Faults:

Lots, and it was usually expensive. Far too much to list/remember. These can be reliable cars however if looked after - but they require frequent attention and skilled servicing to avoid trouble. I bought my car used and I do not think it was very well looked after, hence why I had more than a few problems. Nothing major however - it was all repairable. Some parts were hard to get a hold of even many years ago when I had the car. Saab weren't exactly common and my mechanic hated working on these cars.

General Comments:

Early 1990's Saab 9000. When Saab was Saab. Bloody loved this car. Good looking and comfortable.

My car was black and looked the part. Interior was nice also, wood effect trim on the dash. Very comfortable seats, driving position felt a little odd though as if you are too close to the dash no matter how you adjust the seat. No complaints from rear passengers however.

Great to drive, bloody fast but struggled a bit for 30 - 32 mpg, not great on fuel. A comfortable cruiser or you can have fun on twisty roads, the car's suspension was setup very well.

Shame Saab are no more. I sold mine to a Saab enthusiast ten years ago, I wonder if he still has it...

Faults:

E-brake came broken.

Heated seats never worked.

Muffler was loud.

Fuel pump went.

Door lock broke.

Electrical non-starting issue.

General Comments:

This car was very nice, leather interior, great climate control system, never got stuck in the snow. However, none of that makes up for breaking down about once a month.

Repairs were incredibly expensive, and some shops refused to touch the car. I was quoted 850 dollars to repair the e-brake, so I lived without it.

It had a phenomenal amount of cargo space. When I folded the rear seats down, it felt like it could equal a small pickup truck...

Today I somewhat regretfully had it towed away to a scrapyard, but I pulled one of the excellent, stylish front seats for my apartment.

Faults:

Engine mounts were broken when I bought the car.

Regulator failed at 180,000

Heater core failed at 180,000.

Fan resistor failed at 180,000.

Starter motor failed at 220,000

Alternator failed at 225,000

Sun visors failed (yes, it is possible) at 200,000.

Rear shock absorbers needed replacing at about 225,000, and front stuts are a bit hows-your-father.

General Comments:

This is the first Saab I have owned, and overall I am happy with it. For a 16 year old car it still drives very well, and handles equally as well. The body work is solid and the interior is plush and comfortable.

On the freeway it is an absolute joy - mid range power is exceptional for a 4 cylinder, and beats my previous car (4 litre ford falcon) hands down. Gets about 8l/100km. Overtaking is effortless. Transmission is smooth, although kick-down can be sticky around town. After a long journey I always arrive feeling relaxed, thanks to the leather seats. The heater is excellent, as is the air conditioning.

Around town its equally good. Its a tad heavy on juice (about 12-13 l/100km) but can beat most stuff at the lights and always feels save.

However - repairs are costly. Some parts are very expensive - try $300 each for sunvisors, or $200 for fan motor resistor. A Saab mechanic must be used, otherwise you may end up with more stuff broken than when you started. Also, the major electrical components are quite innaccesible which adds to labor costs. However, I believe this is par for the course for euro luxury/front drive vehicles.

I would buy another one apart from the fact they are all a bit old now - the last one made is now 12 years old - and the saab 95 which succeeded it is a far superior vehicle, or so I have been told.