I've had a few Saabs in the last few years, and I have mixed feelings and a love / hate thing with 'em.

Seems to me that the engines and bodies are the strongest thing about these cars. However, it was all the (many) little nitpicky things that drove me nuts. This didn't work or that was broken, or whatever. The trim is always falling off and plastic parts crack, etc.

My first was an '87 900S auto trans. At about 130k, the transmission just quit one day and I dumped the car. Late '80's Saabs are known for their BAD auto boxes. (something like the mercedes 3.5 diesels in the 350SDL's) If you're after a manual, you should be alright.

My second was an '89 9000CD which was a nice comfy car that did alot of hard work with very little maintenance. I traded that for a 1993 900S auto with only 30k miles on it. It's like new and so far very dependable.

The moral of the story is that if I needed a cheap and solid car for $1000 to $2000 bucks, I would say if not a Benz, then an old Saab 900 for sure. They are so cool and funky.
Just keep in mind that, in my experience, they are still pretty expensive to repair, not unlike the benz. Just the same, except for the dead transmission, I don't recall ever being stranded with our Saabs, and we drove many round trips between Arizona and Wisconsin.

I would say that you should shop around, because Saab resale is pretty low, and you can get a POS for nearly the same money as a reasonably clean one. Naturally, avoid the rusty ones and watch out for crappy paint from the eighties.

Most people who have a Saab are crazy in love with them.
check out
http://www.saabnet.com/
for more info and Saab Stories.