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Saab 9-5 Sedan

2237 messages,  Last post on Jul 17, 2012 at 6:08 PM

You are in the Saab 9-5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-5, Sedan

Messages Page 130 of 225

#1283 of 2237 Firephoenix777 by sonett_lvr

Dec 12, 2002 (11:35 am)

My Aero is a 2002, and the 0-60 is somewhere in the mid 6's. My old 900 SE was in the low 6's. I'm not sure of the 1/4 time. I may take it to a local strip and find out when spring rolls around and I get better tires. As far as synthetic, I use standard weights 10W30 in winter, 10W40 spring/fall and 15W50 in the summer (I think that's it). Unless you live where it is really cold (high temps below 0F), don't go below 10W30, it is not generally recommended for the turbo.
 
Saab's turbochargers are oil and water cooled (IIRC), but SAAB has used both Mistubishi and Garret turbochargers in the past, I don't know who makes the one in my 95. I got a great deal on my new Aero, it had 6K miles on it and had never been titled, since it was driven by a SAAB regional parts manager. Automatic, touring package, and only in service for 4 months. I paid just under $30K and may qualify for owner loyalty rebate of $500, since I own a '73 SAAB Sonett. (48K miles, 2nd owner)
 
If you are really concerned about maintenance issues/costs, you might consider a used Acura TL Type S. Nice car, I would have gotten one, but I just wanted to be back in a SAAB when I finished out the lease on a vehicle for my wife. (Wife wanted Honda Oddessey half way through her lease when I blew the transmission on my 900 SE, can't blame SAAB, 160K miles and 60 extra horsepower, with much bigger and better tires.)

#1284 of 2237 LOL by dski

Dec 12, 2002 (7:19 pm)

Okay..I've been gone too long. Here are some clarifications from some of the conversation thread lately.
 
1.In Canada.. you can't pull fuse 35 as he said, it's the law. DRL's cause short bulb life whether it's a Saab or a Honda.
 
2.Saab Automobile doesn't Make Airplanes. They've been seperate for Years now. In fact.. I don't even think Saab Aerospace even makes a Plane anymore. Big supplier to company's that still assemble though.
 
3.You don't fix an airbag.. you replace it. Someone already answered that. I just thought the question was funny. LOL
 
4. Headlight replacement.. in the U.S. the dealers replace the bulbs under warranty. It must be different in Canada. Of course after the warranty expires... we're on our own. The last 7 years of Saabs here.. we replace our bulbs much less than our neighbors do for thier Volvo and they blow all the bulbs a LOT not just headlights.
 
Drew

#1285 of 2237 Bulbs by firephoenix777

Dec 12, 2002 (10:37 pm)

I don't know what kind of bulbs and the brand Saab uses (H4? H3?) But did anyone replace a burned out bulb with those that are use by Hondas or Toyotas? (Assuming they are the same kind of bulbs) I'm just wondering if anyone has done it to maybe proof it's the bulb's problem and not Saab.

#1286 of 2237 by firephoenix777

Dec 12, 2002 (10:48 pm)

Sonett_lvr:
I don't know where you live. But I live in CA. Do I need to switch the oil in different seasons like you do? Acura TL-S......don't want japanese cars.....
 
Enginetrouble:
Please keep us posted. Doesn't seem like Saab is taking good care of its customers.......

#1287 of 2237 which turbo's? by bbf65

Dec 12, 2002 (11:42 pm)

mitsubishi turbo on aero's,
garrett's on linear and arc's.
 
happy saabing!

#1288 of 2237 what? by bretfraz

Dec 13, 2002 (11:19 am)

Doesn't seem like Saab is taking good care of its customers.......
 
I think you can make that statement about every single automaker. Based on my personal experience and what I've read from hundreds of fellow SAAB owners is that SAAB does a great job with their customers. Not every car is perfect, not every dealer is wonderful, not every car owner is honest.
 
The 9-5 is at least as reliable as any comparable European car, and more reliable than many. But there's always gonna be a few bad ones. If you put reliability as your #1 priority, stick with the Asian brands. The odds are slightly more in their favor. Not that Asian cars are perfect either.

