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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 167 of 224

#1660 of 2237 Saab incentives by 03oddity

Mar 10, 2004 (11:55 am)

The dealer emailed me a purchase price on the 2004 Aero (loaded to the gills) that ostensibly took into account the GM supplier discount--but in the process another $2800 of the originally advertised discount disappeared, making it a wash. Guess they figured I wouldn't notice. There is a $5000 purchase incentive from Saab that they did disclose, and another $500 owner loyalty cash.
 
On a 36 mo. lease, the $5K does not apply. Payments would have been about $200/mo higher than my current 2001 9-5 V6 SE lease (sweet deal: $409/mo plus tax, 15K miles/year, no cap cost reduction, residual $18121). I really don't want to buy a new car that is so many years into its product cycle; that lease makes absolutely no sense financially. Saab Finance will not deal on the 2001 buyout (I'd pay $15 or 16K max).
 
Looks like it will be a TL for me.

#1661 of 2237 Saab Incentives by buddhabman

Mar 10, 2004 (1:20 pm)

We got about 5k of of our Aero wagon we bought last year. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get 8K now(Bummer for me). Oh well
 
Now to the look of the 17" wheels on the Aero. That is part of the Aero sporty look. In no way is it racer or ricey, its very understated. The wheels are no different than the look on the BMW 5 series with sport package. You like what you like, but IMHO you would be worse off with the ARC wheels. The 17" are pretty sturdy, but if you want more cushion you can get replacement Pilot Sports or comparable Bridgestone 730's /950's or even SO3's with 50 series profile.
 
As to perforamnce, the Aero is quicker, faster, firmer damped springs, better seats and gets pretty close in MPG to the new ARC. The 2003 Aero had better gas mileage than the old V6 ARC. The sport mode and Sentronic paddle shifters work very well. The brakes are awesome. I plan to add some Goodridge SS brake lines at some point and replace worn pads with Pagid pads when the time comes for a brake repair. The only other thing I might add is stiffer springs for really spirited driving thru the canyons. But let's be clear the Aero wagon handles as well or better than the Audi A6 Wagons, BMW 5 wagons and the M-Benz wagons.
 
As to reliability, not one issue. The only issue is resale - depreciation. If you turn over cars quickly then a lease is the way to go. We tend to keep ours for a while so no worries.
 
The ARC is nice but the Aero is worth it if spirited / enthusiast driving feel is high on your list.

#1662 of 2237 I'm sure no offense was intended, but... by pat

Mar 10, 2004 (6:04 pm)

Please, because of the negative ethnic implications from which "rice" terms arose, they are not allowed in the Town Hall. "Boy racer" is a term that seems to convey the intended meaning without the possibility of creating offense. We appreciate everyone's understanding about this.
 
If there are any questions or comments about this policy, feel free to email either me or our Community Manager, Sylvia - both of us may reached using our first names AT edmunds.com.
 
Thanks!

#1663 of 2237 17s aero by oldman

Mar 11, 2004 (9:36 pm)

Buddha, I've never driven on 17s. Are these low profile tires prone to harsh riding on bad roads compared to the 16s? I also hear that 17s are sometimes difficult fitments as many tire dealers don't inventory 17s, so a flat can cause some headaches if you are traveling. Personally, I'd like the aero 5M with 16s, and you gotta deal.

#1664 of 2237 17's Aero by buddhabman

Mar 13, 2004 (12:27 am)

oldman - The 17's mounted on the Aero have 225/45/17 tires. I have hit a few 1-2" potholes at speed with no problems. The ride is firm but very comfortable. The car is exceptionally smooth on the highway over expansion joints. The springs and struts absorb any rough stuff. I wouldn't go any lower profile than the 45 if you really crave a comfortable ride. Like I mentioned before Tire Rack has a nice seletion of 225/45/17 tires if you need to replace the tires. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires come in 50 series. You really miss out if you get the smaller rims. the Aero is stunning on 17's. Good luck

#1665 of 2237 shopping for a safe car by kiiwii

Mar 13, 2004 (9:01 am)

S80 and 9-5 are on top of my choices. Did a bit research and found 9-5 seems to have a better crash test rating than S80. But, to my surprise, 9-5 does not offer side airbags for rear passengers. Why?

#1666 of 2237 rear bags by oldman

Mar 13, 2004 (8:33 pm)

Kiiwii, I dunno! For such a stylish and safety-related car brand, it seems strange that Saab would be lacking the bags as an option. I too was surprised, because I would not buy a car anymore without that item for passengers. I emailed Saab and asked whether the 05s would have the bags, and their response was "it has not been decided as yet". So there you have it. I suspect budgetary restrictions prevented them from offering them, or developing them, as yet.

#1667 of 2237 to bhroberts re: 03 9-5 Linear by newsaabguy1

Mar 15, 2004 (4:00 pm)

I have an '02 Linear 5-speed (black over charcoal leather) I purchased new 2 years ago. As I understand it, the Linear has produced 185 hp since '01, with no factory options for increased power. Perhaps the salesman got the power & torque ratings confused (torque > 205 lbs-ft).
 
I absolutely love my car, even after attending an auto show last week/getting some seat time in a few competitive models. Probably the only thing that could lure me out of my 9-5 would be a fire sale on an FX35. I even talked 3 of my friends and co-workers into buying Saabs since I got mine.
 
Some items which may wear out earlier than you expect include the brakes (I now need new ones 48k miles), headlights & foglights. While the basic 48month/50k warranty covers a lot of wear items, I don't know if this will be the case on your extended warranty.
 
Good luck on your decision!

#1668 of 2237 Brakes at 48K Is Early?? Aero Tires by blockislandguy

Mar 15, 2004 (7:08 pm)

Newsabguy1, brakes at 48K is early? Not so. Cruise over to the Land Rover Disco and Jeep Grand Cherokee forums. With those makes, by now you would be installing your third to fourth set of pads. Jeep rotors apparently can't be resurfaced, so you'd be into a lot of big buck rotors too.
 
I think if I had an Aero I'd ditch the 17" wheels come December 1 and install a Tire Rack/Tires Direct winter package with 16 inch rims and say Artic Alpins. That would improve the ride on the winter pot holes while giving you better traction. Maybe come Spring I'd put on 50 or 55 aspect tires on the 17" wheels and forget about the 45's in New England. Yes, no?

#1669 of 2237 To newsaabguy1: Thanks for feedback! by bhroberts

Mar 16, 2004 (7:18 am)

The 2003 Linear with 24K M/T was sold before I could make up my mind, but another one, a 2001 Linear M/T with 40K is about to arrive and was offered at <$20K. In the meantime I test-drove a 2004 Aero M/T which they offered at $6K below List ($42K - 6K = 36K). I am inclined to offer $8K below List (after reading everyone's comments) and tell them to take it or leave it. I hate coming up with all that cash, but I can do it, and I did love the drive. I kept saying "Oh, baby" every time I pushed the pedal.

Messages Page 167 of 224

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