Saab 900 & 9000? Snog, marry, avoid?

[pompei]

My 9-3 is shortly to go (see previous posts) and I'm looking to replace it, possibly with a 900 or 9000. I think some people on here have had examples of these - good, bad or indifferent? And any views on early petrol 9-3's and 9-5's?

 

Thanks

[Spiny Norman]

I've got a 'proper Saab' 900, good cars but quite 'old' feeling for an everyday car. I like that, others may not.

It's a fun old bus, but the youngest is getting on for 20 years old now with all that entails, although they last well if the tinworm doesn't get them.

 

What are you wanting to know?

[Jon]

I bought a manual 2.0LPT 1996 9000 in 2006 for £1000 unseen on Ebay, with 92000 on the clock. Only tooled around in it briefly before passing it on to my then-girlfriend (now wife), who absolutely loved it, most probably because it had heated leather seats, was quiet and had a little bit of poke. Bought it pretty much because it was the biggest, most modern hatchback I could find for the price and seemed cheaper than equivalent aged estates. Seemed like a very grown up car to own at 25.

 

We ended up owning it for 4 years, by which time little things were starting to go wrong, like the broken switch for the electric driver's seat, etc. In memory we replaced the front springs, front tyres, clutch, fuel tank straps, exhaust back box and other small bits, though many were second hand, scored from ebay since little was available in local scrappies. IIRC we covered 60000 miles in it and were I living in the UK now would consider one again.

 

In conclusion: there are cheaper ways of tooling around but it's one of those cars you never need to justify to non-shite appreciators. Also far classier IMO than the '93-on 900s, yet also not as much of a land yacht as it may appear; the previous generation Mondeo was longer/taller and I've a feeling the pre-'93 900 was a touch longer too, though that could be bollocks.

[gadgetgricey]

Personally I'd go for a 9-5. Better ride than a 9-3 IMO and still with all the toys etc.

 

Join up to a forum like UKSaabs, and they have a load of technical help and also parts swaps etc from people who are breaking cars. Issues with 9-5's are the engine (nothing major then) The early engine breather kit would degrade and restrict oil flow to the engine. Check if its had an updated breather kit fitted, and also you might want to do a sump drop and oil feed clean for peace of mind.

The split heating can be a little temperamental as it has step motors to blend hot and cold air, and the arm can fail. Cheap fix but a bit of a git to get too.

 

Overall really nice car, and the ECU can be remapped quite easily for some quite large power gains.(2,0LPT from 150 > 220bhp), once again UKSaabs.

 

Problem with Saabs is, once you get bitten, one is not normally enough. Currently have a GM900 Convertible, an old Classic 900 Turbo, and a 9-5 Aero.

 

Lankytim on here is also driving an early 9-5 at the moment, so he may be along to give his opinions.

 

Good luck with the car hunting.

 

- Dave -

[skattrd]

I've got (and am currently selling) a classsic 900 Turbo, the full pressure 16s and to be honest when I got it I was disappointed. The handling felt a bit vague and performance was ok, but nothing special. Shortly after I got the 900 I got a Lancia Thema (series 3 LS turbo) the Thema handled better and was considerably quicker than the Saab. Yes the Lancia was tweaked and running a bigger than normal turbo, but it just felt better in every way than the Saab did. Ok, it's maybe not a fair comparison, but the 9000 is the same floorpan as the Thema. If I was looking for another Saab it would be a 9000, but it would need to be turbo and have decent suspension on them as I am led to believe the standard suspension on the 9000's is a bit wallowy.

I've recently been using my c900 again and I now like it more than I used to, it feels quick and the mid-range pickup is brilliant ..... It's my perspective that's changed, not the car

[peter9000uk]

Also with later Saabs make sure all the digital displays work properly! The ignition switches in the centre console can go a bit funny, normally because of bits of food, dirt and God knows what else can enter the switch. +1 on the breather mod, that is why you see so many for sale with "engine noisey". I had mine done by a local specialist as soon as I got it for around £300 including all the bits and an oil and filter change. DI ignition cartridges can go without warning as well. The 9000s I have had have felt a much better screwed together car than the 9-5, but all the Saabs I have owned (99GL, 2x9000 and 1 x 9-5) have been lovely cars. If I was to choose another 9000 it would definately have to be a turbo version as the non turbo one whilst a pleasant car to drive wasn't very exciting compared to the turbo one. If you decide on the 9-5 route try to get one with the upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo system! If performance is your bag then a standard HOT Aero is nice but Abbot Racing do a multitude of performance and handling upgrades for 9000s and 9-5s. You can quite easily surprise the local Subaru mob with a well sorted one (I know). One bloke couldn't believe how an "old man's car" had left him for dust in silence

[Rocket88]

900 is a fine car, manual gearbox is not noted for it's massive strength, and watch for under floor rot. Turbos are fun, not massively quick off the line, but mid range punch is a hoot.

[pompei]

Thanks everyone. I've arranged to see a couple of 9-5 Aeros and a 900 tomorrow.

[dollywobbler]

Saabs bore me (though I've only driven one 900 Turbo). It all went wrong after they stopped making two-strokes. They are fun!

 

900 - slightly quirky but ultimately not that engaging or comfortable to drive with rather too little suspension travel. 16v non-turbo surprisingly brisk.

9000 - a pretty good car to be fair, let down by lazy steering that often seems not connected to the front wheels (piss-poor turn in. Bluebird is hugely better in that regard).

9-5 - not bad but some plastic surfaces (especially that awful fake wood) let the quality side of things down. They do seem good value.

[Shep Shepherd]

^

The fake dashboard wood on the 9-5 is deeply distressing, but the overall competence of the model (especially in estate car form) more than makes up for it

[dollywobbler]

^

The fake dashboard wood on the 9-5 is deeply distressing, but the overall competence of the model (especially in estate car form) more than makes up for it

 

Makes Jordan seem quite natural.

 

I'd like to try a 9-5 manual. I've only driven a 2.3 LPT auto and that was utterly ruined by the bimbo-esque gearbox.

[Shep Shepherd]

^

My friend Ed has a 2002 9-5 2.0t manual estate and he really rates it:

 

 

His German Shepherd Dog and Dutch Herder seem to like being carried in it, too

 

However, I think that the series 1 Volvo V70 is a better car, as it has more luggage space and a more robust engine. Real wood on the dashboard in CD spec, too

[blakey79]

I had a 9000 CDE 2.0 Non turbo, i really rated it for the following.

 

A lot of car for the money

Exceedingly comfy

Torquey Engine

It was something out of the norm

 

Bought for a bargain £475, the clutch went and at the time I swapped it for a 1993 Mondeo Si, What a contrast, the saab 9000 is a good solid car, and good examples are still seen regularly....My Twopennefth worth.

[pompei]

I haz got 9-5 Aero saloon! Can't pick it up until seller sorts out the transfer of his plate, then we're off

[mharrell]

It all went wrong after they stopped making two-strokes. They are fun!

 

My '67 96 and I agree.

 

[Lankytim]

I love my 9-5, a few niggles needed sorting but its a great motor, pretty economical, fast, smooth and mega cheap to buy!

 

..and I actually love the faux walnut trim.