Used Saab Reliability Posts
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Popular Questions
How are 2000 Saab 9.3 turbos for reliability? I'm considering a used 2000 saab 9.3 turbo. Its a convertible and is a great looking car. Is been garaged and in good shape with 74K on it. My concern is its an automatic with a turbo. Vovo had some turbo problems, anyone know how Saab is? thanks,

Slipsauce replied: "As just regularly ignored reccomendations for turbos, let them cool down before you turn the car off. aside from that they are usually alright. The things with a SAAB is that no matter what, if they break, they cost a ton to fix. I think the cars that they had a lot of problems with is 03 when they started switching around the body style."

Pedro S replied: "im very afraid of used turbos...people need to change oil EVERY 3000 miles and let it idle for 30 secound before shutting off...people are lazy... a 2000? with 100,000 or more...i se a 3000 dollar new turbo in ur future"

Saab 2004 convertible reliability?!? hey i was thinking about getting a used 2004 saab convertible, either an arc or aero (preferably aero). I have read both unbelievable praise AND horror stories about the 2004 saab convertibles. does anybody have a 2004 saab cvonvertible and if so how many problems does it have and how reliable is it? thanks so much.

saab_9_3 replied: "The Saab 9-3 sedan was remodeled in 2003, and the convertible followed in 2004. This is the first model year of the current car (which got a pretty major update between 2007 and 2008 model years). Unfortunately, being the first model year this car has more problems than the previous model year (2002) and the later model years (2005 onward). In particular, this car has a lot more electrical problems than the later year model cars. For example, I bought a 2006 Saab 9-3, now have 42,000 miles, and never ever had a problem. A Friend of mine owned the 2004 convertible you are talking about, and after 60,000 miles recently sold it and purchased a Infiniti instead. Problems he had were issues with the heads up display and problems with the ignition - both electrical issues. In the case of the heads up display, I discovered that the cable connecting the display to the computer was disconnected - a simple fix that cost him nothing since I knew what I was doing. In the case of the ignition, the ignition had to be replaced and cost a few hundred dollars. So, if the model year you are talking about, it is probably going to be more problematic than other model years by Saab concerning the convertible. Good luck with it."

considering purchasing a used Saab...? i am interested in purchasing a Saab 9-2x, but know very little about Saabs in general. any input you can offer regarding the following (for this specific model, or saabs in general is fine too) would be very much appriecated: - SAFETY/reliability - gas mileage - do Saabs require premium gas? - are repairs/routine maintenance more costly than american cars? - comfort over long drives - are they fun to drive? - any other info you think i would need to know basically, should i invest in this car? thank you in advance! =)

Stumpy replied: "I purchased an 03 9-3 and it was one of the worst cars I ever owned. Electrical problems, the turbos require premium fuel, repairs are very high (the dealership wanted $100 for an oil change!). They used to be much better cars until GM bought them out and basically turned them into a glorified Chevy (this was an actual quote from one of the service techs I got to know quite well from all the times it had to be brought in for service-I'm SO lucky it was all under warranty). As far as the 9-2x, they are the same as a Subaru, so if you're really interested in this particular car I'd look at the history of the Subaru Impreza, I believe it is. I think the only thing Saab about the 9-2 is the position of the ignition key and a few cosmetic details, otherwise it is not built by Saab/GM."

Alex W replied: "I just bout a Saab 900 as my first car. It's nice but I think my parents like it more than I do. They dont require premium gas. It's very comfortable when taking long trips and it usually gets around 23-24 MPG highway and around 17-18 MPG city but keep in mind that it is a 98'. Saabs have a lot of extra features, some that you'll use and some that you wont. But I especially like the seat warmer, the sport mode (basically gives you more acceleration), and the winter mode (a lot easier to drive on snow). I dont want to say yes or no whether you should buy the car because I dont know the model but I hope this was helpful."

