Saw this too:

1997 result: 24.8
Number of cars in survey: 999
Main models in survey: 900, 9000
Average mileage: 19,000

Saab has introduced the 9-5 in the past year and has the new 9-3 ready to hit the streets. At the moment, the older 900 and 9000 models still make up the mainstay of Lex's fleet.

Despite this emphasis on the older models, reliability has improved markedly with the latest rating of 13.7 mechanical breakdowns per 100 cars, approaching the standards of Mercedes and BMW.

Part of the reason for this turnaround lies with the engine management computer in the 9000-in the last survey, problems with this unit were the number one fault, while this time it affected only two out of 400.

Engine trouble was still the most common ailment this year, followed by broken alternator and fan belts, although no fault occurred with great frequency.

Considering that Lex's fleet of 9000s is getting on a bit now, with only a handful of P-reg and no R-reg cars in the group, the 9000's 19.1 figure makes it a fairly good bet as a used buy, and bodes well for the 9-5's long-term reliability. Better yet, the fast turbo versions are unlikely to act up as long as they're cared for.

Even less went wrong with the 900s, and there were no recurring problems. The clutch cable, clutch assembly and coolant hoses were the most common causes of a breakdown, but all are either wear and tear items or easily replaceable.

The 900's score of 10.5 compares well with that of the BMW 3-series (9.0), and clearly beats rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-class (15.2) and Volvo S70 (24.6). Look for the new 9-3, on sale in the UK in the coming months, it should carry on where the outgoing 900 left off.

• disappointing reliability survey, The Heckler, Wed, 6 Jun 2001 15:11:48
  • Re: disappointing reliability survey, Rick P, Thu, 7 Jun 2001 11:27:21
    • it's not as bad as it seems, John A., Thu, 7 Jun 2001 15:17:10
  • the Volvo is way too high, John A., Wed, 6 Jun 2001 17:23:39
    • Re: the Volvo is way too high, JMC, Thu, 7 Jun 2001 08:28:50
  • What? No Opel?, John A., Wed, 6 Jun 2001 17:20:46
    • Opel / Vauxhall same car - called Vauxhall in Britain. n/m, Tcar, Wed, 6 Jun 2001 17:34:30
      • Went to "What Car", a RAC publication, John A., Wed, 6 Jun 2001 18:07:22
        • Re: Went to "What Car", a RAC publication, John A., Wed, 6 Jun 2001 18:13:12 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Several points..., REM in Seattle , Wed, 6 Jun 2001 16:37:22
  • Is it a realistic survey ?, Bill D, Wed, 6 Jun 2001 15:55:04
    • Are the results surprising to anyone?, tommy, Wed, 6 Jun 2001 16:14:10

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