1998 Saab 900 Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
The mid 90's were the golden age of automobiles, as at the same time certain technologies became mature and perfected, body styling was radically freshened, and widespread cost-cutting not yet in effect. This Saab is a great example, with an enduring beauty to the body, a bulletproof I4, and excellent seats/cabin. Reliability is not bad. I'll speak from experience and avoid generalizations. My breakdowns are just a fuel pump (my fault, neglected filter) and clutch cable failure (known issue, carry a spare. 8 years on mine now, maybe problem is fixed). ORIGINAL water pump, alternator, and timing chain - you save much money because you don't need these often-prescribed preemptive maintenence jobs! Other facts: 32 MPG total for me. Huge trunk, wagon-like load bay. Paint never faded under Carolina sun! MPG computer actually correct, and speedo dead accurate! I understand these cars sell very cheaply now...gotta say it's a fantastic value if you snag a good one. You can try general mechanics if you can convince them to take it on, it's just a basic 4cyl, 5sp, OBD1, FWD sedan when it comes down to it.
VS
Critical Review
Nice car, tight fit in front seats & rear. Not much power. heavy safe car.Don't pay over 2500.00 for one even in mint shape. they have a low resale value due to the outdated style.1500.00 for one are all over the net... They also rust inside out near the rocker/door. this is when you should low ball the seller. Buy a non turbo (boring mommy model) easy to fix yourself. expect a common no start issue with the saab spark control system. Also, expect the car rattle..My 90 honda accord is a nicer more dependable ride. this is a good 2nd or spare vehicle.expect to put money into it after 112,oo miles. power windows & sid screen go then the heater core. a back yard mechinic can do it in 4 hours & a saab tech can do it in 2 hours..the tech gets 850.00 dollars for it. good luck..if you can't fix a car don't buy a used one over 112,ooo miles...These are okay fun little car/also, if you have a convertable the top will fail at 150,oo0 miles..Three friends have had this happen...1,200 repAIR..UNLESS YO BY PAS THE UNIT AND DO IT MANUAL...
1998 900 Reviews
Showing 8 of 164 reviews.
Different, reliable, comfortable very affordable
Be an enthusiast, parts need to be ordered online
I've owned this car for more than 22 years. It still puts a smile on my face every time I get in it. This particular car has been exceedingly reliable and only taken regular oil changes, tires & brakes. I also replaced the rubber engine & transmission mounts and strut bearings at 120 k. The engine hasn't had any work since new. Even the remote locking and alarm still work. I love the 5 speed manual. Mechanical parts are readily available for the most part but some need to be ordered Saab parts specialist. This is my 2nd Saab, my family has owned 4 and we still daily drive 2. These may not be everyone's cup of tea but compared to new cars they are wonderfully built and comfortable.
Fun to drive, smooth handling, great styling
Some electrical issues,leather seats easily damage
2.3 non turbo model, I’ve owned this vehicle for years. These vehicles ride great, very good handling. Engine and transmission is reliable. Only issues I’ve encountered are some slight electrical problems. I’m an ASE master technician and I enjoy working on this vehicle, the vehicle is very well designed. If you keep up with maintenance this vehicle will treat you with many years of great enjoyment. Overall I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a smaller vehicle that is fun to drive. It also helps to be familiar with euro. Vehicle needs.
great value for a used car. safe. dependable. grea
NO CUPHOLDERS! Car must be in R to remove key.
I purchased my 97 Saab in 2015 with only 68000 miles on it. I drove it all over Maui and Oahu. I am selling it now as I leave Hawaii to transfer to the mainland. Sadly it costs more (2300) to ship this car than it is worth or I would take to the mainland. However once I get to the mainland...I am looking for a Saab with the same features that mine has. 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. 5 speed.
Fun To drive. Good pep for a 4cyl
not Great on Gas for a 4cyl Parts harder to find
I have a 97 saab 900s Auto Conv . Have had mine for 2 yrs. Only issue in that time the serpentine belt had to be replaced. Other then that the car ,has been a fun car,and true grinder! 20 yrs young and shes still grinding! Everyone wants me to dump her because parts are becoming harder to find,but im not! Ill drive her til either the car or me dies!
Drives well, sharp handling, comfortable, roomy
Some parts hard to find, as she is now an orphin
First120K.......................................... new catalytic converter .... new ignition switch .... usual tires and brakes ................................. 120K and beyond....................................... usual tires, batteries and brakes and serpentine belts.... rack and pinion steering (seal leak).... Leaky CV joint boot (repaired, 8 years ago) .... exhaust system , twice ? .... Original cap, rotor and wires .... all coolant hoses - original .... Alternator brushes and the a rebuilt alternator .... Starter motor .... side window rollers .... usual bulbs .... She has never left me sitting
Great fun car
Possiblly pricey to repair
This car is my daily driver and I love the way it drives and handles. The convertable top is wonderful, and I could not be happier with this vehicle.
FUN!, safe, very reliable!
Expensive to repair at dealerships, go local, DYI
My second Saab, the first was an '86 900 - non turbo lasted "only" 330,000 miles. My '98 900SE Coupe lasted over 340,000 miles before being written off last week after being rear-ended and pushed into the ditch and rocks and trees. The car was AMAZING! Sturdy, safe and incredibly reliable. I made a few mods, enlarged the air intake, installed a stainless steel exhaust system, and put in a manual boost override to improve turbo spool-up. Dropped the suspension an inch, put on Koni shocks and a sturdier sway bar and 17 inch rims with 215x17-45 tires Repairs were few and far between -- new brakes shoes on the front about every 120,000 miles - (NEVER turn the disks LOL.) one clutch at about 225,000 miles, water pump at about 230,000, a new, larger capacity alternator at about 290,000 and new steering bushings at 310,000 miles. Turbocharger was original and still operating well at 340,000 miles Oil was changed (full synthetic every 10,000 miles. With the increased engine output and the suspension mods, the car was lively, very fast off the mark, and had excellent road-holding. Excellent road-holding, brakes and acceleration made for a very safe and responsive car. The car was always garaged, washed and often enough to keep salt and road grime to a minimum -- and had no rust after 16 years and 340,000 miles. The leather interior was cleaned and leather treatment applied about every 3 - 4 years. Seats were original and not torn or split at 340,000 miles -- not even the driver's seat!
Safe, strong, clean
No cup holders in mine lol
This is my second car as I am 16. I drove automatic before and hated it, I bought a stick car because I've always wanted to learn and are more dependable to an extent, I love how it tells you when to shift and how airplane like the interior is, so much went into this car on cosmetics it's very well built, and to speak of the engine the stock turbo is amazing, it dusted my friends civic. I am very satisfied but I must say dependability is a little low in my experience, i had to replace the shifting pin the first day I had it..$140 for the part plus labor. I will also have to replace the hatch lining because of a hole rusted through the spare tire slot, it's a less than 100 dollar cost if we do it ourselves, I hope my views on this change, all in all I love my Saab, much better than the sorry excuse of a sunfire I had;p, great car inside and out.
