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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 165 of 224

#1638 of 2237 First Saab Purchase by chic345

Jan 22, 2004 (9:12 pm)

Looking for feedback on buying a 2001 Saab 9-5 SE wagon from my local Volvo dealer (who apparently doesn't want a competing Swede on his lot). The car has 39,000 miles on it and appears gently used - only concern is a CarFax report showing it titled as a rental for its first 2000 miles prior to being titled to a private party (possibly a service loaner?). The dealer is currently down to $15,600 for the car. Is this as good a deal as it seems or am I missing something about this particular car or Saabs in general? I'd like to buy and drive this wagon to 100K+. Any thoughts or troublespots with Saabs (V6?) that I should be aware of before I write a check? Thanks in advance to all who respond to my plea for help!

#1639 of 2237 looks like I've missed a lot of fun by bretfraz

Jan 24, 2004 (11:24 am)

This forum was dead for about a year but I guess the winter blahs have been getting to some folks.
 
CHIC345 - $15.6 is an excellent price for that car. Since its not being sold by a Saab dealer its not CPO and that's one reason the price is good.
 
The consensus on V6 reliability is that its an excellent engine with very few problems. There are fewer V6 9-5's on the road than the 4 cylinder models but statistically it's looking like the V6 is every bit as reliable as the 4 cyl if not better. Use a full synthetic oil and change it every 5000-6000 miles. Don't go past 7500 miles between oil changes on the V6.
 
Write down the VIN and contact or visit your Saab dealer and see if they can find any service records. Things like spark plugs, transmission fluid, and coolant need to be replaced at 30K along with the normal oil change and air filter replacement. IOW, try to find out if the 30K service was done. If not that'll run you $300-500 and should not be ignored.
 
While you're at the dealer ask about buying an extended warranty. It might be worth the expense if only to mitigate potential expensive repair costs down the road. Saab parts are not cheap nor widely available and that makes some repairs rather pricey.
 
Like most European cars, Saabs are not rolling appliances. They need regular maintenance, a dose of TLC occassionally, and an owner who appreciates the driving & ownership experience. There is hardly a safer car on the road than a 9-5. And I think Saab is probably the last automaker selling a car with some real personality and character. If these things appeal to you, you'll love the 9-5. If not, there are other fine cars out there to own.

#1640 of 2237 Purchasing a 2001 9'5 Aero by golfnuttb

Jan 25, 2004 (4:31 pm)

I am looking at a 01 AERO that is loaded, but it has a 5 speed. I have no experience with Saab manual transmissions. Specifically the clutch. Can anyone offer up advice on their reliability or problems??? The car has 15K miles and the dealer is asking $24,000. It is not Certified. Does anyone know what the average cost to Certify is??? Would this be a fair price? Or should I have certifed, if not to costly.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!

#1641 of 2237 Aero by GBrianK

Jan 25, 2004 (9:30 pm)

Reliability is better than average. I had owned my 9-3 manual for 34000 and was close to needing a new clutch ($500). Brake replacement around 40K (estimated by Service Advisor). I recommend you get the car Certified. Usually runs about $2000. Worth every penny. You can expect a few things to go out after 50K miles: DI Casette, SID display.

#1642 of 2237 RE: Bostnwhlr and Honda Pilot by dski

Feb 05, 2004 (1:34 pm)

WEll... If you've been here long you know i've had 2 9-5's and loved both. Our current one is a Wagon. Reliability has been great so far. This is after 6 years experience.
 
But the reason for my response: I too went boring with my work vehicle, a Honda Pilot. I got everything including leather and a DVD system i Hate. Don't get your hopes up too much here. The Pilot ain't all that great lemme tell you. It most definately does not have the expect build quality from Honda. It's just been.. "okay". What a shame. It is a grea highway vehicle though.
 
Drew

#1643 of 2237 Xenon headlights by golfnuttb

Feb 10, 2004 (5:02 pm)

Does anyone know if I can put Xenon lights in my 2001 9-5 Aero??? If so is there a better after market place to purchase them?
Thanx,

#1644 of 2237 xenons by bretfraz

Feb 12, 2004 (7:51 am)

Are you talking about the same HID's that come with the current 9-5? If so, the answer is no. The nose of the 9-5 was redesigned in 2002 and headlights are not interchangable.
 
If you're asking about modding your current headlights to HID technology, I suppose its possible but I haven't read anything about the upgrade.
 
Brighter replacement bulbs are available but not easy to find in H7. Search online resources for best selection.

#1645 of 2237 Bad luck with '99 9-5 SE by blafusel

Feb 22, 2004 (3:06 pm)

I though I share my experience with the group:
 
I own a 1999 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0 V6. At 64000 miles the timing belt was replaced by my local dealership. Now, at 75000 miles, the belt tensioner failed and caused major damage to the engine. The dealership did not inform me about the risks not replacing the tensioner. He did say, at the time of service there was no reason for it to be replaced. I am rather dissapointed that a $200 item was not replaced by default when renewing the timing belt. I am now faced with repair costs of over $5000 (plus rental car costs). I bought this car for my family after hearing so many positive comments on the reliability of Saab vehicles. I took care of all the service intervals recommended by Saab. This incident seems rather uncommon - but shows rather serious safety implications.
 
If anybody has any tips on how/if to approach Saab, please let me know!

#1646 of 2237 Buying an '04 9-5 by blqueena

Feb 24, 2004 (11:13 am)

I am very interested in the Saab 9-5 Arc Sedan, can anyone give me insight pros and cons if this is a good reliable vehicle and what I might expect (if any) to go wrong with it and approx costs. Also, should one get the automatic transmission now that its a 4cyl or stick with the manual. I'm Finally getting rid of a Lincoln Continental that has been nothing but a money pit and dont want to gain another money pit. Any help is appreciated.
thanks,
Brenda

#1647 of 2237 by pat

Feb 24, 2004 (11:45 am)

Hi Brenda - welcome!
 
While you are waiting for some comments, you'll be interested in paging back through some of the previous messages here. You can use the links on the page bar and/or the Search This Discussion feature. There is lots of good information here!
 
Good luck - feel free to email me if I can help you find anything here in the Town Hall.
 

Messages Page 165 of 224

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