Faults:

We have had many problems with this car, practically from the first week we bought it. There are so many, I doubt if I could list them all.

First off, the light bulbs in the back did not work. Although they were replaced right away, one simply did not function at all.

Second, the brakes began to squeal unmercifully within a few weeks after buying the car. We took it back to the dealer, but he claimed there was nothing wrong with them. "They just squeal," he said. This developed into another story, later.

The indicator lights began randomly flashing about a month after we'd bought the car. The dealer said there might be a short somewhere, but that it was not significant.

About a month later, the radio stopped working entirely. The dealer took the radio out. It was not replaced. We now have a gaping hole where the radio once was. It used to be a nice radio. We are afraid to replace it, because we are worried that another radio will blow the entire electrical system, which is yet another story.

At the same time the dealer took out the radio, he replaced the battery, saying that a new battery should help the electrical system. It didn't.

We changed dealers. The new dealer was more helpful, but still our car has not been reliable.

Although the new dealer has replaced a small part made of carbon that was quite worn down, it has not really helped the problem with the electrical system.

The new dealer also checked into the brakes, but said there was nothing wrong. However, the car did not pass inspection, and we were forced to return to the dealer and insist that he repair the brakes. The brakes were repaired at a cost of 1000 Euros (!!!). By the way, they still squeal.

The electrical system is still going insane. Indicator lights go on and off without warning. When signaling to switch lanes on the highway, the needle on the tachometer jumps suddenly. If we are traveling over 100 km per hour, then the entire car shudders. We are afraid to drive fast in this car, since we don't know what will happen next.

We have an appointment to have this looked at now, but are terrified of what it will cost. This car has been a lemon since we bought it.

General Comments:

We originally bought the car because we had heard many songs of praise from SAAB owners who thought that they were good value for the money.

Not a day goes by that we do not regret this decision.

Faults:

Traction Control System had problems, many covered by manufacturer. Took several years to iron out, and car would die "hard" when a new problem arose. This system has saved me from two incidents in which I know I would have crashed otherwise.

AC system had several issues, so I updated it to make current and eliminate freon.

I cracked the block -tried to make it off the freeway when low on coolant, and shouldn't have. Dealer replaced it at N/C, even though it was just out of warranty.

An engine cleaning place blew out my entire computer system (never have anyone except the dealer clean your engine is my advice) and dealer replaced EVERYTHING at n/c, even though they didn't have to.

Just replaced the clutch at 100100miles.

Exhaust system is complicated and expensive to replace!

My driver seats (both) no longer recline (@100000 miles), which is a pain, as it costs $1,200 each to buy a new Electronic Control Module.

General Comments:

I have had fantastic luck with the two dealers I have used to service the car. They have covered things that were outrageously expensive by extending the warranty when they could have tried to wiggle out of it.

This car is really fast - probably the fastest year for the 9000T. I have driven slower Porsches.

The console is neat, kind of like flying an airplane, but you do "feel" the road. IF you don't like to feel a pencil when you drive over it, this is not the car for you. Also, creaks and squeeks a bit, but the sound system is great.

Holds nearly anything. I have hauled full sized file cabinets, trees, furniture, etc. Easy to fold seats down to make room.

Look for the high perfomance tires that make the 9000T handle well at Costco; they can speacial order. You will save hundreds of $.

Whe it breaks down this is usually sudden - no warning. I get towed in for repairs at least once a year. 900T is expensive to repair, but the performance and stylish look of the car keeps me in it.

The dealer tells me that mine is the cleanest and best kept they have ever seen - I detail it regularly to keep it fresh and fun to get into. I will keep it until a new car has more appeal. I drive the new Saabs regularly when I get mine serviced, but so far, mine is still the speediest and most responsive.