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Saab 9-5 Sedan

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

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

Messages Page 161 of 225

#1596 of 2237 Saab Reliability & Sabb Aero vs Others by buddhabman

Nov 25, 2003 (3:06 pm)

Saab Reliability -
We have been fortunate since we purchased a 2003 Aero Wagon. I have read that prior to 2002 the (-5 could be hit or miss. We have had ours for 1 year in December and have not had one single problem.
 
Saab Aero vs Others -
 
This is tough, as I am a big Saab fan. But there are some nice sedans out there. I like our Saab as a freeway cruiser but not particularly as a canyon carver. To cover miles on a freeway you can't beat the Saab; Benz, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Jag it doesn't matter. Unless you are talking AMG, M Models, S models, Type R models in those brands you will not find a smoother, faster car with 30 mpg. I have had several new Benz 420's, Audi 3.0's, 530's try to show off and they have been humbled. 0-60 is not blinding but 60-120+ is very fast.
 
Now if you have to always take the canyon home I might go with another car. The Saab is not terrible but it is not damped particularly firmly. It tracks well but there is some float over uneven turns, and you hit bump stops on bumpy curves. I think it competes very well with the base levels of Benz C/E class, Audi A6, BMW 530/540, but no way with the AMG, S or M models. This is not even mentioning the G35 or the new Acura TL which are super nice also.
 
Having said that I would probably get the BMW 530i Sedan with sport package, or the G35 with Sport package/AWD or the new Acura TL if I wanted to canyon carve.
 
I think the Saab Aero needs stiffer springs and it would be an exceptional handler. There are some springs I might buy and I will report back.

#1597 of 2237 Just curious... by rsholland

Dec 12, 2003 (8:25 am)

I know this is the Saab 9-5 thread, but I'm curious what you all think of the new Saabaru 9-2x? Afterall, you all (and 9-3 owners too) probably represent true Saab owners feelings about what Saabs should be? Are you for it, or against it?
 
There's a lot of discussion over on the Subaru forms about this vehicle. A lot of people like it, and a lot don't.
 
BTW, there is a 9-2x thread here at Edmunds, if you rather post your comments over there.
 
Bob

#1598 of 2237 RE: Just curious by dski

Dec 13, 2003 (9:28 am)

Well.. I'm not a huge fan of Badge engineering which is basically what they are doing here.. but... Having said that.. the Subaru WRX is an Awesome drivers car. The problem with it is very bland styling for an otherwise exciting drive.
 
If Saab styling and engineering can make a few improvements and transform it into a more exciting vehicle.... It could be a very viable car to consider. I'm anxious to see what they do with it.
 
Drew

#1599 of 2237 Here ya go... by rsholland

Dec 13, 2003 (10:51 am)

http://www.9-2x.saabusa.com/#home
 
As you can see, it's nothing more than a 2.0 WRX wagon with a Saab nose. The interior has some parts from the Forester (center dash panel) and the steering wheel from the upcoming all-new Legacy. The seats, interior door panels and rear hatch are also unique to the 9-2x. Other than that it's pure WRX, if you get the turbo (Aero) model. The non-turbo Linear model is a tweaked Impreza 2.5TS wagon. Also, there is no signature Saab ignition switch on the floor.
 
Pricing is reportedly going to run from $22K - $30K. For $30K you will probably be able to get the all-new 2.5 Legacy turbo, which will certainly be a much nicer car.
 
Bob

#1600 of 2237 Need Help: 2001 9-5 SE vs. 2002 ARC by stgreen

Dec 14, 2003 (7:04 am)

Selling my bmw 3 series and getting into saab wagon. What are main differences between 2001 9-5 SE and 2002 Arc with same engine?
 
I know of 4 speed versus 5 speed, exterior revisions and different wood interior and stiffer suspension. Is the new suspension much stiffer? anything else of importance.
 
Thanks!

#1601 of 2237 Not much difference by GBrianK

Dec 14, 2003 (11:54 am)

Other than the 2002 costing more to fix than the 2001 in an accident(integrated grill and bumper on the 02)....

#1602 of 2237 01 se by explorerx4

Dec 14, 2003 (6:09 pm)

the 01 se has heated rear seats. my kids sure like them. there is a button the the back of the console for it. don't know if the '02 does. i know the 04 arc doesn't

#1603 of 2237 Saab Unreliablility - 1 more by hils111

Dec 15, 2003 (2:53 pm)

Hello! I am so frustrated and disappointed in my Saab. I have had some minor electrical issues - mere annoyances but still a problem. Now I am facing a much larger problem that will probably cause me to sell the hunk of junk. First, note that I have always wanted a Saab - my whole life. My husband was never happy with them, but agreed to finally buying me one for Valentine's Day this year. Anyway, to the point, the car has 9,000 miles on it. It is a 9-5 linear. Last week the engine coolant light came on. So, we called the dealer (which BTW is 1 1/2 hours away) and they said to bring it in - it most likely had a leak. We took it in and they kept it over night. They found no external leak and can't find any internal leak (possible head casket problem). They told me that indeed there is a leak and most likely it is internal, but since they can't find it they want me to continue driving it until it becomes a problem again. I got the car back on Saturday and have begun monitoring the reserve tank. This morning there was a noticeable drop in the level (we are monitoring it after the car has been run and is warm). The funniest thing was that when I picked it up - I went to speak to the manager to explain the situation. Some young sales man asked me (in all seriousness) if I followed the proper break in period. I felt like telling him - "Gosh no! Thank you so much - that must be my problem." But I refrained...
 
My question, has anyone else had problems with the engine coolant leaking? Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

#1604 of 2237 coolant loss by explorerx4

Dec 15, 2003 (5:25 pm)

hils111 - sorry to hear about your problem.
do you smell coolant when the car is warm?
btw sabb coolant is BLUE, just like a lot of windshield washer fluid. also, if you have a head gasket leak, usually some white smoke comes out of the exhaust. take a look yourself under the car for any blue coloring. call the service manager, and politely tell of him your concern and that you are worried about getting stranded if the car breaks down.

#1605 of 2237 slehrman by explorerx4

Dec 15, 2003 (7:24 pm)

regarding you extended warranty prices, try searching for 'gm major guard', i didn't look as far as getting an actual quote, but there are places you can buy a GM warranty other than your selling dealer, or at least find out if they are in the ballpark. there are various deductibles in addition to levels of coverage and miles/years.
how much sense does it make to get a cover everything warranty with a high deductible, vs one that just covers the major components?

Messages Page 161 of 225

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