1995 SAAB 900 SE review from North America
"The V-6: a model to avoid"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
3 separate incidents of timing belt failure causing serious engine damage.
General comments?
The car is comfortable and well appointed.
Unfortunately, the 2.5L V-6 timing belt/tensioner design has been a problem. (I think Saab discontinued this engine's use after 1998). I followed all recommended Saab maintenance (timing belt/tensioner changes every 30,000 miles) and still had failures at 15,000, 10,000 and 7,000 miles after service.
Recommended reviews
| Comfortable, but that's it... terrible runner |
|
| A great car with a few small problems |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 84000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Vanagon |
| Date of Entry | 3rd May, 2004 |