A 1991 Saab 900 Turbo convertible with an $11,500 asking price is no longer a cheap classic, and that is exactly why US buyers need to inspect it carefully. In 2020, TFLcar bought a clean one-owner 1991 car for just $2,500, noting that similar cars were listed around $3,000 to $5,000. Today, a good one costs serious money, and a bad one can cost even more to fix.
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Why the Saab 900 Turbo Convertible Still Has Fans
Saab began building the 900 convertible in 1986, and it sold well enough that production continued even after the original 900 ended. The 1991 Turbo uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 160 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Turbo lag is part of the personality. Jalopnik also notes that Saab seats are among the best you can find, which matters on a long top-down drive.
What Does a Saab 900 Turbo Convertible Cost in the US?
| Example | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 car bought by TFLcar (2020) | $2,500 | One owner, little rust |
| 1991 convertible, past sale (Hagerty) | $9,345 | Gray, manual |
| 1991 convertible, past sale (Hagerty) | $12,180 | Red, 65,000 miles, manual |
| 1991 convertible, past sale (Hagerty) | $47,145 | Yellow, 78,000 miles, an outlier |
| 1991 car in Jalopnik’s Nice Price feature | $11,500 | Asking price |
The $47,145 result is a standout, not a normal market price. Most tracked sales sit between roughly $9,000 and $12,000, so an $11,500 ask is in line with that range, but only if the car is genuinely sound.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Rust. TFLcar called a low-rust car “”very rare,”” so check floors, sills and wheel arches first.
- Body structure. The convertible is almost 400 pounds heavier than the hardtop because Saab added structure to the unit body after removing the roof. Sagging doors or uneven gaps are a warning.
- The top. Test the folding mechanism and look for leaks, torn fabric and a cloudy rear window.
- Turbo and engine. Listen for rattles, watch for smoke and make sure the car pulls cleanly under boost.
- Hood and service access. Jalopnik describes the huge hood as a complicated, multi-stage opening, and TFLcar called the car tough to work on. Budget for a Saab specialist.
- Records. Receipts matter more than a shiny paint job.
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AutoAkhbar Verdict
- Who should buy: Enthusiasts who want a quirky Swedish convertible, enjoy weekend drives and are happy to maintain it through a specialist.
- Who should skip: Anyone wanting a trouble-free daily driver or planning to buy on looks alone.
- Biggest compromise: Repair costs and finding skilled help can outweigh the low purchase price.
- Value rating: 6.5/10. It is fun and rare, but only a documented, rust-free car justifies $11,500.
AutoAkhbar Bottom Line
Pay $11,500 only for a documented, rust-free car with a working top and a clean pre-purchase inspection from a Saab specialist. If the seller cannot show service records, negotiate hard or walk away. The 900 Turbo convertible is a car you buy with your heart, so protect your wallet with a thorough inspection.
Sources: Jalopnik, TFLcar, Hagerty Price Guide past sales.
Saab 900 Turbo Convertible FAQ
How much is a Saab 900 Turbo convertible worth in the US?
Past Hagerty-tracked sales of 1991 cars include $9,345 and $12,180, with one exceptional car reaching $47,145. Condition and rust decide the price.
How much power does the 1991 Saab 900 Turbo convertible make?
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 160 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque.
When did Saab start building the 900 convertible?
Convertible production began in 1986.
Is a Saab 900 Turbo convertible reliable?
It can be with good maintenance, but it is known as difficult to work on. Choose a car with service records and use a Saab specialist.
Is $11,500 too much for a 1991 Saab 900 Turbo convertible?
It is within the range of recent tracked sales, so it is fair only for a rust-free, well-documented car.”
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