Used 1998 Saab 900 Consumer Reviews
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I love my Saab
My Saab Story, 11/19/2010
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought my Saab in 1998, and have refused to replace it, no matter how dinged up it has gotten. I feel incredibly safe in it... it is built like a truck. And, for all its battle scars getting me around all these years. it is still my beautiful, copper-colored Saab. It has needed very few repairs, and when they have been needed I learned early it is best NOT to take it a Saab dealership. One problem is only place to put the coffee is in one coffee slot right over the transmission. Went to Sweden a few years ago and recognized first hand they drink very little coffee.
Room for Improvement
Lucius Beebe, 05/27/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for almost 4 and a half years and have put slightly over 100,000 miles on it. The gas mileage when the car was newer on long, apx. 80mph drives was between 28 and 32 mpg. The car has little performance unless you keep the engine revved up. The car started with a fairly damped, controlled ride, but it quickly deteriorated and now crashes over bumps and is very wallowy in many situations. The car also has bad torque steer and wanders at highway speed. At about 40K miles the manual transmission developed a loud roar/gear whine noise and it has gotten much worse since.
1998 Saab 900 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,9951,999 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: N/A550 mi away
Reliable, fun and even practical
GoDucks, 07/03/2009
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've never had any engine and/or related mechanical problems. The car, even though it's a convertible, has a quieter interior than my Chevy Blazer. I like the four seats, and the back even folds-down to expose a cargo hole into the truck. Much more practical than a miata, S2000, etc. I have carried skis, and 8' pieces of lumber inside my convertible! The bad: the automatic climate control system uses a little fan to sense the inside temperature; that little fan frequently rattles, which can be annoying. The mechanics of the convertible top can be touchy -- $500 in repairs over the last 5 years. Overall good car. EXCELLENT value for money.
4th saab
michaelst, 12/16/2010
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
its a great car i had a 20th avn ed 900s T n now i hava 2.3 900s great cars 86 on the 2.0lt turbo was so powerful 80-130 was fun too drive
Fast Fun Car
Zac, 03/16/2006
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Awesome car to own. I bought it in the middle of summer, had a blast with the top down pretty much everyday. Engine Mods are expensive as well as OEM parts replaced. Something to really consider before buying one with high miles. Saab generally cost at least twice as much to fix than other cars. But if you got a big wallet then go for it, you won't regret the quick spooling of the turbo charger and super fast take offs from stop lights. This car handles amazing around corners, and with the right set of tires it can take'em fast.
1998 Saab 900-SE Convertible 2.0LTurbo
Angela Carroll, 08/26/2008
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Everything thing is so nice the leather seats and the car alarm and it is very very comfortable to sit in and the air conditioning is nice. It is a very fast car to drive fast as a Mustang. I would refer any to buy this car it is a great car to own!
Best Buy
BlackDog, 09/27/2002
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Looked at BMW and Audi, and for the money, the 900SE was the best value. I had a few minor issues when new but they were corrected immediately by dealer.
First car, never forgotten
javamonsters, 06/14/2012
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car off Craigslist for 1,700 and... It's worth it. Being a fist car and a manual transmission I didn't know how to drive one. i burned the clutch up learning (my fault) since i know a really cheap retired Saab mechanic i only paid 650$ (without slave cylinder replacement) runs great burns no oil i recently put new control arms in it because it shakes when driving due to accident. the top leaks really bad it needs a new one its 5 years old. the top motor has been replaced by previous owner apparently a big problem with the 1998's. other than that i have little problems the driver window wobbles a/c doesn't work and doors lock randomly. Sucks they don't make them any more.
