1994 Saab 9000 problems
The Saab 9000 is a car produced by the Swedish company Saab from 1984 to 1998. Representing the company's foray into the executive car scene, it was developed as a result of the successes of the turbocharged 99 and 900 models. The 9000 remained in production until May 1998 and it was replaced by the Saab 9-5 in late 1997, although some final cars were produced into 1998. The Saab 9000 was only available with petrol engines, in two different 5-door hatchback designs or as a 4-door notchback.
Saab designed the 9000 as part of the Type Four platform in conjunction with the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles. Fiat retailed similar derivative versions as the more basic Fiat Croma, the luxury-themed Lancia Thema, and the sports-oriented Alfa Romeo 164. Unlike the 164, which shares only the chassis, the Croma and Thema are outwardly similar to the 9000. As such, much of the bodywork appeared interchangeable between the 9000, Croma and Thema; for example, the doors. However, because Saab fitted heavier side impact protection they will not fit. Fiat had designed the Croma with no consideration of American crash test requirements, which forced Saab to strengthen the body by fitting various reinforcements. Thus, the front of the Saab is radically different from the Italian siblings due to the much improved crash protection. Only seven parts are actually interchangeable. The 9000's body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Saab designer Björn Envall.
Despite being shorter overall than the 900 which was still produced in parallel, the 9000 has a longer wheelbase and greater interior space with 3.5 cubic metres (120 cu ft) of interior space 0.67 cubic feet (0.019 m3) in the boot, 1.6 cubic metres (57 cu ft) with rear seats folded), qualifying as an EPA-rated large car, a distinction shared only with the contemporary Rolls-Royce in America. This was achieved by installing the engine transversely to the direction of travel in the Saab 9000 (instead longitudinally as in the Saab 900). Unlike the 900 the 9000 kept the ignition switch in the more conventional steering column position rather than between the front seats. The inspiration for the seats was taken by Björn Envall from The Muppet Show's Pigs in Space, a sketch by the late puppeteer Jim Henson.
In total, 503,087 Saab 9000s were manufactured. These are divided into: 216,385 Saab 9000 CC (MY 1985–1991), 174,525 Saab 9000 CS (MY 1992–1998), 112,177 Saab 9000 CD (MY 1988–1997).
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Common 1994 Saab 9000 problems
The Saab 9000, particularly the 1994 model, has several common problems reported by owners. This system can experience failures such as malfunctioning air conditioning and heating, which can be due to a faulty blower motor or failed cabin temperature sensor.
Another common problem is with the brake system, particularly in the Saab 9000 CD model. Issues such as squeaking brakes or a soft brake pedal can be caused by worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, or failed brake calipers.
The 2.3-liter engine in the Saab 9000 Aero is prone to turbocharger failure. This can be caused by a damaged turbocharger, worn-out turbo bearings, or clogged oil passages. The cooling system is also prone to issues in the Saab 9000 Aero, particularly in the 2.3-liter engine. This can be due to a damaged radiator, worn-out hoses, or a failed water pump.
Suspension problems are common in the Saab 9000 Aero, particularly in the rear suspension. This can be due to worn-out bushings, damaged shocks, or a failed strut mount.
Timing belt failure is a common issue in the Saab 9000 equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. This can be due to a worn-out timing belt or a failed timing belt tensioner.
Oil sludge buildup is another common issue in the Saab 9000 equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. This can be due to poor maintenance, such as not changing the oil frequently enough or using low-quality oil.
Coolant leaks are a common issue in the Saab 9000 equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. This can be due to a damaged coolant hose, a failed radiator, or a damaged water pump.
These are some of the most common problems reported by Saab 9000 owners, particularly for the 1994 model. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicles.
Are Saab 9000s reliable?
9000 Aero is the best car Saab has ever made
Very reliable and can easily last 300,000-500,000 miles. Engine is bulletproof - change the oil every 3,000 miles (regular oil) or 6,000 miles (synthetic) and the base is good for at least 300k.
