1992 SAAB 9000 Hatchback review from North America

A/C compressor was broken when I bought it. Took $600 off the price and found one at airpartsonline. com for $220.

AC Hose has slow leak, probably cause of failure of previous compressor.

PCV nipple and elbow and assoc grommet replaced.

The previous owner had fitted siped H-rated (M+S) bargain crap tyres, not a good idea on the 205/50/15 Aero rims. A set of Bridgestone Potenza S03 pole positions sorted that mistake nicely. Now the car has the grip to match its torque. If you want winter tyres, get some stock 4x108mm steels from either a lower spec model (e.g CD) or the older 900 had the same size/bolt pattern, and 195/60/15s with WS-50 Blizzaks work extremely well.

I've hauled washing machines, beds, I even slept stretched out in the back at Pikes Peak this year. Can't understand why anyone would prefer a sedan/saloon car given the choice.

The turbos do need to be idled before and especially after a thrashing, get a turbo timer, use synthetic oil every 5000 miles (10W30 Mobil) and Saab filters, flush coolant every 2 years (this is a water cooled turbo) and you should avoid most problems.

Dealer part prices high-ish, but reasonable, lots of online places have most stuff cheaper, plenty of enthusiast sites and tuners eg swedish dynamics, Saabnet etc.

Seriously fast, needs care to launch as TCS will allow some slippage, 1st gear is boost limited anyway, get into second before you really mash it. 140mph plus easily achieved, 0-60 in 7secs or less, 1/4mile in the high 13s stock.