
Saab 900 (1978-98)
Total Production: 908,000/ 50,000 were convertibles
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Price New: In 1978, the new price of a Saab 900 in the UK was approximately **£5,000**.
The new price of a Saab 900 in 1978 was approximately **£5,500**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£25,000**.
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Rivals: In 1978, the new prices of some of the main rivals to the Saab 900 in the UK were as follows:
### BMW 3 Series
- **Starting Price**: Around £4,500
### Audi 80
- **Starting Price**: Around £4,200
### Ford Cortina
- **Starting Price**: Around £3,800
These prices made the Saab 900 a competitive option in the market.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **3 licensed Saab 900 models** and **18 Saab 900 models registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)** in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1978, the road tax for a Saab 900 in Northern Ireland was based on the engine size. For a car with an engine size over 1,550cc, the annual road tax was approximately **£40**.
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Petrol: In 1978, the average cost of four-star petrol in Northern Ireland was approximately **16.8 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: In 1978, the average cost of insurance for a Saab 900 in Northern Ireland was approximately **£50 to £80** per year. This cost could vary based on factors such as the driver's age, driving history, and location.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Saab 900, a mid-sized sedan produced from the '70s to the '90s, has its share of common issues. Here are some to be aware of:
1. **Oil Leaks**: Frequent oil leaks are common. Keep an eye on the valve cover gasket, distributor o-ring, and oil pump cover seal. Also, watch out for head gasket failure, which can lead to coolant and oil mixing³.
2. **Convertible Roof Problems**: For the Saab 900 convertible, there's a known issue with the roof hesitating when going up or down. This is caused by a motor problem. To fix it, replace the motor and add a cross member to prevent future twisting.
3. **Water Leaking into Front Left Footwell**: If you notice damp or wet carpets in the front left footwell, leaking heater control valves are likely the culprit. Replace the valves and dry out the carpets.
4. **LED Display Failure**: The LED display may fail, resulting in fragmentation. To resolve this, replace the entire display unit.
5. **Suspension Issues**: If the suspension feels too springy, check for faulty suspension bushes or shock absorbers. Replacing the bushes should address the problem.
Remember, regular maintenance and thorough inspections can help keep your Saab 900 running smoothly!
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products
The Saab 900 was produced in **two generations**:
1. **First Generation (1978-1994)**: Often referred to as the "classic" Saab 900, this generation was based on the Saab 99 chassis and featured a variety of body styles, including 2- and 4-door sedans, 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, and from 1986, a convertible model.
2. **Second Generation (1994-1998)**: Known as the "new generation" Saab 900, this version was developed under General Motors' ownership and shared its platform with the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.
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Trim Levels
The Saab 900 had several trim levels over its production years, varying slightly between the first and second generations:
1. **First Generation (1978-1994)**:
- **Base**
- **GL**
- **GLS**
- **EMS**
- **Turbo**
- **Turbo S**
- **Aero** (also known as SPG in the US)
2. **Second Generation (1994-1998)**:
- **900i** (a four-cylinder non-turbo)
- **S** (a four-cylinder non-turbo in the US, sometimes turbocharged in other markets)
- **SE** (available with a four-cylinder turbo or V6 engine)
Each trim level offered different features and performance options, catering to a range of preferences from basic to high-performance models.
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Engines
The Saab 900 offered a variety of engines across its two generations:
### **First Generation (1978-1994)**
- **2.0 L B I4**: Available in carburettor, fuel-injected, and turbocharged versions.
- **2.0 L B201 I4**: Similar to the above, with various configurations.
- **2.1 L B212 I4**: Introduced later in the production run, offering more displacement and power.
### **Second Generation (1994-1998)**
- **2.0 L B204 I4**: Available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.
- **2.3 L B234 I4**: Naturally aspirated.
- **2.5 L V6**: A GM-sourced engine, providing a different performance profile.
These engines provided a range of performance options, from economical daily drivers to high-performance turbocharged models.
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Performance
The performance of the Saab 900 varied significantly across its different variants and engine options. Here's a general overview:
### **First Generation (1978-1994)**
- **Base Models**: Equipped with naturally aspirated engines, these models offered modest performance suitable for everyday driving.
- **Turbo Models**: The introduction of turbocharged engines significantly boosted performance. For example, the 2.0 L Turbo could produce around 145-160 horsepower, providing a much sportier driving experience.
- **Aero/SPG**: These high-performance models featured enhanced turbocharged engines and sport-tuned suspensions, delivering around 160-175 horsepower and improved handling.
### **Second Generation (1994-1998)**
- **900i**: The entry-level models with naturally aspirated engines, such as the 2.0 L and 2.3 L, offered reliable performance for daily use.
- **S Models**: Depending on the market, these could be naturally aspirated or turbocharged, with the turbo versions offering better acceleration and power.
- **SE Models**: The top-tier variants, especially those with the 2.0 L turbocharged engine, could produce up to 185 horsepower. The V6 models provided a different driving feel with their smooth power delivery.
### **Performance Metrics**
- **0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)**: Turbocharged models could achieve this in approximately 7-8 seconds, while naturally aspirated versions were slower, typically around 10-12 seconds.
