1990 SAAB 9000 Carlsson 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Parts are dear, but look after it and it will last forever

Faults:

Most of the problems have to do with neglect by previous owners - not huge neglect, and certainly not a reflection on the car itself.

The braking fluid pipes (braided) under the car need replacing.

Gearbox needs rebuild (whine through the gears)

ABS sensors need replacing.

Calipers need replacing.

General Comments:

This car is built like a tank, but goes like stink! It's somewhat pedestrian in terms of performance below 50 m.p.h., but once you crank it up the performance and g-forces are breathtaking. It's like a drug!

This is an incredibly solid car, and the design is timeless. It is also one of the most comfortable cars I've been in - after a long journey you still feel fresh. As someone who suffers a dodgy back, I find the seats supportive in all the right places.

In conclusion, this is a British Touring Car Saab that left the track and made it to a showroom! I love it to bits.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2009

1990 SAAB 9000 CD Turbo 2.0L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Fantastic

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet, except for a flat tire.

General Comments:

This car is amazing, with over 200k on it, it drives and looks amazing.

I love it, so reliable and safe. Looks amazing and sporty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2008

1990 SAAB 9000 9000S 2.3 non-turbo from North America

Summary:

A European road car that fits me like a glove and is not just an autobox

Faults:

The headliner is drooping.

My leather seats are coming apart at the seams.

The dashboard has cracks in the plastic.

The motor failed and had to be replaced.

Dashboard warning lights stay on although there is no problem.

General Comments:

The SAAB 9000 is a unique automobile and may not be for everyone. By owning a SAAB, the owner makes a statement of his or her individuality. Many of the things that go wrong and listed above are common to SAAB and do not seriously affect the car's performance. A weak point in the 9000 is the automatic transmission, but I've no difficulties thus far.

I love the European feel of the SAAB and have both a 9000 and a 900. The 9000 seems designed just for me and it fits around me like a glove. This car is not just a transportation vehicle; instead it's an extension of me. The fit and finish are excellent and it has excellent road manners. I've had little problems with rust and the black finish is still bright after 15 years. It definitely is a quality-built road car.

If a person wants to be unique and not drive just an auto-box, the SAAB 9000 may be the car for them. However, periodic maintenance is the key to longevity, and a SAAB must be well maintained. These maintenance costs may be higher than an auto-box without any personality.

I should also mention that there are several excellent SAAB clubs providing technical assistance and support that help a person do much of their own maintenance and repair.

I want a special unique car not a "plain Jane" auto-box and my SAAB is definitely that!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

1990 SAAB 9000 SE 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good car, I would buy another

Faults:

Direct Ignition packed up suddenly. Cost £177 and 10 minutes to fix.

Air con pump seized recently car still runs fine after the belt was taken off,but I have to use climate control in economy mode or computer tells engine to tick over at 1200 rpm.

All the electrics still work and it has passed every mot in the last eight years with minimal problems.

General Comments:

A quick car that will outpace most others.

Handling is sometimes fun due to it being front wheel drive and turbocharged. BE CAREFUL OR IT WILL SCARE YOU!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2005

1990 SAAB 9000 S 2.3 Non-turbo Gasoline from North America

Summary:

Look no further for a Terrific Car with Elite Styling

Faults:

Heater Blower Motor at 230K $650.

Heated Seats function only sometimes, will need repaired soon. Estimated $175.

Drivers Side Power Seat needed "Seat Tube" replaced at 235K (Seat Tube makes seat back move up and down) $200.

Leather seats starting to separate in some of the seams. Can easily be restitched.

Headliner falling down, 245K, especially on sunroof cover. All SAAB's have this problem. Costs $350 usually.

At around 250K, a few of the dash lights around the heater controls and analog clock have started going out. Not a big problem at all, just a few bulbs.

Very reliable car, but all SAAB's are very quirky. Be prepared for funny little things to happen all the time.

General Comments:

All Saab's are known for their reliability. They just keep on going!

This car handles great, and has good acceleration off the line, but when you need to merge or pass, this car rivals most sports cars.

It's absolutely in its element on the highway. Cruising at 75-85 MPH is not a problem.

The Leather interior is Beautiful and is made by "Bridge of Weir" in Scotland for SAAB. The leather has held up very well excluding the stitching that has recently started to separate.

The seats are very ergonomic. They fit perfectly. All Saabs have perfectly designed seats.

The "9000S" is a 4-Door Hatchback. The rear seats fold down and the car can haul about as much as a small pickup truck.

The European styling is timeless. You wouldn't know this was made in 1990 by looking at it.

One of the best values in the used car market. Once you get one of these, you won't want to drive anything else. I have stopped buying american cars now (Except for classics/pickups) because I've realized how bad they have become in the past years.

When you drive a SAAB all the other SAAB drivers wave and non-Saabers wonder who you are and what you're driving!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2005