I’ve heard that the older models can be driven into the ground, but how generally reliable are the newer ones? I know one can expect bmw’s to go well past 200k(mine is chugging along at 170), but I would be hesitant to buy an 8 yr old car with 60k miles if I wasnt sure it’d at least last another 140…any thoughts/opinions/experiences?
I once owned a 1976 SAAB, and in my opinion it was a very unreliable car. Electrical problems, transmission failed, overheating problems, finicky hood-release mechanism, a/c failed, plastic heater switch broke, headliner fell out (although some of that was maybe just due to it being old.) I actually had heard that the newer ones are better. I used to make the joke that SAAB stood for Service Auto Again, Bjorn.
Well the Viggen… Oh, you mean cars. 
I have 2 friends with Saabs. Strange cars. One is an 86, the other a 92. The guy with the older one likes it, but is a gearhead nut and loves to tinker anyway. It has electrical problems, dropped a turbo once and other minor quirks. Its always running, however, cause this guy fixes it all the time. Has had recurring A/C problems as well. Sholder belt motors also failed.
The other guy I don’t hear from too much, but he hasn’t reported anything major, and bought a second one for his wife, so it can’t be all bad I guess.
I’ve heard they are plagued with electrical problems. I see quite a few of them (80’s models) in junk yards (I hang around junk yards for fun, you see) so they are breaking down somewhat, but no where near as many domestic vehicles of similar vintage.
I just wanted to say I really liked the looks of the mid-'80s ones. Funky.
My ex-SIL drives a 1988 (or is it a 1989?) Saab 900 non turbo manual transmission. She bought it for $3500 12 years ago. It has been a highly reliable car for her and has well over 150K miles on it.
The only “major issue” its had was that the AC compressor went out on it, but she didn’t want to pay the money to get it fixed. Other than standard and minor maintenance issues- she loves that car. She is going to have it repainted this summer (her brother in law does auto painting and he is only going to charge her for the cost of the supplies)
IMO, I probably would question the reliability of the newer ones made since GM bought Saab.
Saabs have never been known for reliability per se. Doesn’t mean they’re bad either, a well maintained Saab of ca. 1999 might be a reliable enough car. It’ll never be a Toyota, but then, it offers more character. Depends on what you want to spend your money on. 
The pre-GM models, and especially the “old” ones (i.e. the 900 series in the boxy style, pre 1993) are pretty likely to show some rust by now. Depending on your climate, of course.
Ever since GM took over, Saabs are as reliable as the equivalent Opel Vecta, or Chevrolet whateveritis. I’d say “middle of the road”.
Ask yourself why you want one. They offer fantastic seats for their class, definitely a little quirkyness, and good ride comfort. If you can take an average or more maintenance cost in stride with that, it might just be your ride.
But don’t listen to me. I drive Alfa Romeo’s for fun. Reliability is definitely one of my blind spots.
The engine and automatic transmission on the late 90’s Saabs are very reliable. The transmission is the same as the one for Toyota Camry. Other parts are not so reliable and are expensive. Expensive parts, expensive service. OTOH, you’re used to BMW parts and service…
IMO you shouldn’t let the reliability stop you from getting the car if you like it.
Here’s a '64 Saab. A bit pricey, but very 
I heard it was Swedish Automobiles Always Break.
You sir have class 
Dad has a SAAB 93, a turbo diesel model with 126k on the clock. He bought it from a bank manager, so its had its regular service as a company car on main roads, but Dad uses it on short to long runs on variable roads now for quite a few thousand miles.
So far so good. The turbo ran a little hotter than it should, requiring a repair that Dad thought was too pricey given how simple it seemed to be (parts rather than labour cost) but mechanically its sound.
The interior trim has held up well, seats are great, switches etc all click like new. Only pain is the LCD display for the radio and engine messages. The display has gone like they all seem to in cars and a replacement is £100, too much for Dad, who can read the gibberish that comes up about “cnnlnt fnll” :dubious:
Put it this way, Dad bought it after retiring as a car he could comfortably drive into the ground, if it wasn’t going to do that he wouldn’t have bought it.