1998 Saab 900

I BAUGHT THIS 1998 SAAB 900 AND WAS IMMEDIATELY IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND LOOKS OF THIS VEHICLE. I BAUGHT IT AT A VERY FAIR PRICE AND THE PEOPLE THERE ARE SO NICE TO DEAL WITH. I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS A RELIABLE VEHICLE THAT BOOST ALOT OF STLE. THANKS GUYS! LOVE IT!!

I have owned my 1998 900 SE Conv for about three years now. After purchasing it used on eBay (hmmm not sure I recommend this method)I noticed a serious of quirky issues that needed to be resolved. The best thing I did was go on the Internet and find SaabNet. This is a great place to get valuable information from other Saab owners (and to share your experiences as well).

Let me first just say that the major components of the car (engine, automatic transmission, etc.)seem pretty robust. It is all the other things that can break and/or annoy you.

Here have been the trouble spots I have experienced:

o The power top - very complicated (the top folds under a power tonneau cover) a nice feature but this system is a known weak point on these cars. If the tonneau motor for example breaks, you are talking about a $1600.00 part. Luckily for me the problem turned out to be a bent rod which was fixed by my mechanic putting in a Saab stiffening kit for about $280.00

o The all-in-one engine ignition cassette These Saabs don't have the traditional distributor and spark plug wires, that is all built in to the cassette module - These are known to go kaput at any time - A $600.00 part. Mine failed right after purchase. Many Saab owners carry a spare for this reason.

o The digital dash displays such as the digital heating/cooling system - Known for having pixels go dead. Mine has several - You can still read it but some of the numbers or letters get chopped off

o The engine serpentine belt system - In particular the idler pulley - Made of plastic and it will disintegrate at some point, usually not a convenient place. - There is a way to put in what is called a short belt kit. As it turns out only one of these two plastic pulleys is actually needed. With some help from Saabnet I was able to replace the pulley and belt myself. I felt pretty good about that.

Driving experience - This would be the cars strong suit. The car handles well and since it has some heft plus front wheel drive does well in the snow. It's a fun to drive car with good power and a smooth transmission.

The convertible top is of very good quality and does not leak even a drop. Not too many convertibles can say that.

The sound system is pretty good with six speakers and a CD changer in the trunk. My only gripe is the CD seem to skip with even the slightest bump in the road.

Heating/cooling works well. The heated seats allow you to ride with the top down even on chilly days. I did have to put in a new heater core ($1,000.00).

The back seat is small. Children only I would say or an adult for just a short ride.

I enjoy the top down motoring very much. The car does rattle a bit with the top down.

The down side of this car is that you should not expect Toyota like reliability. Keep some money aside for repairs.

I love it with the top down when the check engine light is not on. This vehicle is slow, un-comfortable front seats (rears are very comfy), the TRIP computer is dying and their is constantly a problem with the car. Don't buy one unless you know what you are getting into. Check the brakes, and specifically the Mass Flow sensors.