How good was the Saab 9000?
Good, old-fashioned 4-speed automatic does what you want and doesn't 'hunt'. Full-on 2.3 turbo Carlsson and Aero puts out 225bhp, which is very nearly too much. The more powerful turbos grip and handle best on Goodyear F1's or Toyo Proxes tyres. Ride quality a bit firm, but made up for by the excellent seats.
What are common faults with Saab?
Here are some of the most widely reported problems for the Saab 9-3.
- ABS or Traction Control Light Illuminate Due to Corroded Wiring. ...
- Engine Coolant Loss. ...
- Loud Noises When Driving on Rough Road. ...
- Engine Dies While Driving. ...
- Excessive Exhaust Noise.
Is a Saab 9000 a good first car?
I chose a Saab 9000 as my first car because of its reputation as a reliable well built and safe car. I have found it to comfortably live up to its name. The car is brilliantly built and it has plenty of kit. Although not a griffin model, the car still has all the gadgets you would expect for a 90's exec.
1994 Saab 9000 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 9000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Saab 9000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Saab 9000 complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Saab 9000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3CN68M7R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SAAB 9000 CSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15-20 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FAILURE CAUSED INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S HEAD, LEG AND SHOULDERS. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 173,899.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SAAB 9000. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AND HAD OTHER UNSIGHTLY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE TOP SURFACE OF THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $750. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3CM65B0R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN 1 DAY SPONTANEOUS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT HWY. SPEED, ABLE TO GET CAR TO SHOULDER SLIGHT BURNS INSIDE RIGHT FOREARM, CLEAR AND DRY DAY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-25
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SAAB 9000. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. HE PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS THE IGNITION MODULE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE A PART OF RECALL # 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE). THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND # OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 210,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-20
- VIN: YS3CN65M1R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 99V109000 CONCERNING AIR BAG MODULE. AFTER HAVING THE ECM REPLACED AND INSTALLED A COVER OVER THE ECM SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-30
- VIN: YS3CN65M1R1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKE REPAIR. MECHANIC NOTICED 3 ENGINE MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-30
- VIN: YS3CN65M1R1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AT 55-60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALER DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LINE WAS CRUSHED DUE TO ENGINE MOVEMENT.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-02
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED A GASOLINE ODOR IN BACK OF VEHICLE ALONG WITH A SUDDEN LOSS OF FUEL, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY, DEALER STATED THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-21
- VIN: YS3CD65RX10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME PULLEY/BALL BEARING TO FAIL. IT FIRST HAPPENED DURING THE THIRD YEAR OF OPERATION; APPROX 30 000 MILES. I'M STATIONED IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-02
- VIN: YS3CM68B2R1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE HEATER CORE WAS FOUND LEAKING. ANTI-FREEZE WAS FOUND ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FLOOR, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE. THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED THIS WEEK WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECK UP. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG SAAB, AND IT IS NOT COVERED BY MAJOR COMPONENT WARRANTY. A CAR ONLY 5 YEAR OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-30
- VIN: YS3CN65M1R1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-02
- VIN: YS3CM68B9R7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE DEFECTIVE THROTTLE SYSTEM FROZE IN AN OPEN POSTION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UP TO 75 MPH. THE OCCUPANT PRESSED THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DEALER IS REPLACING THE THROTTLE HOUSING UNIT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-21
- VIN: YS3CN48M8R1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: OTHER: PASSENGER'S AIR BAG ASSEMBLY REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
- VIN: YS3CN48M8R1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RIGHT REAR TAIL LAMP REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-20
- VIN: YS3CN48M8R1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE VALVE REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE SURGING AT SPEEDS OF 55-60 MPH.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
- VIN: YS3CN48M8R1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED TWICE. *SKD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
- VIN: YS3CN48M8R1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON/OFF.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-27
- VIN: YS3CN68M2R1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRES HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 4000 MILES DUE TO CUPPING. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-26
- VIN: Y53CM68B7R1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT WITH FRONT END ELEVATED, POWER BRAKES DO NOT PROPERLY OPERATE UNTIL BRAKES ARE APPLIED 3 TIMES. *AK
1994 Saab 9000 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1994 Saab 9000.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND CAUSE CORROSION ON PORTIONS OF THE ECM PRINTER CIRCUIT BOARDS.
