1986 SAAB 900 S from North America - Comments

Anything that can go wrong has gone wrong.

Head gasket,

Valves.

Valve cover gasket.

Rack and pinion.

Callipers.

Transmission problems and a bunch of others.

That's with oil changes every 2,000 miles, no punishing driving, and regular check ups every six months.

It runs great when I can find a mechanic who knows how to service them correctly, but with the exception of a man I found about a year ago I've had nothing but idiots. Especially the local SAAB dealership. It's the most fun car I've ever owned. I just wish I had the money for a better one.

I love my 1986 900 Turbo Convertible! Bought it on the US West Coast in early 2000, already with 145k miles on it. Over a 9 month period, drove it up and down the West Coast, then across the continent to the US East Coast during a 15k-mile trip (car now has a bit over 160k miles total).

Problems? Had to replace 3 fuses and repair the driver's side power window motor. That's it. Otherwise, just kept good oil and gas in it, and drove happy as can be!

Took every windy, back road I could find.

Strong, fast, powerful, truly awesome vehicle. Having more fun with this SAAB than I had with my previous car, a Porsche.

My 86 SAAB 900 is a blast! The parking brake callipers gave me some trouble (but hey, I'm not above stickin it in first when I park). Other than that, the machine is a TANK. It was my first car at 17 years old, and god... I just can't bust it! SAAB's rule!

I have had my Saab 900 for 5 years now and have no complaints. When I got it there was 140k miles. The odometer is broken, but I guess I have near to 200k on it now, at least. It still runs like a top. With sensible routine maintenance and regular tune-ups one can expect a long, long life out of a Saab.

In a related story, my friends mom just got a new engine put in her 1984 Saab. It hit a million. I hope I am that lucky. I also have a friend that survived a serious accident directly to his door. He was in a '96 Saab. I will always have a Saab.

Commenting the coment above, I had a friend who owned a 1986 saab hacth. It was great car. It never had any problems as far as I knew. One day while traveling down a two lane 50 mph road. He was hit, head on by a Ford F-250 going over 55 mph. He was going about 45-50 when the crash happened. The man in the truck died, but my fiend lived. thanks to saab.

It's year six with my '86 900,3 door hatchback, 8 valve, non turbo, and I would not think of getting rid of her. There is something about driving a classic Saab that cannot be explained in these short lines. The security, the comfort of the interior, as well as the simplicity of the instrument panels. The manual shifter is close to the seats, which makes a large passenger feel self conscious, but this car is made for driving, and to enjoy the driving experience. Front Calipers, shocks and a sensitive transmission in reverse are quirks, but this car has all the handling of a race car! getting on 200 000 Kilometers, no engine or transmission problems... My Saab 900 Always turns heads. Its more than an obsession: my 1986 Saab 900 S.

Where are you? If you happen to be in Southern California, try Swedish-American. Chuck, the owner, has worked on my various Saabs (the real thing, no GM trash) for the past 25 years and I am one happy customer.

I love my 1986 900s. I am the original owner. I call her Betsy and she is a TANK. The car has 133,000 miles on it. It has rust on the sides of the hood, but other than that she is fine. I hope to have it painted this year.