- **Top Speed**: Turbo models could reach speeds of around 130-140 mph (210-225 km/h), whereas naturally aspirated models had lower top speeds, around 110-120 mph (175-195 km/h).
These performance figures made the Saab 900 a versatile car, appealing to both those looking for a practical daily driver and enthusiasts seeking a more spirited driving experience.
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Rivals
In 1978, the Saab 900 faced competition from several rivals in the compact executive car segment. Here's a brief overview of their performance:
### BMW 3 Series (E21)
- **Engine**: 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L petrol
- **Power**: 75-125 bhp (depending on the engine)
- **Top Speed**: 99-112 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 10.5-13.5 seconds
### Audi 80 (B1)
- **Engine**: 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L petrol
- **Power**: 55-110 bhp (depending on the engine)
- **Top Speed**: 87-112 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 10.5-16.0 seconds
### Ford Cortina (Mk IV)
- **Engine**: 1.3L, 1.6L, 2.0L petrol
- **Power**: 54-98 bhp (depending on the engine)
- **Top Speed**: 85-105 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 11.0-16.0 seconds
These cars offered a range of performance options, making them competitive choices in the market during that time.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Saab 900 (1978-1998) was designed by **Björn Envall**.
### Dimensions
- **Length**: 4,685 mm (184.4 in)
- **Width**: 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
- **Height**: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,517 mm (99.1 in)
These dimensions contributed to the car's distinctive and spacious design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
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Spares/Specialists
You can find Saab 900 spares in the UK and Ireland from several specialized suppliers:
1. **Saabs United GB**: They offer a wide range of genuine new and secondhand parts for the Saab 900, including hard-to-find items.
2. **Parts for Saabs**: This site provides a comprehensive selection of Saab parts, including service items, performance parts, and accessories.
3. **Euro Car Parts**: They stock a variety of Saab parts, from basic maintenance items to more specific components.
4. **Saab Parts UK**: The official UK supplier for genuine Saab parts, covering models like the 900, 9-3, and 9-5.
These suppliers should help you find the parts you need to keep your Saab 900 running smoothly.
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Specialists
There are several garages in Northern Ireland that specialize in Saab vehicles, including the Saab 900. Here are a few options:
1. **Hightrees Service Centre** in Bangor: Known for their expertise with Saab vehicles, they come highly recommended by Saab owners for their quality service and knowledgeable staff.
2. **Saab Specialists Register**: This resource lists independent Saab specialists across the UK and Ireland, helping you find a trusted garage near you.
These garages should be able to handle maintenance and repairs for your Saab 900.
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Racing
The Saab 900 did compete in racing and had a notable presence in motorsport:
1. **Classic 900 Turbo**: The first generation Saab 900 Turbo was quite successful in racing. It participated in events like the **Mobil 1 Saab Turbo Challenge** and various production car championships. The unique turbocharged engine and front-wheel-drive layout made it competitive, and it even secured a championship win in 1988.
2. **Second Generation 900**: The second generation, introduced in 1994, also saw racing action. Abbott Racing Motorsport developed a 2.0 Turbo version that won its championship in its debut year.
3. **Historic Racing**: The Saab 900 Turbo has been homologated for historic racing categories, allowing it to compete in events that celebrate classic racing cars.
These racing efforts helped to showcase the performance and durability of the Saab 900, contributing to its legacy as a beloved classic car.
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Values
The value of Saab 900 variants can vary widely based on factors like condition, mileage, and specific model. Here's a general overview:
### **First Generation (1978-1994)**
- **Standard Models**: Prices for well-maintained standard models typically range from **£2,000 to £5,000**.
- **Turbo Models**: These are more sought after, with prices ranging from **£5,000 to £9,000** for good examples. Exceptional, low-mileage models can fetch higher prices.
- **Convertible Models**: Convertibles are particularly desirable, often priced between **£7,000 and £14,000** depending on condition.
### **Second Generation (1994-1998)**
- **Standard Models**: These generally sell for around **£1,500 to £4,000**.
- **Turbo and SE Models**: Prices for these can range from **£3,000 to £6,500**.
- **Convertible Models**: Similar to the first generation, convertibles are valued higher, typically between **£4,000 and £8,000**.
### **Factors Influencing Value**
- **Condition**: Cars in excellent condition with low mileage and full service history command higher prices.
- **Rarity**: Limited editions and well-preserved examples, especially Turbo and Aero models, are more valuable.
- **Market Trends**: Classic car market trends can also impact values, with certain models appreciating over time.
If you're looking to buy or sell a Saab 900, it's a good idea to check current listings on classic car websites and consult valuation guides for the most accurate pricing.
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Clubs
There are Saab clubs in Northern Ireland! Here are a couple of options:
### SAAB Owners Club (GB) Ltd
- **Website**: [saabclub.co.uk](https://saabclub.co.uk/)
- **Description**: This club has a wide network of Saab enthusiasts across the UK, including Northern Ireland. They organize various events and gatherings for members.
### Saab Enthusiasts Club
- **Website**: [saabenthusiasts.uk](https://www.saabenthusiasts.uk/)
- **Description**: Founded in 1989, this club brings together Saab enthusiasts for events, meetings, and a shared passion for Saab cars.
These clubs often have local branches and events, so you can connect with fellow Saab enthusiasts in Northern Ireland.
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