Used Saab 9000

What to know before buying: Saab 9000

From 4 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• After eight years and 225,000 km, an owner of a 1991 2.3 Turbo praised its space, speed, reliability and comfort, rating reliability 9/10 and both handling and comfort 10/10.[5]one source
• An owner of a 1997 2.0 Turbo likewise highlighted the car's exceptional comfort after restoring its suspension.[3]one source
• Fuel-economy reports vary: owners cited roughly 8.5–10 l/100 km for two-litre cars in normal use, while another reported about 11.5 l/100 km.[5]one source
• Owners describe the 9000 as an excellent car but advise finding the best-preserved example possible, with body condition treated as the main priority.[2]one source

Typical faults

• On a 1997 2.3T, the first cold crank progressively slowed and eventually became starter clicks; contributors suspected sticking brushes or a worn starter-shaft bushing.[1]one source

  1997–1997 · 2.3T

• A 1997 2.0 Turbo had intermittent central locking and inoperative hazard lights; suggested causes included the control unit, relay and cracked solder joints.[3]one source

  97 400–97 400 km · 1997–1997 · 2.0 Turbo 150 PS

• A 1990 2.0 16V Turbo stalled when the clutch was depressed or neutral selected after acceleration; several components were checked, but the supplied discussion did not establish the cause.[6]one source

  1990–1990 · 2.0 16V Turbo

• Another 9000 idled at 1,100–1,200 rpm after starting on both petrol and LPG and showed lambda and mixture codes; vacuum leaks, the IAC and dirty contacts were suspected.[4]one source
• The owner of a 1991 2.3 Turbo reported V-belt tensioning and a vacuum valve among repairs by 225,000 km.[5]one source

  117 000–225 000 km · 1991–1991 · 2.3 Turbo

Which engine and version to take

• The strongest positive engine evidence is for a 1991 2.3 Turbo: eight years of use, 225,000 km and a 9/10 reliability rating.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test the first cold start: the starter should crank evenly, without a major voltage drop, sluggish rotation or clicking.[1]one source
• Operate the central locking, hazard lights and other electrics; intermittent behavior may point to relays, a control unit or solder joints.[3]one source
• Inspect the body carefully for perforation and paint bubbles; owners identify body condition as the principal buying criterion.[2]one source
• Verify that the engine, turbo, ignition and ECU match the car's specification: one 1994 2.3T had its turbo and DI cassette removed and its systems modified.[2]one source
• During the test drive, depress the clutch after accelerating and observe the idle; the engine should neither stall nor remain at an abnormally high speed.[6][4]
• Inspect the headlamp reflectors and lenses: the owner of a 1997 car reported poor lighting, and contributors advised checking these parts.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]saabclub.by — Проблема с первым стартом Saab 9000 (Страница 1) · forum
2. [2]saabnet.ru — Восстановление Сааб-9000 94г. (Страница 1 из 2) · forum
3. [3]motor-talk.de — Saab 9000 2.0 ND Probleme · forum
4. [4]saabclubserbia.rs — saab 9000 problem sa ler gasom - · forum
5. [5]cars.cz — Auto recenze Saab 9000 · press
6. [6]foorumi.saabclub.fi — 9000 problemo, sammuilee - Foorumi – Saabclub.fi · press

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