I have dealt with SAAB's for over 20 years and run 2, a convertible and a turbo 16s. I have sold several dozen and MOT'd more than I can remember.
They have always been very reliable though there are a lot of older less well cared for cars that do need a TLC period after purchasing but once over that period you should find them great fun and if you take depreciation and interest payments on a newer car into account - extremely good value.
The quirky design has meant that you either love it or loathe it though I have found more willing to love it as cars have become more mundane and similar. It also means it's hugely practical with a boot most cannot imagine, practical seating for four and a narrow shape that excels on country lanes. Headroom is excellent even with a sunroof and it's driving comfort is probably as good as any modern car. Equipment levels on turbo models are first class, with electric windows, sunroof, mirrors, cruise control, heated seats, headlamp washwipe etc etc. It is essentially a classic car that can be driven daily with confidence that won't cost the earth to run and can cause a stir in both young and old depending on the model. If you're used to driving something newish then you have to spend £4000 upwards to retain the feeling of newness in the driving and be prepared to maintain properly to keep that feeling. If you're on a budget anything from £500 upwards will make a decent mode of transport that will help you to stand out from the crowd, yes it's an old car but one with character and you can learn to love if you didn't already.
All the best Steve Lewis If you need any advice I can be located on the internet
My Sven is 20 years old this year and can only be described as pure sex on tyres... Love or hate the distinctly quirky styling, once you've driven the Saab 900 turbo DOHC you'll be begging for more and every other car will seem decidedly bland.
Now, I'm a girl and I don't really get all the engine stuff [that's why we put up with men :-)] so I'll give that a miss. I have had problems with brakes, and I'm having problems justifying the costs of getting through MOTs now, but I'd heartily recommend it as a second car or if you can do it justice in the maintenance/restoration stakes. I believe that this car should be considered a cult classic.
The beast is thirsty if driven as it should be, but it's a small price to pay for the thrill of the acceleration and the effortless cruising.
The 900 Turbo 16S Aero has a great body kit, cool wheels, fantastic styling and a great interior. Had a go in an old 1985 one that cost £500. Great in the dry, was getting 0-60mph in about 5 to 6 seconds (I think theres something wrong with it - should be slower.) Took it out in the rain as well and made the wheels spin all through 2nd, 3rd and a little in fifth gear!!! There's plenty of SAAB 900's like this one with 250k+ miles on the clock. The shape is strange, because the wind is directed around the sides of the car instead of up the windscreen and over the roof like a conventional car. This makes it really quiet (in terms of wind noise.) The heating system is good as well, it's all opperated via punamitics so when you adjust the controls it makes a cool hissing noise. Another wikkid feature is the needles on the dials, for a start they're bright yellow, then, when you switch on the igniton they flick up giving instant readings (looks really neat) Theres also the centre ignition, designed to lock the gear-leaver in reverse for security and when it's a cold morning you can switch on the car and take the key's out (so you can lock the door and leave the car to warm up) If you want great performance buy the 16v Turbo - If you want a nice convertable get the soft top - or if you just need a car to run and run buy the non-turbo. They're all good.
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