1997 SAAB 900 SE from North America - Comments

I bought my 1997 900SE turbo 2 door with 41k miles on it, and I've thoroughly enjoyed adding another 100K in the eight years that I've been its owner. BUT I did a lot of research once I decided on buying a Saab, and knew what things could go wrong, and glad I followed advice to only buy one with evidence of good maintenance per the recommended service schedule. I looked at least 10 before I found the one that I was happy with. I have spent an average of $600/year on service--some major--but it's never left me in a lurch. I pay attention to how she's running, and don't delay getting her to the mechanic when I think something needs attention. I bought this in Eugene, OR, and now live in Seattle, and have been fortunate to have found great mechanics--would be happy to recommend them to anyone. If you maintain a Saab properly, you will be well rewarded with the most comfortable and fabulous driving vehicle!

Hello guys, I've got a question. I own an audio and video store, and I have a customer that has a 97 Saab 900 SE convertible, and he he is having radio problems. His display unit has gone out and some speakers have gone bad. I been doing this stuff for 17 years, but not too many Saabs... Now, has anyone changed radio's in this type on car, I have done others, but I want to make sure about the factory amps and what the dash will handle for an after market radio. If you can help about this car you can post here or email me at audiodog188@aol.com

Thanks.

If you want a car that requires very little maintenance, just oil changes, tires and brakes, buy a Honda or Toyota. Saabs do require more attention than some makes. I love my 1997 900se and I don't mind the extra little stuff it requires. I would say if you can't do a lot of the repairs yourself, they are expensive to maintain. My 900se blew the head gasket, local shop quoted $1600 to fix it. I did the head for $325 in parts. That's been my biggest repair. They are quality vehicles overall. If you have to pay someone to do every repair and can't do your own oil changes and brakes, think twice. That said, I would rate the Saab as the best car I've owned and driven.

I feel bad for the bad rap some of the Saab's are getting. My 97 2.0 turbo has 135k on it and is running strong. I bought it used 4 years ago but it had an immaculate service record (this seems to be the key) The car is a blast to drive once you get up to 20 past the turbo lag.

Having said all that I did have the coolant problem but it was a crack in the lower heater hose near the engine. The interior lights around the window switches and shifter are out and really inaccessible. I also had to replace the motors for the roof but it is 11 years old in New England (driven all year) so that is understandable.

All in all a fun, nicely equipped, and for me reliable car that still looks good 11 years later!

I have had my 1996 900SE for about a year, and the only problems it has given me is hoses went.. Which I expected to happen when I purchased the car.

Also the serpentine belt went last week, but I was able to buy the belt for 20 and replace it myself.

I run the engine hard all the time, and it has never messed up.

The turbo started acting up once, but that was only because I hadn't changed the oil in too long.

1996 Saab 900 S 145K miles.

I bought it on ebay at US$4.3K. Within a year I put about another US$3k into it... first a US$800.00 clean up at a local mom and pop Saab specialist (unfortunately I could not keep them in business) then about another US$1k with them for assorted things like water pump... then a fan... US$1000.00 for a fan for the radiator and this was from the dealer as the mom & pop went out of business. And then the winner was US$1.5K at Firestone (and I thought the dealer was too expensive) which was primarily for a fuel pump. Now Firestone is notorious but find someone to work on a Saab. I had to get a new muffler, Midas quoted me US$500.00... go t it done for US$120.00 at a no name place. Wow.

It was going strong for 8 months. No pining for the mechanic. Start... go.. stop. No troubles. And now it just did something I've never had a car do. It was making like whistling noises... sounded like maybe belts but oddly my power windows would not go down and my fan would not blow but other electrical was working... and then whammmo.. felt like something just slipped out from under something and car went dead and then the fan began to blow but windows still wouldn't go down. I have no idea what it is but I guess I'll hear tomorrow.

Seems like a sink hole. I've got a 1994 Toyota truck with 154K miles and had an oil leak that cost me US$650 repair at dealer... a starter... other than brakes and oil that is it. But I really do like driving the Saab. I've heard the BMW is a real good drive as well.

Sounds like Saab's are just too finicky.

I purchased a 1997 Saab 900SE Turbo Convertible earlier this year for $4500.00. I have put about 6,000 miles on it and I have experienced few problems. The only thing I've had done to it is to have the oil changed, the intermediate exhaust pipe replaced ($300.00) and a few light bulbs replaced.

Things that are on deck for repair shortly are: Serpentine belt replacement, Transmission oil change, Tune up and some minor body work.

For a car that has 92,000 miles on it and is nearly 12 years old, it's a pretty nice ride. I'll keep my fingers crossed -- hopefully I won't have 1/2 the problems that have been reported on this list. I would say that if you don't have an experienced, well-regarded independent (i.e, not affiliated with a dealer) Saab mechanic in your area, then don't buy a Saab. I have no regrets so far about purchasing this car.

Sounds like a lot of us have the same problems with our beloved Saabs.

The Cons: with a solid maintenance record, I also have the Coolant Level Low warning (although it's fine) and the window washer fluid only comes out one side.

The Pros: she's a blast to drive, the turbo still works, and can haul almost anything a small SUV can!

However, I'm sad to report I'm about to sell my dear car after owning it for 8 years and putting 90k on her (bought in 2000 with 40k). She's recently died twice while driving and wouldn't start for 30-60 minutes. Two mechanics (one being the Saab dealer) can't figure out what's wrong, and I can't deal with that unreliability.

But really, she's paid for and I've only put in $200-1000/year in maintenance costs. Yeah, maybe a bit more than a Toyota, but then again... we aren't driving a car that everyone else is driving either!

To me it sounds like a lot of the problems happening with everyone's Saab is either poor driving and stuff that just happens. If you beat the crap out of your car, the turbo is going to go, you are going to have to replace tires, fix all the crap that breaks at 150,000 miles.

Take it easy and be nice to your car. I have had mine for years and never ever had a problem with it, sold it to a friend that drove like crap, and he is now replacing the engine.

You all know the real problem with your cars is that GM bought out SAAB and they are no longer the cars they used to be.

My husband and I bought a 1997 900 convertible with about 79000 miles. Immediately after we bought it, my husband had the brakes relined, replaced the serpentine belt, and changed the oil. Can't remember if there were more things or not. It started to blow smoke out the tailpipe, it was diagnosed it needed an oxygen sensor which we had put in. We had no problems after that.

I sold it just recently, it had 83,000 miles on it. The person that bought it said it is blowing smoke again and was told that a seal was broken and oil was getting into the turbo. He also added a few things that he said was wrong also. Does this sound right? He expects me to be responsible for it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have a 1997 900 SE Convertible. The turbo spools all the way deep in the red with 93 octane. I can't get enough of the turbo! I want to get the ECU upgrade and some other performance stuff, intake, exhaust, boost controller, blow off valve etc.

This beast is a tank! had her up to 147! Topped out and still solid, but a little scary.

YES, I have had problems, but you pay for the driving experience when things are going right.

When things go wrong, they add up. Fuel pump and crank position sensor both went at the same time. Then a few months later water pump, flex pipe, and clutch cable again. Not to mention brakes, tires, fixed an oil leak, and I know I'm forgetting more... BUT you can't beat the feeling of the turbo, top down, and revving past daily drivers. This thing is a rocket!