donman7777777 replied: "I owned a 9-2x 2.5i for a short period of time, so I can provide a lot of information on that model. I ended up going back to a 9-3 because I missed the driving feel and comfort of a true Saab. This is not to knock the 9-2x at all, because it is a fine Japanese car. As mentioned before, it is really a Subaru Impreza, with different body panels, some extra sound deadening material, and a standard rear spoiler. If you take a look under the flap of the center console ashtray-type compartment, you'll see the Subaru name and logo printed right on it :) This said, talking about Saabs in general doesn't really apply. You do get a better warranty (4 year) and service included for the first 2 years. Other than that you'd be better off considering Subaru's reputation. It is a safe car (5 star crash rating). The boxer engine makes good power for a SOHC setup (176 hp), and will be more than adequate for most situations. It is a very reliable engine, and has been around for a long time so the kinks are mostly worked out. The AWD is nice to have in some conditions, but it's not the ultimate inclement weather beater that most people consider it to be - it helps get you moving but that's about it. You'll get decent mileage, close to 30 mpg on the highway. You don't need premium gas with this engine. Overall it provides a moderate fun factor and a lot of practicality to go along with it. As far as cons, the seats are not too comfortable over long distances. After a couple of hours you will really start to feel it. If you go to the Saab dealer for repairs, once you are out of warranty you will be paying quite a bit for it. I'd recommend finding a reputable private Subaru mechanic after that and you should be fine. I owned a 5-speed manual, but I have heard that the automatic transmission has some annoying issues with deciding when and where to shift. The interior is very, well, Japanese, which could be good or bad depending on what you like. The key slot is NOT in a different position as previously mentioned, it's right on the steering column as with the Impreza. So, if you're looking for reliable and practical with a side of fun, I'd say go for it! P.S. I have to disagree with the comments above on the 9-3... though it shares the GM Epsilon platform with cars such as the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura, that is pretty much all it shares with them. Not even close to being a "glorified Chevy". They recommend using premium fuel, but the engine management system is smart enough to handle lower grades if you feel the need to save 3 or 4 bucks on a fill-up. The 2003 was the first year for the new 9-3 model so I'm sure there were some bugs, as with most new model releases."

LoveMySaab9-5 replied: "I own three Saab's a 9-5 a 9-2x and a 9000 the Saab 9-2x is a great car to drive it is a trip car but not for four people I drive it from Chicago to Milwaukee all the time I love it because it is a awd car it grips the road like a glove the repairs are costly but there are very few repairs I do all the work that I can and I change my oil so it is a lot cheaper to drive three cars that way. the 9000 was built by gm and it is going strong at 246057 miles the 9-5 is a 2000 and has 104469 mile the 9-2x is a 2005 and it has 45000 the gas is good for a aero at 17, 21 after all it does do 0-60 in about 6-2 seconds. Subaru make the same car and it is a little more expensive but the Saab is beautiful in a out the sound is great and the safety is great in all three rear front and side i would buy another but I have no need for four cars. They don't require premium gas but if you have the extra 20 cents then buy because it will have about 5-8 more horsepower buy the saab just make sure that the car has had a good owner"

Kyle replied: "The 9-2X was made by Subaru and re badged as a Saab. they did some little things to make it more Saab like. But it is not a Saab."

Are Saab 9 3 cars comfortable and reliable used cars? Looking at late 90's models and am wondering about reliability, luxury/ride comfort. Thanks

Sven S replied: "Yes, they are great cars. Saabs will run over 200,000 miles. From my experience, the 9-3 is very reliable, however parts can be a little pricey if something goes wrong. The 9-3 is sporty when you want it to be, luxurious when you want it to be, and is just a great all-around car. The only way to know if YOU like it is to test drive the car. Check out some of these sites, you might want to read other people's reviews of the car as well: I hope that helps - good luck!"

Saab cars... pros and cons? Can anyone give some list of pros and cons when it comes to Saab cars (like used coupes and sedans??) Something about reliability, gas mileage, longevity, driving, braking, turning, engine, interior, looks (although I know Saabs are not "eye candy head turning vehicles", maintenance (as in finding new parts and mechanics), and anything else...

