Blown engine - threw the #4 piston
faulty SID
trunk latch
electrical problem - unexplained power loss
seat belts don't function properly -
typical wear and tear - brakes, muffler.
I have owned SAABs exclusively for the past 20 years. This model is severely underpowered. Although a turbo with manual transmission, the car drives like a dog. You need to turn off the AC to keep momentum on a hill or for passing.
SID died within first few years of ownership. I had the oil changed every 5,000 miles (synthetic oil). No diagnosis and no warning when engine blew.
I wouldn't go more than 3000 miles between oil changes, even though I use synthetic. Especially with todays high performing 4 cylinder turbos in Saabs.
Just wanted to add that the engine fitted in your car is American - it's GM work, so I wouldn't classify it as a fault of Saab; I would rather go with the 2.0, 2.3 Turbos - the typical Scandinavian engines.
It sounds like your particular car suffers from lack of proper maintenance. This "model" is not underpowered--quite the contrary and the fact that it was necessary for you to "turn off the AC to keep momentum on a hill or for passing" should tell you that there are serious underlying problems with your vehicle and that you probably shouldn't be driving. The 9-5 3.0t's documented and published performance specifications are not consistent with your record.
The engine fitted in the car is made buy Opel, not GM. GM owns both companies. It is actually a great motor.
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