Potential Saab 9000 trouble spots  - Click on each item for a more detailed explanation.
(I think this chart is an absolute worst-case scenario. From the reports I've received, no one has had more than half of these items fail in the reported estimated typical life spans.  However, all of the items are typically mentioned as potential trouble spots.)  

 

NOTE: MOST OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE PREVENTABLE! Just know to look for them when shopping for a used 9000.  
Once you own the car, you can save tons of trouble and money by just doing simple maintenance.  
 See the Maintenance checklist on the Repairs page.     

 

Item

Estimated life span
Min - Typical - With Care

Estimated job cost
Min - Typical - Dealer(*)

Estimated DIY cost
50k-100k-200k
2500-4000-6000
1500-3000
Traction Control System (TCS)  See text 

 AMOD (**)

 $0-$400 (see text)
50k-70k-?? (***)
350-500
125
??-50k-100k/??
250-400-800
100-200
??-100k-??
350-450
300-350
50k-100k-??
750-1200-2000
Not recommended
75K-100k-125K
350
125

Pre-'94 5-speed synchronizers

depends on driving

750-1500-2500

       1500
(rebuilt transmission)
5-speed clutch (turbo cars) depends on driving
 100K-150K		  750-1500-2500 500-750
75k-125k-??
250-350
125
150k

1000-1500-2000
100-250
100k-??-??
200-400
125
(****)
750-1000
100
(*) "Dealer" job cost is an estimated high end, may also include extra parts. 
 (**) AMOD = At Mercy Of Dealership
(***) Using Bar's Leaks cooling system treatment regularly appears to be first-rate insurance
(****) Engine overheating is a major cause of head gasket failures - see details text
Other items