John Paul replied: "New saab are GM cars you can buy a Saturn or Holden or Opel. Older SAAB cars are quirky almost german in some ways and english in others. The best way I can describe front wheel drive motor company that started out with two stroke motor cars in the early 60's."

hondapilot4me replied: "Pros for used Saabs include: depreciation. Since they depreciate far faster than comparable BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes, you can get a used one relatively inexpensive. Fuel economy. Most Saabs are 4-cylinder turbocharged engines, so they average about 30 MPG overall; not bad for a luxury car. Uniqueness. In most major cities, you see plenty of Lexuses, Infinitis, BMWs, Audis, and Benzes. Saabs and Volvos are far less common and therefore more unique. Safety. Saab has an excellent safety reputation. Cons: Turbocharged Engines. The turbocharged engines in Saabs are more complex, and therefore more expensive to repair. They also tend to require premium fuel. Repair costs. Repair costs on Saabs can be astronomically high compared with a Honda or Toyota. Before buying a used one, I recommend finding a competent independent Saab mechanic that you trust. And that's pretty much all I can think of. used Saabs are excellent deals, provided you find one with an impeccable maintenance record that has had a loving owner."

buck replied: "every thing that the other responses cover are true. A few things to add: Make sure that when buying a Saab you check the service records that the previous owner has. I know that for each Saab there are some main issues (99'-03") that the car will have no matter what. SID display, heater core, engine sludge, and so on. Estimate on replacing a heater core is 2100$ at the dealer. SID is 500$. Engine sludge = new engine. Also a Saab that runs fully synthetic is always gonna be better. Most of the engine sludge problems have been regular oil and not maintained very well. I would suggest going to and reading up before you buy the car you look at. If you didn't get the point.. Saab's are expensive to fix. Your looking at 130 per hour shop rate."

baltus replied: "Just a few words: The Saab automobile company of Sweden was started after the World War 2. In a short time it got an excellent reputation. As a small factory they were in the long run not able to compete on price, and unhappily it ended up as a GM car. There is not much back of the first class reputation, and has ended up - by now - as an more ordinary American car."

dusty_guy107 replied: "saab its born from jets"

nigelshiftright replied: "driving---great reliability---spotty, average, mediocre at best gas mileage--decent longevity -- not so good. It's a great car to ditch at 80K maintenance -- depends on what you're doing yourself. Most mechanics hate these cars and wont' work on them, so you are dependent on specialists alone, not your corner mechanic. other things-- very bad depreciation. Verdict? If you can buy one off lease for cheap, and plan to get rid of it before 100K miles, it can be a good deal; otherwise, if you can't meet those criteria (low price, trade in at 80K), then it's a risky car. Saabs earned a reputation from their eccentricity and basic toughness, but the name is much over-rated and it has never been a particularly reliable automobile."

Matthew M replied: "The few cons are the repair costs and the fact a Volvo will last longer and has simular Swedeness stiff head restraints odd placement of controls especially locks does not give you the option of All Wheel drive outside of that their apearence isn't for everyone."

What year(s) did Saab have the sludge problem w/it's engines and what was the cause of this? I hear so much about what engine is the best out of the three Saab has/had offered, being the 2.3 the oldest of the bunch I guess. Everyone seems to use the synthetic oil instead of conventional.Reason? Are the oil passages that narrow that you need something as thin as water to keep this engine from turning into a mud pool? I'd love to get a 03-04 Aero, I don't care much for the re-designed interior and headlight treatment on the new model. The interior is more cheap (GM) looking than the more aircraft inspired interior of the later models. Maintenance costs and reliability- dieing on me in traffic due to a failed DI cassette seems unheard of in car costing this much money due to a simple spark failure. This gives me caution to pursue a Saab purchase, but I like the car more than any other 4 door sedan in it's price range for some strange reason. (Used prices of course) Please inform. Thanks!!

