I have a Saab 9-3 convertable 2.0 se automatic,,, the other day it wouldn't start after I had driven it 10 miles,, when It eventually did start I drove it a further 20 miles and it was fine until it cut out on me,,, I restarted it after half hour and got a further 5 miles fine and then It did the same again,, now it won't start at all,,, the check engine light is on too,,, what could this be

try the neutral safety switch -common problem-spray water on it -too hot- needs cooled down -it is under the battery left side

I suggest look in the Fuse Passenger Box, positions 9, 13 and 21 under 15AMP range.

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Check for a bad switch in the door.
Water leaking from the rag top-door seal joint often drains into the switch, causing a short or bad contact eventually.

maks sure battery in key fob is good

It's a common problem with these cars i am actually fixing mine as of now. That car is all about oil pressure and when it is low you'll start to get a tap and or what sounds like a knock due to the lifters not having enough pressure. Try taking your oil pan off and check your oil pick up line going from the oil pan to the turbo. A lot of times it gets a lot of sludge build up and makes the pressure little to none. If that looks clear check the slump inside the oil pan and see if that has sludge build up. Well hope this helped

Change crankshaft position sensor,located on a back side of the engine block next to the gearbox on a front side.

first off your mechanic sounds like he's taking you for a ride! If the oil lights coming on you need to check your oil pressure. I wouldnt drive this car anymore till I knew for sure I was getting good oil pressure through out the motor. Find a different mechanic! Mechanics are some of the biggest lying thieves! Right up there with lawyers.

Since it does eventually start and run, hard starting is usually a fuel delivery problem (pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel pump, kinked fuel line). First check the fuel pressure after turning the key on but not starting the car.

your ecu went to limp mode. try to your saab dealer to have reprogram

Is your SAAB automatic? If so, it is most likely the Neutral Safety Switch. I have had the same problem, it is very common in automatic Saab 9-3 models made in 1999-2002.