1993 SAAB 900 S from North America - Comments

Head gasket blew at 75,000 miles.

Valve cover gasket blew at around 75,500 miles.

Transmission blew at around 77,000 miles.

Very poor performance (slow acceleration)

Don't buy this car!

I bought my car for $6500 in August of 2003. It drove fine for 6 months or so, and then all of the trouble began. It started with a slight oil leak, and when all was said and done I paid $3000 to essentially rebuild the engine. (Repair costs are much higher for Saabs) Then, just when I thought that I had the car running well, the transmission died on me. I was told it would cost up to $2500 to rebuild the transmission, so I cut my losses and got rid of the car. It was a total nightmare of a car experience.

I have a 1993 Saab 900S which I purchased new. It now has 223,000 miles and is still in wonderful condition. Other than minor maintenance items, it has run great since the day I bought it. This was the last year of the classic Saab body style and was an extremely well designed and well built car.

I've had 3 Saab 900's of this vintage... Excellent cars and very unique.

As long as Saab's are maintained they are bomb proof, and though the parts can be expensive they last!!! only problems I've had with mine were 'consumable' parts, tires, brake pads etc. It's a shame you have had a bad experience with yours - possibly down to poor maintenance by previous owners? I've always had Saab's I know where I stand with them especially when it comes to safety - They have been referred to as 'Slabs'. 180k and counting...

I'm very sorry to hear of your misfortune. I have a '93 900 with 230K miles and counting...again, the only problems I've had were the catalytic converter rusting out and an idler pulley that seized. Parts can be expensive, but they are comparable to any foreign car. I suggest finding a private mechanic to keep labor costs down.

June 2008 - 1993 saab 900 s 3d hatchback - this is my second saab, the first one I totalled and I'm alive to talk about it. that's how strong and safe a saab is. 120k and in wonderful condition. I take good care of it with regular maintenance etc.

Jed - ct/usa.