1989 SAAB 900 S review from North America
"A car made for the working class man!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Broken engine mount.
Bad ground wire.
Broken shifter linkage.
Replacement of from CV joints.
New wires, plugs, distributer cap.
Interior lights don't work.
Radio malfunctioned.
No second gear.
Master cylinder rebuilt.
General comments?
It would seem from all of the statements above that I would not like my car. However, I actually love it. I bought the car when I was sixteen and have since then ran the guts out of it for the past seven years. This car has seen unpaved mountain roads. I have raced this car over snow and mud. I believe this car is a true survivor.
I have done little to maintain the car aside from regularly changing the oil. So why do I really like the car? Well, even though nothing works on it, I can get on the highway and go 90 miles an hour no problem. The car feels sturdy and safe. Theres no rattling, the steering wheel doesn't shake, and there is little road noise.
I believe that the inherent quality of the vehicle is retained even as the years pay their toll on the Saab. I bought the car for 3,200 dollars, and in seven years I have barely put a grand into it.
This car isn't luxurious or sexy, but it is essentially reliable. Little things go wrong from time to time, but the engine has ALWAYS ran smooth and strong. I recommend this car to anyone on a tight budget.
Recommended reviews
| 1989 - 900 Turbo Convertible 2.0 Turbocharged A beautiful car which needs a good amount of attention. |
| Tight steering and unique look at minimal cost |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | normally aspirated Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 140000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 200000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th February, 2004 |