HIGH REPAIR COST/ POOR SUPPORT
rlabat, 12/20/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I WENT IN BECAUSE MY CONVERT TOP DID NOT GO UP, NO MOTOR SOUND. $1,400.00 LATER I WAS TOLD IT WAS A WORM GEAR AND HAD TO BE TIMED. ONE WEEK LATER, SAME PROB,NOW ITS A INTERMITTENT SWITCH PROBLEM AND THAT COST WAS $230.00. I COMPLAINED TO THE MANAGER WITH NO SATISFACTION. ALSO CALL SAAB USA AND WAS TOLD THE WIGWAM SAAB IS INDEPENDANT AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THERE WAS NO INTERVENTION OR CONTROL BY USA SAAB,AS TO MAX LABOR COST OR PART COST THAT COULD BE CHARGED.I BELIEVE IT WAS THE SWITCH IN THE FIRST PLACE,NO SOUND WAS HEARD WHEN THE SWITCH WAS USED. PS THE COST OF CLUTCH JOB IS $1500.00
Don't BUY Last Original SAAB
Steven, 12/12/2005
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had bought the car at 60,000 miles and for the last 3 years I had spent ~$4.500 in repairs including Check Engine Light problem which trigger a lot of sensors replacement and even expensive CPU replacement. The Ventilation system always blows warm air if the A/C is off because the air comes near the engine. The original front brakes disks are so soft that it required replacement at 70,000 miles. Almost constantly there was always something to fix since I have it. I also have SAAB 93 which is completely redesign after GM bought SAAB and now I understand the Add GM had that they had fixed more than 100 things in the car. Now this makes sense -> Don't buy it. Steve
Very good, fun, reliable- convertible SE
DeanR, 07/09/2003
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A bit quirky here and there - switches, locations, operations but livable over time. Some of the build quality, especially interior pieces are suspect. Turbo lag is about normal for the year - a 6 cyl would be a better all around choice. Auto trans shifts very well. Afraid of potential service costs as the car ages, so will probably sell before 80k miles to avoid, I'll probably be over the convertible-need by then. Needs a tilt steering wheel - only telescopic, wheel is too high (truckish)...
Too Expensive
partjet, 05/24/2008
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 120,000 miles and I realize its not a new car but have had to replace a lot of parts. I have spent almost as much money to fix the car than what I bought it for and it still needs work. Its certainly a nice car but what a headache.
If you like JUNK buy a SAAB
Ed, 04/30/2009
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in June 2008 with 106350 miles on it. It is now April 2009 and it has 107200 miles on it. The car hasn't run longer than a week since I purchased it used from a dealer last year. The cars ignition coil pack has been replaced 3 times and the new one is starting to go bad now. It is a money pit. When it runs it's a nice car, but that only lasts a very short time. If you really want one do a ton of research on it or else you're going to find out how awful these cars really are. Every part is expensive to replace and even after replacing them it still doesn't mean the car is going to continue to run, it's Pure JUNK. Buy American!!!! Much easier to work on and parts are cheaper.
Mine has been great
joec, 08/07/2008
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 900 SE Turbo Conv for 7 years now and have loved every minute of it. Perhaps I've been lucky as I've experienced next to none of the quirky problems that other Saab owners appear to have. Other than routine maintenance, the only thing thats gone wrong was the top motor. At 10 years old I think that is certainly reasonable. I'm thinking seriously of replacing it with a new one, but with only 91K on it to date, it doesn't make much economic sense for me at the moment.
Nice ride
Bud, 01/31/2009
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got it with 167K and I'm up to 212K now. Needed A/C hoses and front exhaust piece when I bought it, that's it. I replaced nothing but headlight bulbs (several of them), hazard switch, power antenna, tires and oil. Convertible top always works good for me. Very reliable daily driver.
5th Saab
Rudog, 02/19/2009
1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great find at local Saab dealer, while not a classic it looks like new and handles like it too. The interior and exterior does not show its 11 years. No carpet wear or stains. Previous owner garaged the car--the paint finish is like new! Did I mention the low mileage? 50,849 miles.
Some good, some bad
bakerjf, 05/18/2009
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car with 50,000 miles on it back in 01' - it now has almost 140,000. The good - great engine, plenty of pep, nowhere near needing a rebuild. The bad - I recently had to replace the muffler, as well as having the abs module rebuilt (only $140), apparently a common weak point on these cars. Generally repairs do not come cheap and get increasingly hard to justify as the car gets older. The ugly - the top. Have had it in 4 or 5 times to get fixed since I owned it - never the motor though, always some goofy part that causes the whole thing not to work. These cars are a joy to drive and style-wise have held up rather very well. I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon.
