1992 SAAB 9000 T review from North America
"High performance Mommy car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended reviews
| Very safe, and definetly worth every cent |
| 1992 - 9000 Hatchback 2.3 16v turbo Fast and safe, needs care to stay that way |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 1992 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 101000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Corrado |
| Date of Entry | 9th March, 2003 |