saab_9_3 replied: "A bunch of engines have sludge problems but it is not only Saab. According to the Center for Auto Safety all of the following engines have the sludge problem from Saab: 1998-2003 SaabH engine B205/B235I4 1998-2003 Saab 9-5 B235 2.3 L 1999 Saab Viggen B235 2.3 L 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 B205 2.0 L 2000-2003 Saab 9-3 convertible B205 2.0 L Here are the other brands that have issues - note that Toyota has extensive issues as well: 1998-2002 Chrysler2.7 L LHV6 2001-2002 Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring 1998-2002 Dodge Intrepid/Chrysler Concorde 1996-2001 Toyota3.0 L 1MZV6 August 1996-July 2001 Toyota Camry June 1998-May 2001 Toyota Camry Solara July 1997-May 2001 Toyota Sienna July 1996-May 2001 Toyota Avalon November 2000-July 2001 Toyota Highlander August 1998-July 2001 Lexus ES300 January 1998-July 2001 Lexus RX300 1996-2001 Toyota5SFEI4 August 1996-July 2001 Toyota Camry June 1998-May 2001 Toyota Camry Solara August 1996-April 1999 Toyota Celica 1997-2004 VolkswagenVW 1.8tI4 1997-2004 Audi A4 1.8t 1998-2004 Volkswagen Passat 1.8t So it is not limited to Saab. To futher explain the H engine (the first Saab engine listed), here is a further explanation: The H engine was introduced in 1981 in the Saab 900 and was also used in the Saab 99 from 1982 onwards and the Saab 90. It continued in use in the 900/9-3, 9000, and 9-5. The 2003 Epsilon based 9-3 switched to the GM Ecotec, leaving the 9-5 as the sole user of the H engine. The last model year for this family of engines will be 2009. Essentially, in 2003 the Saab 9-3 went to a newer GM Ecotec engine on the redeisgn, so the oil sludge problems were eliminated on all 9-3 cars that year except for the convertible which stuck with the older engine for one more year before switching over. The old engine that has sludge problems dates back to 1972 on the Saab B engine (also listed above) which was an exclusive Saab/Scania design when Saab bought Scania. Unfortunately, the engine out of that merger was pretty bad - the worst thing is that GM still sells it today in the ancient 9-5. Note that care of these engines if done right will prevent sludge, but it is just harder to maintain those engines. You did not mention which model you are looking at, but I am hoping this laundry list of all the engines with potential problems will help you."

Tashfeen Qayyum replied: "Great reply from my other friend. However, some time I feel that the space given here is not enough to give a proper reply. Please send me an email with your email address and then I can send to you some more details about the sludge problem which Saab had. I am driving a 04 9-5 Aero, I renewed the lease on it today and bought extended warranty for it for 3 years 50,000 kilometers, and this is my 4th Saab fromm 1995 onwards. Great car, no major issues, oil changes at 10,000 kilometers using synthetic Mobil 1 all the way. D.I Cassette failures do not happen everyday plus do not keep listening to people who use the wrong spark plugs instead of the recommended ones just to save a few dollars. I do not like the new facelift and the interior either, it is too bland. Let me have your email and I will send to you all the deatils on sludge."

mjmik1 replied: "saab was the best before gm got involved"

Should I buy a 2001 SAAB 9-5 w/ 101k mi. for $5.5-7.5k? It's in good condition...? I'm a die-hard SAAB lover and very concerned about the safety of vehicles. I want a super-safe car, but am limited by funds. The car looks beautiful, and has been tremendously loved by its previous owner. It has new brakes, new tires, and service records for at least the past three years. It's a 9-5 SE V6. The only reason I ask is that I'm concerned about the reliability. I've checked edmunds.com and other spots for customer reviews, and I've noticed that the reviews for the V6 have been more reliable. The engine had a moderate layer of dirt on it; but I doubt it's a sign of anything because it's from an area with mostly dirt roads. The autocheck shows it's had 4 owners, but only 20k mi. unaccounted for, and that was the second owner after it was a fleet car. Also, I was wondering, what's the best way to bargain down the price? It's $7.5k, but I'd be willing to pay $5.5k for it. They're pricing it using NADA book, which is always thousands higher than prices on edmunds. Should I just show them the edmunds price report? Anyway, thanks in advance to anyone who helps me out. (P.S.: Please, if you're just going to say basically, "SAABs suck and you shouldn't buy that crap," then don't post. I need real answers that are backed up with real data.) Just as a side note, the car is being sold private party. The guy doesn't really know much about it even though he owns it. Example: he thinks it's a German car.