Awesome car! Remember your maintanance!
koolcat, 08/10/2009
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These are great , fun cars to own. The marriage between Saab and GM did wonders for the brand. As with any luxury/sport vehicle maintenance is key. These cars require it. Let's face it if you wanted low maintenance get a Kia/Honda/Toyota and blend with the crowd. The fun factor plus the awesome aftermarket support makes owning a Saab fun. I have 180,000 miles on mine, but I change the oil 3000 or less and keep meticulous service records. I spend about 500-1000 a year just to keep mine purring like a kitten!
My experience with used 900 convert
bpm, 08/13/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a good daily driver, You really have to get on the non turbo engine for performance, It is not very fast. I was disappointed when I took the car in for a 30k mile service, which is a major service, and the total cost came to $600. I was also disappointed that it needed a front brake service and new rotors at only 30k miles! The leather interior is not holding up very well. I was again disappointed when I had to pay $1800 to get the convertible top motor replaced. Needless to say, this is not a cheap car to maintain. Buy the extended warranty if you get one from a dealership, It is a bargain no matter the cost!
Not your Grandpa's Saab Anymore
swedish2liter, 08/18/2002
1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Today's Saabs may be a little more GM'd but that may, ultimately, be beneficial for the marque. Aside from the classic Saab "quirks" that all of the car rags like to mention repeatedly, Saab has packed so much more fun into the NG900 and 9-3 models. This car can perform, safety is key and utilitarianism was definitely on the mind of every involved Saab engineer when they produced the NG900 and 9-3 (essentially the same). If you get a chance to test drive a "broken-in" Saab, definitely don't deny yourself the pleasure.
Decnt Car
Lance S, 10/15/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car but expensive to fix
great saab
Rickalas, 08/23/2002
1998 Saab 900 S 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found this car to be a true joy to drive
Interesting Car
Nisha, 11/14/2002
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a women would, I bought this car for the elegant look it has. However, this car is meant for speeding. Be very careful! Not only with the speed, but with maintenance as well. This is a pricey car to maintain. It costs me $600 just for a 65,000mph check-up and I've only had the car for 2 months. Other than that It's a great car to flaunt around in.
Love This Car!
Saab Aficionado Now, 10/27/2003
1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After doing my research, I flew all the way to N.Y. from San Diego and drove this car back to the left coast. By the time I had arrived, I was convinced I made the wisest purchase of my life. The solid ride, unbelievable power--coupled with great fuel economy--were all pleasant surprises to a frugal driver seeking elusive performance. I haven't had one stich of trouble with the car and it's been solid and dependable. This is a 9-3 in 900S clothing, because it has the same engine (this was only available on base models in '98 in the 3-door coupe). If you can find a well-kept '98 3-door, grab it quickly. You'll never regret your decision...
A fun car
Cal, 04/01/2005
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car had 44k on it when I bought it. I got the extended warranty. I expected that there would be some problems because I have researched Saabs. I also own a 2003 9.3. The top was repaired under warranty because it would not retract. A faulty ECU. I do a lot of mechanical work like brakes and oil changes. I think its a great car and I am glad I bought it. Its a quirky car that gives a lot back in handling and feel.
Expensive to Repair
Secor, 11/18/2005
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 9.3 turbo SE convert in 2000 with 40k miles on it. Just a word to the wise: over the last 5 years I have put about $11- $15k into it for a new automatic transmission, new motor for convertible top, new brake pads & rotors (2x), oil changes and major and minor services. While I really enjoyed *having* this car, I don't think I would make this decision again. I had a Honda before and I like the cheap maintenance and regular unleaded fuel. I will go back to that soon, I'm almost over the need for a convertible. I have to admit though, if you don't mind shelling out more than the usual amount of $$ for service, it's the coolest convertible out there.
Good car but has some sketchy problems
Bo75, 02/25/2004
1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Serpentine belt failed at 32000 miles, Wiper jets constantly fail, headlamps tend to go out, loud suspension when cold...other than that, gotta love Saab Turbo power!
