1990 SAAB 9000 CD Turbo review from North America

Direct ignition failed @ 220,000km replaced with used unit with 6 month warranty, exhaust, muffler, and heat shield (used a Saab part) replaced @ 264,000km with an aftermarket unit made by Walker Dynomax for Starla.

Driver's side window lift replaced with a used Saab unit.

All brake rotors and pads replaced with new Saab parts.

Upper and lower engine mounts replaced.

Left front ball joint replaced.

Heater and blower replaced with used Saab parts.

Car exterior is Charcoal Grey (Edwardian Grey), with dark grey "Bridge of Weir" Scottish Leather.

I was fortunate to have purchased this car from a Saab fanatic. The car had been serviced (by the book) exclusively at Saab Dealerships for its first 210,000 kms. The dealerships bills for service and repair were astronomical!! Fortunately however, I had found a local Saab mechanic prior to purchasing the car, and so maintenance/repairs are now reasonable.

Quality used parts are used whenever I can to save money however, never at the expense of safety ie. clutch, and upper/lower engine mounts have been replaced with brand new OEM parts.

A brand new OEM exhaust system costs $1,300.00 Canadian Dollars (labour not included). I purchased a direct replacement exhaust system made by Walker Dynomax for Starla, for less than half the price, installed!

The car does not burn oil! Oil is changed every 5,000 kms with 10W40 in the summer and 5W30 in the winter.

The engine runs strong and smooth. Mid-range torque is plentiful and the engine pulls strongly in 5th from 3500rpm - 6500rpm.

The 5 speed gear-box is the best I've ever experienced. Smooth positive action, low effort, and short throws.

The original clutch would have lasted longer had it not been for one recent incident: driving under hard acceleration in 1st gear, my foot slipped off the clutch pedal prior to selecting 2nd gear, which resulted in a serious thud and chipped clutch plate.

The clutch was replaced with OEM parts for $1,100.00 Canadian Dollars, including labour. Up to that point, the original clutch could have lasted, in my estimation, another 30-40k easily.

Leather interior (Bridge of Weir Scottish Leather) is perfect.

The headliner does not sag, and the interior is in mint condition.

The dash top is not cracked.

The interior accomodates 5 full grown adults comfortably (4 super comfortably).

A little door in the trunk opens to the rear passenger area, enabling full size skis to fit in with ease. Furthermore, the backseat bottom cushion can un-hinge itself to expose a completely flat bottom while the rear seat bottom locks into place against the front seats. Great for carrying bulky item(s), like TV's.

The car has one dime size rust spot on the left rear fender lip (hardly noticable). Otherwise no rust on the body, and the paint is original.

Underneath, the rear axle, tie rods and other exposed suspension pieces show surface rust however, the actual body underneath shows no rust at all, and the factory undercoating is entirely intact.

The ABS brakes perform well, with good feel and balance. The ABS unit has never been replaced.

The air conditioning does not blow cold air, and has not been serviced since 1997.

I have installed 16x7 Saab Ronal cross-laced rims mounted on Michelin XGT tires, 225/50/16.

Driven conservatively, the car will average almost 600kms on a full tank of gas (65 litres).

The car is equipped with all options: electric moonroof, power trunk, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, and self-leveling rear suspension.