#1289 of 2237 by firephoenix777

Dec 13, 2002 (12:56 pm)

I guess I shouldn't make that comment based on just one incident (post #1278). The reason I said that is because based on enginetrouble's post,
 
"Manual requires oil changes every 10K, which I had. Saab says oil should have been changed more often."
 
seems like to me Saab is not going to repair the vehicle even the driver follows the manual's indicated maintenance requirement. It's good to hear you have good experience with Saab. I know all cars are not perfect and I definitely wouldn't go for another japanese car.

#1290 of 2237 Saab Aero or Maxima SE? by ejh00

Dec 27, 2002 (10:15 am)

Was planning on another Saab, this time buying an Aero (I have a 2000 9-5 SE coming up to lease-end). Local dealer still has a new 2002 Aero 5-spd that he offered for $31,500 (MSRP is $40K and change). This includes $500 owner loyalty and what I think is a hefty discount. Am concerned only about the reputed turbo lag and sloppy shifting, which my brief test drive seemed to confirm. Car is outstanding otherwise.
 
My son convinced me to test drive a 2003 Maxima SE 6-spd, which I did. Smooth, quiet, powerful and luxurious. It had none of Saab's quirkiness or intelligent engineering touches, and the warranty is less attractive (3yr/36,000 vs. 4yr/50,000 plus roadside). But this car really performs, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. The dealer's first offer was $26K (MSRP is $30,600), which I think can come down more if I get serious. I need a backseat and trunk space, otherwise I'd look at the Z or G35 for Saab money.
 
Is this a fair comparison? The $6-7K price difference is significant in this class, but 20% off the Aero is also compelling. I want to own and drive for 4-5 years. Or am I comparing Swedish apples and Japanese oranges? All thoughts are welcome.

#1291 of 2237 Saab Again? by cabbatan2

Dec 27, 2002 (12:17 pm)

ejh00.. I know what you are going through. I too have a 200 Saab 9-5 and my lease comes up in a few months. I've been doing some heavy research and have narrowed my picks to the following:
Saab 9-5 Aero wagon,Volvo XC70,Subaru Outback H.6. I'm looking for a wagon as you can see and these are the choices that make the most sense to me. Obviously the Saab is the sports car of the bunch and I'll talk about that in a moment.
My newphew just purchased a 03 Maxima and I test drove it. Like you,I was mesmerized by the speed and sheer acceleration that it produces. Having said that,the rest of the experience left me wanting more. I can't put my finger on it but it just seemed to get boring after about 5 minutes of driving it. If you are looking for a reliable,fast car I think the Maxima will be superior to the Saab although besides some battery issues with my car, I can't complain too much. It's been very reliable. It will be a tough choice,I know.Also,you will be able to do much better on price with the max.
Back to my situation,I like idea of leasing something else this time but I know there is an 80% chance that I will end up with another Saab.
Why?? I think you know the reasons so I won't go into it. The fact that I will be a return customer should also be favorable so I may as well give in and go and put my order in for my
9-5 Aero wagon.. A red one sounds good..
Good luck and let me know your thoughts as well.

#1292 of 2237 I don't think there is much comparison by bretfraz

Dec 27, 2002 (1:30 pm)

But buy the car you like. You'll have to spend the next 5 years paying for it, might as well get something desirable.
 
Some time ago I posted some comments about the 9-5 vs. Acura TL. You might want to scroll back and look for them.
 
Part of me thinks its terribly sad that people compare the 9-5 to mainstream Asian cars when SAAB should be compared against Audi, Volvo, etc. Maybe not MBz or BMW but at least something close. If nothing else it helps Nissan's marketing dept justify price increases. I mean, if the average person can't tell the diff between one and the other, why not raise the price $5000 and stick it to them?
 
I feel sorry for all the suckers kicking down $27,000+ for a Honda Accord. But ignorance is bliss, especially when it comes to buying a new car.

Messages Page 130 of 225

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