1991 SAAB 900 S from North America - Comments

Saab 900 #1: no maintenence applyed in 1 year of ownership before it headed to the junkyard.

Saab 900 #2:

Only standard maintentence thus far in 1 year of ownership:

front rotors and pads

front steering boot

new brake fluid

total bill, first maintenence and inspection, $360.

Saab 900 #1:

1989 900S hatch 2.1 non-turbo.

$800 klunker (purchased "very used") failed after a year when ball joint popped apart, fortunately at 15 mph. But in the year, I applied zero maintenence. The ball joint was making plenty of warning noise -- my fault for not attending to. Nevertheless, Saab 900 #1 very economical and an extraordinary hauler (hatch).

Saab 900 #2 (current one) :

1991 900S 4-door 2.1 non-turbo.

I am the third owner. First owner apparently took car of the car, including a new factory transmission at 130,000 miles. I can only assume engine seals were replaced at same time as engine has no leaks. Records from second owner who had the car about 5 years indicated ongoing maintenence including new starter, shocks, springs, tires, and a few other things. Along the way, someone installed a new headliner -- nice since originals all go bad. Prior experience with #1 told me paying the $1500 ask price would be a sound decision. Only drawback of car was bad paint -- lots of flaky clearcoat -- pretty ugly atop the usual debatable Saab 900 aesthetics. #2 is four door, leather interior, and amazingly, all features work including A/C, power sunroof, cruise, power locks, after market stereo, power windows. Interesting, it was imported directly from Sweden by the original owner, but does not seem to have any distinctive "grey market" features as often found in other "Euro" cars.

Background info complete, so how were/are they:

Extremely reliable/durable.

Minimal repairs and expenses in my two years experience.

Economical.

30+ mpg highway in manual non-turbo. #2 is consistently delivering 35 mpg in a mostly highway commute. That's keeping it at 55, coasting in neutral downhill, and using 10W-30 synthetic oil.

Great engines.

#1, with 170,000+ miles (odomoter broken) used maybe a quart of oil every 4000-5000 miles. #2 even better. A quart every 7500 miles.

Comfort/handling.

OK. I've had lots of cars, and the Saabs are middle of the road. A Mercedes of similar vintage simply rides and handles better, IMO.

Looks.

Dated and on the ugly side, IMO. But I do like the distinctiveness of the look. Those not in the know must wonder "what's that thing?"

Power.

OK. Unimpressive acceleration. But, superb holding speed up steep grades, to me way more important than jack-starts off the line.

Overall.

Brilliant value for the money as used one seem to go really cheap compared to other cars of the same vintage in the same original price range. Minimal repairs and low repair bills in my experience thus far. Excellent economy. Distinctive, if a bit ugly looks. I have owned many older cars purchased used; Saab 900 is at or near the top of the heap. Needless to say, a used Saab, like any other, should be checked out carefully before purchase -- previous maintenence always the key.

Question to any readers.

How about the 9000. Are they reliable and economical if you get the 5-speed 2.3? Seems like an interesting car that may have most of the advantages of the 900 in a higher-end package.

Go with a 9-3 Turbo & you'll love it.

Make sure to change oil every 3k miles and better still, use synthetic oil as well!

I like the looks of the 1999 - 2003 convertibles the best.

Not ugly at all - very attractive styling!!!