1990 SAAB 9000 CDi review from UK and Ireland
"Big solid reliable car that swallows high mileages effortlessly"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Not much considering I have done 135,000 miles in it in 4 years.
Original engine remains in good shape.
Tyres have been my main expense.
I have had 5 major services over the 4 years (a bit naughty there) and have spent about 1200 pounds in repairs in total - I took the car to an independent SAAB specialist who was far more effecient and much cheaper than the main dealer. Many replacement parts sourced from scrap yards etc to save money.
Electrics went a bit dodgy recently but managed to rewire it and repair it with bits from a scrap yard myself.
Only problem I couldn't resolve cheaply was that little light that comes on when you are sitting on the front seats without your seat belt - gave up when I got the main dealer costing to sort it out.
General comments?
This is the best built car I have ever owned and swallows high mileages effortlessly, with incredible mechanical reliability. Right up to 210,000 miles the car has not once let me down.
My dealer told me that the basic models with manual transmission are the most reliable. Turbo + auto boxes on these cars are to be avoided.
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| Looks the business, but is dynamically challenged |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 16v Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 75000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 210000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 518 |
| Date of Entry | 11th September, 2000 |