Any thoughts on 2002 Saab 9-3? Tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly....Maintenance costs/upkeep/reliability? I found one I really like (test driving tomorrow) and it's in my price range, but I want to know if it will go to 150K+ like a honda/toyota/nissan will? I've spoke to some independent parts/maintenance people, and they say care is not as pricey as it used to be. If anyone has any info, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

DmanLT replied: "Get it. They're hot. They're riliable. Very solidly built. Plus they got the prestige factor, and some nice acceleration. So get one before GM totally messes them all up by sharing their piece of crap GM parts bin with them... Think SAAB SUV... 2002 is still a SAAB more or less. Can't promise you that for long tho."

brentml22 replied: "ive heard they are not very reliable, alot of money for a subpar car"

dwalkercpa replied: "i had a 9-3 arc (the mid-level model) and absolutely loved it. that little 2 liter, 4 cylinder, turbo charged baby screamed and with the six-speed - what a blast to drive. i could cruise at 90mph and get 30 mpg. i had a couple of problems with the electric windows, but those were covered by warranty. the disk brakes actually had GM stamped on them. i'd get another one in a heartbeat."

hvandyk82 replied: "So my fiance is a technician, and is telling me that Saab's are terrible to work on, parts are outrageous, and even though they are cute little cars they dont run forever. Nothing will. The only upside is the Swedish engineering is a plus for speed and stability if thats what your going for. Try a Toyota, they last a very long time, repairs and parts a affordable and there new models are neat."

hartnessracer replied: "Theres a saab stry behind every one good luck finding anyone who wants to work on it."

Chad D replied: "Oh yea, Saabs are awful. Bunch of junk. And the old ones are even worse. That must be why my 20 year old 900 has 280,000 miles on it and still runs like a champ, doesn't burn and oil and gets 33 mpg on the highway. Oh and Saab parts are like insanely expensive. Why AutoZone charges $150 for a alternator for a 2002 9-3. Whereas AutoZone will sell you an alternator for a 2002 Toyota Camery for a platry $172. Why that's a savings of minus $22! And then there's those silly turbos. Everyone knows they are a flakey part that's prone to failure if not babied. Did I mention my 280,000 car still has the original turbo and makes a healthy 12 lbs of boost? Did I? Here's the deal. With proper maintance the car should have no problems exceeding 150,000 miles. If you like the way it drives then buy it. And you should get a good value as some many people are put off their value plumets for the first 3-4 years, price wise this is the perfect time to be looking at a 2002. Or you can be like my firend who looked at and loved the 9-3 but was so afriad of its undeserved reputation that he chickend out and bought a Honda Accord. Did I mention the transmission on his Accord ate itself at 84,000 miles? Did I?"

aj replied: "i have a 2003 9-3 (for what it's worth). LOVE IT. no problems. i'm at 60k miles and the thing has had 3 oil changes and that is it. fun, fast, stylish, luxurious feeling, safe."

bahn replied: "I don't have a 9-3, but I do have a 9-5, I have had great service out of it. It has 183k miles. It has been very reliable, a friend liked mine so well he bought one too. Find a good service facility or you won't be satisfied. I took mine to an independant shop for an alignment and they damaged my car, My friend took his to the shop and they overfilled the oil, and it blew a front sill, I also have a old 9000, which is a good car, hit a deer and only did minor damage. I do most of my own repairs to avoid the incompetant local repair shops, not all that hard to work on. Just like any car their are good and bad ones out there, I had a 2004 Accord, hated it, bad paint, rode terrible, noisy, will never by another honda. I could drive the Honda 200 miles and couldn't walk when I got out of it, drive my saab all day and not completly exhausted. Hope this info helps."

