l understand that older Saabs are a pain to work on, and tend to have a lot of quirky mechanical problems.
But after GMC purchased Saab did they improve mechanically speaking? Is there a year after which Saabs have become better cars, or should l look at another brand?

My Swedish car mechanic told me not to ever buy a Saab because they need to be torn apart just to do minor things to the engine. That makes them very expensive to work on due to the extra labor needed. Get a Volvo, instead.

2003-06 dont buy junk junk , problems up the ass if you want one get a 2007 100k warranty

You want the long or the short answer? Some basics, GM purchased Saab in 1990 & a1/2, first year full blown Gm influence was the1994 body change 900 models. How old a Saab r u asking about? l own 7 Saabs, newest is a 1999 9-3 Viggen convert, all others pre-1995 converts. The ones u definitely stay away from r any of the V-6 models, they have way more problems than anyone should have to deal with. the 2000 thru 2003 9-3 2.0 Liter turbos r also not a good purchase, engine problems. The 9-5 thru 2004 r fine cars. With the intro of the 9-3 sport, 2003 & a 1/2 9440 chassis, & the 2005 to present 9-5 models u r just buying a Saturn engine in an Opel chassis. And u r buying some really bad electronic glitchs. Thats the short version, one l repeat daily in my Saab shop. Hope this helps ur decision, Good Luck

l do not think that they improved as my brother is 1993 900 is in my driveway with a blown engine. My 1992 900 is reverse gear is gone. If l had the time & finances, l would put money back into my 1986 900 T. Heck, l saw a new Hyundai that l thought was a NG Saab at first glance. Older Saabs can be considered hobby cars as u will have to pay a pretty penny as age creeps on them. On the other hand, l would not want to be in any other car but an OG Saab if l had an accident. To the mechanic above me, thanks for the info on the chassis/engine combo.