- Consequence: THIS CORROSION CAN POSSIBLY CREATE OPEN CONNECTIONS IN CIRCUITS WHICH CONTROL THE RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT, POSSIBLY CAUSING INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EXTERIOR OF THE ECM. IF THERE IS NO INDICATION OF MOISTURE, A COVER WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE ECM. IF THERE IS INDICATION OF MOISTURE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ECM AND INSTALL A COVER OVER THE NEW ECM.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: MOISTURE CAN FOLLOW THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ENTER THE PRESSURE SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSING CORROSION AND MALFUNCTION OF THE SWITCH.
- Consequence: THE CORROSION CAUSES A DETERIORATION OF THE ELECTRICALSWITCH CONNECTION AND CAN RESULT IN FALSE ILLUMINATION OF ABS AND/OR THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR THE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE OF NO HYDRAULIC PUMPOPERATION. LOSS OF POWER ASSIST INCREASES THE DRIVER'S BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT REQUIRED FOR STOPPING WHICH CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO THE ABS PRESSURE SWITCH TERMINALS FOR CORROSION AND INSTALL A SHRINK HOSE TO THE WIRING HARNESS TO AVOID MOISTURE ENTERING THE CONNECTION. PRESSURE SWITCHES WITH CORRODED CONNECTORS WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: DURING LOW ENERGY FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISIONS, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CAN CONTACT THE METAL TUBING PORTION OF THE COOLER HOSE ASSEMBLY; AND/OR THE HOSE ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK AND LEAK OIL ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR THE TURBOCHARGER.
- Consequence: OIL LEAKING ON THESE HOT ENGINE SURFACES CAN IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICULAR FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER WHICH WILL PROTECT THE COOLER AND HOSES FROM OTHER STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN LOW ENERGY FRONT IMPACTS.
- Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: ONE OF THE BULBS IN EACH OF THE BRAKE LIGHT LOWER OUTBOARD LAMP ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WIRED, RESULTING IN IMPROPER TAIL LIGHT ILLUMINATION ON BRAKE APPLICATION. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IMPROPER ILLUMINATION OF BRAKE LIGHTS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION MAY NOT SIGNAL FOLLOWING DRIVERS OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENT TO SLOW OR STOP AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE BRAKE LIGHT OUTBOARD LAMP ASSEMBLIES TO MEET FMVSS REQUIREMENTS.
Negative 1994 Saab 9000 car reviews
Positive 1994 Saab 9000 car reviews
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Hey there! I just had to share with you how much I love my first car! It's a Saab that I bought for only $700, even though it had a lot of body damage. But don't let that fool you, it runs great and drives straight! I take it on routine trips that are over 200 miles with no problems at all. Living in Alaska, it handles the snow and ice like a champ! Sure, it may look like a piece of junk, but who cares when it runs so well? I drive over 20,000 miles a year and have already put 15,000 miles on it (it originally had 185,000 miles). I just can't get enough of this car!
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Overall, I found the car to be very responsive and a blast to drive. The turbo is a great feature when it comes to passing those who are slowing you down. The main things I love about it are the heated seats, the huge trunk, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing I'm in one of the safest cars on the road. Although repairs can be a bit pricey.
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You've got yourself a very solid car with few problems, except for the automatic traction control device which can be a bit of a pain. However, it's not enough to spoil the fun. It's especially a great deal when purchased used, as they have a greater depreciation value than a Volvo.
