Faults:

Temperature gauge sensor failed, replaced myself.

Hard shift between 3-4 in overdrive. Have not fixed it.

General Comments:

I bought this car after owning 5 different Volvo models in the past 10 years. I always wanted a SAAB, and after reading the reviews on this website particularly on this model, I found one I like with relatively low K for a 97 (150000) and purchased it.

Wow what a car. This thing screams when pushed on the highway. Drop the hammer even at 110-120 kmh and this thing passes everything.

Poor gas consumption it is a 4 cylinder turbo - my 5 cylinder Volvo 850 got way better mileage, but it wasn't a turbo like the SAAB.

Pulleys are noisy have not replaced. I found a great Saab mechanic; he said not to worry about it.

Super comfortable, heated seats, TONS of room, feels like it will go forever. I feel like this car is more solid than my other car, an 02 turbo Jetta, which has left me stranded more than twice, yet only has 90 000 k on it.

Highly recommend this car for anyone, take it to a good mechanic first to be sure it's been maintained. Proper oil changes are key to not wrecking your timing chain.

Faults:

Blown the turbo unit and gearbox wouldn't go into final gear.

CV gaiter worn on both sides.

Brake caliper seized.

Fan switch had a fault.

Fan belt snapped.

General Comments:

This car is very rare because it`s a saloon version.

Parts are expensive, but worth it.

This car is so comfortable to drive, and it is very good at long distances; better than most cars.

I have traveled 408 miles with £57 worth of fuel, and that has made me very impressed.

Love it.

Faults:

New battery.

Alternator (own fault due to reverse polarity on radio during D.I.Y. install).

Front pads.

Exhaust back-box.

Passenger central locking actuator.

Interior temperature sensor.

Light switch.

General Comments:

Very sturdy, very well made, solid paintwork.

Handling was atrocious, have fitted poly bushes which are popular upgrade but don't do the front drop link bushes. Bring a certain harshness over small bumps, but the ride is altogether more cohesive now as opposed to the sloppiness that was there.

Previous owner wasn't servicing obsessed, so first thing was to service paying particular attention to oil (Saab synthetic turbo oil), & filter & flushed the engine as pipes can sludge up.

A lot can be done on these cars to improve performance. Do the research on buying via any Saab owners forum (Saab scene), get your initial purchase right and you will be laughing with regular maintenance. Parts all readily available second hand - like C/L actuator was 30.00 and not 130.00 via main dealer. Loads of good independent specialists about anyhow.

If your gut instinct is right you'll do well. Very comfortable well equipped cruiser that doubles up as a mini van. Feels slightly old school but a true motorway muncher.

Oh and they don't make them like this any more. Not even new Benz has this quality feel - truly hewn from granite. Around town it does 27-30 mpg. Best was 700 mile journey on highway at 80mph returned 44mpg.