A Blast!
poordad, 03/06/2003
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is more fun to drive than any car I have driven to date. Find a country road and mash the accelerator...better than a strong cup of coffee. I bought my Saab used and for buck, it has a helluva lot more bang than anything else in that price range.
great car for the price
mkl, 12/30/2004
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a this Saab 900 SE after comparing it to an Audi A4 and BMW M3. The Saab is a quality automobile...not the refinement of a BMW, but still heads above your Hondas and Toyotas of the world. Great performance...not off the line, but in true driving situations like passing or merging...drop a gear, hit the accelerator the turbo really accelerates as fast as any car on the street. Friend has a BMW 540, and it out ran him on the highway. Saab has quirks, but i enjoy it greatly...and the hatchback is key. A slick looking, performance car with great storage capacity. Dont buy tihs car if you want to Mod it...not enough options. 98 is a good year...most of the model quirks are out.
Fun Car
Calgordon1, 04/25/2005
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a second car. My other car is a 2003 9.3. The 900 S convertible has proven to be a solid high quality vehicle and fun to drive. The convertible top has given some trouble with the ECU. I would recommend an extended warranty because of some common reported problem areas with the top. Electric motors that control the top may also fail and are expensive to repair. All and all I would recommend this car.
my SAAB brings all the girls home!
shane, 04/27/2006
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a 1998 900 SE Turbo 4 dr. in boston and drove it to Virginia! I LOVE the car! It has 167777 miles and it drives better than my dads 1995 lincoln town car! i would love to have 2 just to do so!
Good Car but expensive to maintain
Harold Pardo, 08/29/2006
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for over 2 years now. I love all the quirks it has and the fact that they are a rare sight where I live is and added bonus for me. I have to say it's not the fastest but it's fun to drive. It's not the cheapest to maintain but it's very reliable. My personal opinion is that as far as maintanance I have spent a bit over 4000 dollar these last 2 years including the standard 95,000 service wich costs 550 dollars. Replacement of the top motor with labor $770 (was replaced 3 years ago) and certain other repairs which can be traced back to foul weather (snow, salt). As I mentioned, I purchased mine used and has never let me down. I'll keep it until it blows up.
Flawless Mix of Luxury and Performance
A New Saab Lover, 06/01/2007
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yes, the car's turbo system has an extremely minor lag, but other than that the car is such a wonderful vehicle. It's an energetic little car that makes shifting lanes, speeding, and handling supreme to any other in its class. I absolutely love my little Saab hatchback. The trunk space, the features, the size, everything is perfect.
Go Saab Go!
sabrerock, 01/20/2003
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really like my Saab 900 SE. Had it for 18 months with just regular maintenance. It handles beautifully and is really comfortable.
Very comfortable and clean
Mike, 04/01/2018
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great convertible. Fun to drive. Geels solid on the road.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Saab lover
Ed , 05/25/2020
1998 Saab 900 S 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a Saab 900 s 5 speed. and I love it !!! its not only fast but a beautiful looking car !!
Great luxury car
Toni, 11/08/2021
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My SAAB 900S 1998 MODEL YEAR
Peter w. Gerbeville , 12/30/2021
1998 Saab 900 S Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its showroom Got all the feateures 23 uears old very zough after by previous owner Needs.some replacement parts 125 k original miles I get compliments every day On it one of the best European cars ive ever owned TRUE CLASSIC
Love The Saab 900 2.0SE Trubo!
Robbie Robertson, 07/21/2002
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a luxury car with sports car performance, handling and design. Plus, it's been very reliable for me. it's also rated as one of the safest cars on the road. It's a blast to drive, especially with the 17" wheels. I live in San Francisco and it's easy to park with great rear visibility for freeway lane changes.
Love the Saab Turbo
saabfan, 09/20/2005
1998 Saab 900 SE Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new. Skeptical after reading reviews but compared to BMW and Audi, it's a better buy for the money. Great acceleration with the turbo beyond 3000 rpm. Has been very reliable, safe and surprisingly great gas mileage. Yes, repairs can be costly, but what cars repairs aren't today. Reliability and driving fun are key to me and Saab's got'em... Very safe car too. The display unit continues to surprise me with the level of detail it shows with regard to an engine need or service requirement. I would highly recommend this car to anyone wanting a fun to drive, safe, good mileage car that is not just another Honda or Toyota. I hope Saab continues with the 3 door hatch in the future!