Saab 900 Review Covering 1993

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Quick Summary of the Saab 900

OVERALL

The later 900 is far more conventional than most people realise. Is it a cynically marketed Cavalier with old-style Saab touches? Not a bit. A real Saab it is and one that has deservedly brought the company many new fans.

SENSIBLE SWEDE

Saab's much loved old-shape 900 was in production for decades. By the time it was replaced in 1993, there was a huge and intensely loyal group of buyers awaiting the new car with interest. What they got was a re-bodied and re-engineered Vauxhall Cavalier with typically eccentric Saab touches, like the ignition switch on the floor.After a slow start, sales of this new 900 gained momentum and its reputation is fast approaching that of the original. These cars are strong, safe, responsive and feel like they'll last forever. They also hold their values well too, so if a 900 interests you, you're making a sensible, if ever-so-slightly unusual decision.
Used Saab 900 for sale

History of the 900

A choice of three body styles was the limit to the range; three-door hatch (usually known as a Coupe), five-door hatch and convertible. Only the five-door was available at the October 1993 launch. Engines were either 2.0 or 2.3-litre four cylinders (and a 2.0-litre turbo version) or the Vauxhall-made 2.5-litre V6. The turbo four was powerful (more so than the V6) and smooth, due to Saab's special engine balance shafts.The three-door arrived in February 1994, followed by the convertible in September. There was a small upgrade for base model cars in February 1995 when colour-coded bumpers were added.The range stayed much the same since launch - trim levels were base, S or SE. A further variant called Sensonic S became available in May 1995. No longer in production, it differed from the standard car by having a manual transmission without a clutch pedal – you simply changed gear as normal and a computer operated the clutch for you. One to keep an eye out for, it was also available in the convertible model.To boost sales, a better-equipped version of the lower-order 900 2.0 five-door was introduced in 1996 – the 900 2.0i XS – while a 2.3i XS five-door model was added in 1997.Other 1997 improvements included larger, more supportive front seats with velour upholstery, a more precise gearchange, larger brake discs and heat-reflecting glass. Every version above 2.0-litres got a rear reflective panel inserted between the rear light clusters, and engine size badging.Saab celebrated the 900’s successful attack on the world endurance record with a new trim level called Talladega. The super-fast speedway in Talladega, Alabama was the site for Saab’s non-stop lapping of a banked circuit in early 1997. Cars so named gained a host of luxury equipment and special badging.The 1998 year-model cars began to appear in time for the R-plate changeover, with the main change the dropping of the V6 engine. A heavily modified range appeared in March 1998, renamed ‘9-3’, with changes centred on chassis modifications as well as a mild facelift.
Used Saab 900 for sale

Saab 900 Road Test

These are cars you need to get used to driving. They may be based on the mass-market Cavalier/Calibra chassis, but Saab's clever engineers have managed to disguise that well. Throw a 900 into a series of twisty bends and the lean is noticeable but the handling is good, nevertheless. Road-holding is consistent. A turbo or V6 will have you grinning on a challenging road but neither’s a car you'd get up early on a Sunday just to drive.
Used Saab 900 for sale

Buying a Saab 900

Avoid high-mileage models, not least because they will probably be in need of work for which parts and servicing can be expensive. Insurance won't be cheap either, particularly if you opt for a turbo.On convertibles, watch for any stains that might indicate leaks around the door and window seals. Also, look out for electrical problems and, on turbos, damage to the turbocharger itself - oil smoke is a dead give-away. You may also notice worn front tyres on these versions.
Used Saab 900 for sale

Saab 900 Typical Pricing

No new-shape Saab 900 is especially cheap, but you're paying for a sound reputation – it's reliable and built to last. Ironically, the cheapest 1994 model year S-spec cars are quite well equipped. The true entry-level three and five-door models (which don't even have a cigar lighter) didn't arrive until February 1995.Early cars will be 94L-platers. A five-door hatch with 2.0-litre engine will set you back between £1,100 and £3,100 in 'S' spec. Pay between roughly £100 and £400 more for an automatic.If it's the coupe you're after, a 2.0 with an M-plate should be under £1,500. If the turbo's more your style, look to pay under £2,000 for a 94L-reg SE as either a five or three-door manual.Convertibles start at about £4,600 for the 2.0-litre version. A 2.3-litre Convertible will set you back around £4,800 (for a 94 M-plater) or about £7,800 for a 98R car which should have leather trim.The 2.0-litre turbo Sensonic S is relatively rare, but if you find a 95N 1996 three-door Coupe, expect it be about £2,000 or about £3,000 for a leather upholstered 98R.
Used Saab 900 for sale

Saab 900 Parts

Based on an M-reg 2.3 S, a clutch assembly is around £160 and an exhaust system should be about £100. The catalytic converter is a bit on the pricey side at nearly £550 but routine items such as front brake pads are a more wallet-friendly at around £40. Alternators aren't cheap, varying from £195 to £400. (All prices are ex-Vat.)
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Saab 900 Rated

Performance Performance 2.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Saab 900 Review1993 - 1998