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The cheapening of the 9-5

12 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM

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

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#5 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [saablcp] by ilrndude Nov 27, 2007 (7:14 pm)
Replying to: saablcp (Nov 27, 2007 9:04 am) Nope. I'm dissapointed that Saab ONLY offers a 4 cylinder. All other cars in this class offer a 6. Some are only available with a 6. Our v6 is a turbo. I've test driven the 4 cylinder and though it has more horses it lacks the smoothness of a v6. Our SE is loaded and we love it, but I don't see what the current 9-5 offers we don't already have. After 6 years, going on 7, we'd like a new car. Our first choice would be a Saab, but we'd basically get what we got with a different engine. Boring. So we're keeping the Saab and getting something else. Saab loses since, if they'd redesigned and if we'd liked the redesign, then we'd be getting an additional Saab instead of an Audi. Replies to this message: thetedla (Dec 16, 2007 8:05 am)
#6 of 12 2.3T by ensconced Nov 30, 2007 (9:05 am)
The main reason I purchased an 07 9-5 was because of the engine. It provided great power combined with good fuel economy. 4000 miles later and it is the sweetest engine I have ever owned. A test drive doesn't do it justice.
#7 of 12 cheapening of the 9-5 by dohrmc Nov 30, 2007 (10:17 am)
You are right, I loved the engine and the available power. I liked the handling too. My wife got in the car and put her thumb down right away. If they made the interior of the same quality as the original 1999 9-5, they would hear no complaints.
#8 of 12 2.3 4 vs. 3.0 V-6 by pearson244 Dec 03, 2007 (9:25 am)
I am on my 3rd 9.5.   First two (2000 and 2002) we're V-6 powered, my 2007 is, of course a 2.3 260 HP turbo, Aero in this case.   I used to be annoyed when folks picked on the V-6, I loved the power and smoothness of that engine, although that asymetrical turbo seemed to cause a weird "elastic" throttle response. Anyway, between the two V-6's, I put on combined 50,000 + miles and never had a single problem with either.   But, after driving 7K in the Aero, I have come to love that engine. It is a sweetheart, always ready to play. To really appreciate this vehicle and engine/automotic transmission, you need to take a nice 300-500 mile road trip.   The turbo lag that you experiece around town, and there is some, turns into smooth waves of power, you don't have to dip far into the throttle to overtake that porky Audi A-6. Yes, a little too much road noise, but the cornering, stability and response make this my favorite hwy crusier, and I have owed a Q-45 and two A-6's before the 9.5's, for comparison.   For the cost of around $37K, it is a ton of vehicle (In my case wagon) for the money, and it is free maintanence up to 30,000 and 100,000 mile drivetrain warrenty.   I worry that the much awaited 2009 9.5 will lack personality and/or will be $40K plus, like the German cars we cannot afford. Or, a CTS reskinned as a Saab.
#9 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [ilrndude] by thetedla Dec 16, 2007 (8:05 am)
Replying to: ilrndude (Nov 27, 2007 7:14 pm) I own a 2005 9-5 sedan that I picked up used with very low miles this summer (13K). I had a 91 900T for about 12 years, and a great Saab mechanic. I was looking for a nice replacement vehicle and he warned me to absolutely stay away from the v-6 Opel derived turbo, he said it was an ancient design and incredibly hard to work on and significantly less reliable than the 4 cylinder turbos that are real Saab engines. Many of the 9-5's I looked at or saw advertised in the paper were the V 6's, but even the local dealer admitted that the V6 is always a drawback for resale value.
#10 of 12 Yes, thats a Malibu or Impala dash controls in your Saab by smu1976 Dec 18, 2007 (9:18 pm)
1986 900 SPG  1992 9000 Griffen   1999 Saab 9-5 V6 (no need, 4 is just as good)    2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon   Thought I was sort of loyal to Saab, but the hell with them. Wanted to book a trip for Euro delivery, website says check back for 2009 models. Email, get a nasty response that GM's board says that this issue will not be answered again in an email (mind you, I am trying to buy my 5th Saab). Call 800 customer service, no answers. Dealer, no answer Today, two hours, Detroit, GM headquarters, give president of N. Amer name after operator treats me like I am Michael Moore for 15 minutes. No answers, will have to call back. Ya, the controls and radio are right out of the Chevy dashes. Think it's time to move on to another brand, not based on the car so much, but when you have owned four and want to buy a fifth and you get treated like crap, I don't need it. Why should I have to work the phone for three hours trying to get a response? I am leaning to many post I have seen here over the years and did not believe, this car company doesn't have any direction and probably is not going to make it. I have even endured through the worst resale value's of any car four times? Time for a 3 series, Acura, and some respect. Finally, GM, quit putting over inflated stickers on Saabs and then taking 6K off for the educated buyer in December and January of last years left overs. Look at EBAY for Saab, look at the movement, bids, there is none, RIP to a once cool and different car.
#11 of 12 quote from the saab 2008 site by smu1976 Dec 18, 2007 (9:22 pm)
Saab USA is working to strengthen our acclaimed European Delivery Program. This delivery option, which will incorporate new components, will be available for 2009 Saab vehicles.   So why have five tabs on your site for euro delivery? If it's so acclaimed, why drop it for a year?
#12 of 12 +1 by sah2 Feb 12, 2009 (10:02 am)
My first 9-5....99 version, was a head turning auto that I absolutely loved. 3 year lease was up and I went with the redesigned 9-3 in 02...A few first year model quirks, nothing major, then along comes the new owners and there goes the Saab brand. Pathetic customer service almost immediately. I had too many experieces with the GM ification of Saab and have since moved on to other brands. My heart is still with the 9-5, if it is ever updated. I am also hoping that GM drops the brand and let's a real car company assume the helm.   Until then, I occassionally dust off a photo of the metallic blue gem and reminisce of the great rides on Hwy 1 in Marin.

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