hobbabob replied: "i don't know if this applies yesterday a 9-5 wagon was towed in customer had just filled with fuel and had been driving 5 or so minutes when he noticed the car behind him flashing his lights and blowing his horn at same time engine power started dying out so he pulled over. fuel was pouring out from under the car. he lost more than half a tank. anyway fault traced the leak to fuel line had come uncoupled and popped off of the pressure/supply port on the in tank fuel pump/Gage sending unit. this is accessed by lifting rear seat bottom and moving circle shaped carpet cutout out of the way and prying out metal access cover i put the hose back on and tie strapped the locking device to the fuel line the car is a 2001 model and has about 55k miles on it the style of fuel line lock is not of a positive locking style and probably should be inspected on all models [ he is real lucky it didn't burn] p.s. i have always enjoyed working on Saab's but feel this design is inexcusable."

mcghankathy replied: "I have a 2003 and I love it!!Convertible is great in summer, plus I drive it all winter-5 speed with snow tires. That car will go thru anything. I've had nothing repaired, except for the obvious-brakes, wiper blades. Rides like a dream. We already have 88,000 on it-we take it all over the country. Small trunk space obviously-but I think you'll love it. I never want to drive another car."

Yeah I'm looking to buy a cheap used car...? I'm a student, looking to buy a car. My budget is in the range of $1000-$2000. I live in the United States. I've been looking at Saab 9000, Saab 900S and some older Volvo models such as the 240 and 850s. I know that older American cars are garbage, and I really want a Swedish car. Also, I want to buy a standard transmission car, not automatic. I drive my parents car now which is automatic, but I really want to learn manual. I need something that will last me about 3 years. Any suggestions or feedback? How are these cars that I am looking at in terms of reliability, safety and durability? Are they worth it? Thanks in advance. I really appreciate any help.

mccoyblues replied: "Focus on finding a good used Volvo. In your price range finding a reliable car is going to be a problem no matter what you end up with."

UCANTCME replied: "I would go with the Volvo but it will be somewhat expensive to maintain but cheaper than the Saab."

Any thoughts on 2002 S40/S60? I'm looking to purchase a car, and had all but settled on a used (2002/2003) Saab, but have found a couple of used Volvo's also in my price range - one is an S40 and one is an S60 - I'm looking for some real-world experiences with these vehicles - the good/bad/ugly - gas mileage, reliability, how many miles will I be able to get out of it? Most importantly how expensive is upkeep - is it as bad as everyone thinks? Any info anyone has would be helpful! Thanks!

FreedomLover replied: "If you are going to buy a Saab or Volvo...I hope you have DEEEEP pockets to cover repairs. From my experience...Repair prices on both of these rival BMW and Mercedes costs...ouch! But if you can afford them...go for it! My Brother-in-law rented an S40 a few years ago...it looked nice but I thought it was very uncomfortable. I would lean towards the S60 over the S40 because of this. Personally, I cannot imagine how I would live in a sedan...I have been driving Minivans and Small Wagons for so long I cant imagine how I would get by without the added utility! My Dream car is a 2004/05 VW Passat Wagon Diesel manual trans. Utility of an SUV...Comfort of a midsize sedan, economy of a compact! I think that I would probably not worry too much about repair costs...You are already being sensible buying a car you can afford...instead of just financing a 'new' car for 7 years....You can do alot of repairs for what a new car payment costs... Every vehicle built today is so much more reliable than cars were 20 years ago that it really is hard to buy a bad car. Heck, even a lowly Kia will run 200,000 miles when maintained... Go sit in them all and drive them...pick the one that is most comfortable to YOU...and buy it! They are all good looking reasonably reliable cars....so buy the one that 'fits' you the best!"

butchdalton replied: "Take the 40 over the 60.Gas mileage is better cheaper to maintain and almost as roomy inside.Upkeep does not have to cost alot.Look for an independant volvo specialty shop that can do the work for a fraction of the cost of the dealer. I work in such a shop in Quebec Canada.If you would like contact me and i can try to find you a shop near you through my network. Good luck"

DIRKDIGGLER replied: "the s60 is good but up keep is expensive dont buy an s40 whats wrong with a domestic car they are far more reliable"

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