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We really loved this car! It actually saved our lives in a wreck in Belgium. We were going around 110-120 km/h on the highway when we hit a cement wall, but the car held up perfectly! The policemen, firemen, and ers were all amazed and said they had never seen anything like it before.
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I bought this car with 87000 miles on it, and it was a one owner trade at a new car dealer. Now, with 221000 miles on it, it's running better than ever. It did take a while to get the bugs out of it, but I found a local mechanic who specializes in SAABS and he's been a great help. For a while, it had some strange problems like the auto climate control and various other electrical gremlins, but now it's running great. I recently got new exhaust, brakes, and Yokohama 205/60 DB s2's from tire rack, and it drives and looks almost new. Over the last 6 years, I've spent $9000 on maintenance, but it was worth it. I now have a new-looking, new-performing SAAB for less than half the price of a new one. Plus, it's fast enough to give you a good scare!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Saab 9000 problems:
New to the 9000 -- what are the weak points | SaabCentral Forums
Sep 11, 2012 ... 9000 totally different from the 900. Cooling system issues are the most common 9000 problem, usually thermostat or hoses but electrical issues ...
Common Saab 9000 problems? : r/saab
Jul 29, 2022 ... The big issues I would anticipate are electrical gizmos that might wear out (like EDU, ACC) and (if equipped) TCS parts, and pretty much ...
Auto tranny in 9000s are not reliable? | SaabCentral Forums
Dec 18, 2010 ... From the Alfafaq link, my problem may indeed be the governor seals : quote : Common symptoms: 1. shifting up too soon, or not down shifting when ...
Saab 9000 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top Saab 9000 Problems · Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover Gasket · Noise From Water Pump Failure · Head Gasket Failure · Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but ...
SOLVED! 320CDI CEL, limp mode, codes p0111-p1111-p1100 ...
Jun 3, 2020 ... ... common problems. This is my first Mercedes, although it replaced a 1994 Saab 9000 Aero 5MT that I purchased with 140K miles and sold 11yrs ...
Other years of Saab 9000
Are you having problems with your 1994 Saab 9000?
Junius Hudson 2025-02-04
Although I have owned three Saabs, this one has been the least reliable. It has required multiple repairs, including the replacement of the heater core, head gasket, water pump, and fuel pump. Currently, it is leaking coolant all over my garage. Unfortunately, the prior owner also experienced mechanical problems while the car was still under warranty, which I only learned about after purchasing the vehicle.
Jerald Lebsack 2024-10-29
I purchased this car only 3 months ago and unfortunately, I've been experiencing some issues with it. While it runs fine most of the time, there have been some instances where the alarm has gone off while driving on the highway, the heat stopped working after I invested $800, and the power antenna has been acting up. It's been a bit frustrating and I'm considering selling it. Perhaps when it was new it was a good car, but now it seems to require a lot of maintenance.
Cruz Haag 2024-08-22
Since I purchased the car, I have driven 8000 miles. I have had to replace the transmission, timing chain, and fuel pump. Unfortunately, the TCS problems are still present. Just a friendly warning to watch out for cars with TCS. On the bright side, it is the fastest four-cylinder car I have ever driven!
Deion Glover 2024-06-25
I paid $3500.00 for this car 15 months ago and I have enjoyed driving it ever since. However, the maintenance costs have exceeded the initial purchase price. Despite numerous repairs, including a new clutch, A/C repairs, and various electrical issues, the car is now experiencing engine problems. Given the high cost of repairs, I have decided not to invest any further in this vehicle. It is unfortunate that the maintenance costs have been so high, but I am confident that I made the right decision in not repairing it.
Emilio Rogahn 2024-06-09
I would recommend considering other options instead of this one. Saab is no longer in business, which means that parts can be quite expensive. Additionally, my personal experience with a Saab was not great. It seemed like every time I fixed one thing, something else would go wrong. Unfortunately, the car eventually broke down on the highway and caused some damage. While I was able to sell it for scrap, it was still a loss. Just keep in mind that the sunroof also had a tendency to leak and required frequent repairs.