1990 SAAB 9000 S review from North America

Valve lifter noise.

Transmission pinion gear noise, transmission will need a rebuild or replacemnent shortly.

Failed clutch slave cylinder, pulled engine and tranmission by myself and replaced.

Down pipe rusted out.

Cabin blower fan bearings failed.

All front rubber bushings and strut bearings completely washed out.

New ball joints.

I bought this car when I was 16 and am now 18. It has been a good first car, my dad wanted me to get it because it was somewhat sporty and very very very safe. It was also a good buy. It came with the 2.0L non-turbo engine, it now has the same 2.0L turbo engine; I put a turbo on when I pulled the engine. It passed emissions insanely well, it's a major advantage to the 9000. I started getting work done at a dealership and then a Saab specialist, that soon became way too expensive for a teenage budget so I do all mechanical service by myself now. If a teen is going to purchase this car they must know how to work on it if they pay for their own repairs, I was lucky enough to have good mechanical abilities and tools on hand. Warning though, this car may lead to an addiction, I now will only purchase european cars, I plan on my next vehicle being either Saab, BMW, or Porsche 944 turbo. The turbo cars are alittle quick for a first time driver, I will say this looking back to when I began driving. Good, fast, and safe cars, alittle expensive to maintain though so be ready. Turbos and non-turbos are the same to insure if one is just purchasing liability coverage. One last item: the people who own Saabs have a cult, through clubs and a place called SaabNet. They are extremely helpful when it comes to advice, better than any other group of car owners.