats Wearing when purchased.

LED Readout of information display losing pixels.

General Comments:

Driver's seating and cabin excellent layout and comfort.

Seats are very comfortable. Driving for 4-6 hours is comfortable.

Seating Position may be awkward for some American drivers. Upright.

Power is good, turbo lag and throttle response are drawbacks.

Body roll more is high and car tends to plow into turns under braking.

Acceleration is slow at low speeds. Great at highway speeds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2005

11th Dec 2009, 23:25

Is your Saab Information Display still not displaying all the pixels? I found a website by the name of www.saabusaparts.com that can rebuild your SID for $145.80. You just take it out of your car and send it to them. Hope this helps!!!

1998 SAAB 900 S 1.7 from North America

Summary:

Good car, lousy manufacturer support

Faults:

Engine noise after starting, a zip for a second.

General Comments:

Engine light on (6/2000) no default found, therefore nothing wrong.

First repair for above: no noise found.

Second repair: replaced battery.

Third repair: replaced starter.

Fourth repair: sludge in the engine, warranty void. Saab will not help with a solution for repair or replacement, and the dealer is not interested either.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th May, 2001

25th Jun 2001, 15:25

Just curious you mention the engine size... the smallest engine Saab makes is a 2.0 litre. Also you mention sludge in the engine and the dealer will not help, I could be wrong but sludge usually refers to the oil not being changed. If it was not changed regularly, i.e. at least every 5,000km, then yes, your engine will knock and eventually seize. This is definitely not a manufacturer or dealer problem, and they are well within their right to refuse to help (if this is the case)... maybe there's more to this story, but the information given doesn't say much.

28th Oct 2006, 00:02

Engine sludge in the 2.0 Turbo of this vintage is quite common, even with the most rigorous maintenance schedule.

In reply to 28th Oct 2006, 00:02

13th Jun 2014, 14:48

Actually the 2.0 turbo in the 900 SE did not have sludge issues; if I remember correctly, it was the 2.3 naturally aspirated engine in the 900 S (which the poster has, not a 1.7L) which did have some sludge issues.

Later engines in the 9-5 from 1999 - 2003 had terrible sludge issues. This was finally resolved in 2004 model year 9-5s.