Saab 9-5 Sedan

blockislandguy · April 2003

First the positive.

Lots of people have the impression that the resale on a Saab is awful. Maybe not. Its all in how it is measured. Maybe the resale on Saabs isn't really that bad or even any different from other sedans in its segment if measured as a percent of the actual purchase price not the MSRP. Lots of German cars go out the door for the full Moroney. No discounts. Most people get into a Saab at a hefty discount off list price or in subvented lease (how else do you get to lease a 40K car for $400 per month?). Now three years later when you compute the used Saab's resale/residual value, if you do it against the actual purchase price, not some fictious list price that no one ever pays, it may well be as good as that of a BMW. In other words they both lose about the same percentage over the three years from their original acquisition costs. The only difference is that the BMW factory/dealer pricing strategy is to have a firm list price and Saab's is to have an inflated list price. The former sells the sizzle, the latter sells the deal.

Now the negative. Having said all this, Saab's present problems are its own fault. The present box that Saab finds itself in is the result of poor marketing and product planning. Poor marketing let Volvo take away its position as THE Scandanavian front wheel drive winter vehicle and poor product planning have left it as the one of the few import lines without an AWD wagon. Given where Saab was 25 years ago, this is crazy. Saab OWNED this market but let it just get taken away. Saab's only solution (with the exception of the plan to rebadge some GM Trailblazers!) is to discount the hell out of the product and market the deal, not the car.

Take the Aero. It is undersupported by the factory. Supposedly, the Aero is Bob Lutz' personal ride. If the word ever got out that Lutz who could drive any car in the GM stable, drives an Aero, that would move some iron. (Two middle aged car nuts in a bar: "Hey, I just got an Aero, you know like Bob Lutz. It goes like hell and I'm going to take it up to Stowe this weekend instead of Anne's V70 wagon".) But, no. Lets just hype a new lease program. Additonally, Saab has seen to it that there is no aftermarket parts suppliers for enthusiasts, no aftermarket enthusist's magazines similar to the 10 or so you can find on a a good news stand for BMW and the two or three magazines devoted to Audi, and just no real juice to get some of the young Bimmer crowd interested in even a test drive. (Quick: where could a young guy buy some drilled pedals for his Aero? Stiffer shocks? Maybe even some Recaro's?)

Maybe as the host suggested earlier, Suburu is the new Saab and the kindest, gentlest thing GM could do is just fold Saab into Suburu as their funky, imported car line. The anti-BMW car line.

gver2 · April 2003

I'm looking at a used 9-5 that doesn't have the ventilated seats. Just wondering from those of you that have them if they are wonderful/over-rated/never use them etc. Should I be concerned about this. There are always hundreds of used cars to choose from and I like to get EXACTLY what I want. Thanks.

regfootball · May 2003

hey, what's in the future for an all new 9-5.....any news?

jrosasmc · May 2003

Has anybody noticed that the gauges on even the newest 9-5s appear to have come out of an '80s 900 or 9000? They look so similar!

bongotoo · May 2003

I recently put some 205/60/16 Bridgestone Potenza on our 1999 9.5 SE. The tire dealer said it would be okay. What do you guys think about that? Will it negatively effect anything?

bretfraz · May 2003

I don't understand *why* the shop installed this size. Why didn't they just go with the OE size of 215/55-16 in the first place?

But they should be OK. It'll throw off the speedo a little (less than 2%) as the new tire is physically larger than the old one.

fdour · May 2003

I am new to this board and new to shopping for a Saab. Considering a pre-owned 9-5 SE; the 9-3 is just a little too small.
I am just coming off a lease on an Audi A6 Avante. Comfortable and sure-footed in all weather but I don't want to buy it. Too many irksome design flaws and a surprising number of recalls. The service department also tuned me off.
I see a few comments about snow tires. Are they really necessary? Even the dealer mentioned that they would probably be needed on the Aero. After this winter in NJ, I don't want to think about snow again.
Any advice on purchasing a pre-owned Saab? Any experience on how much the dealer can move on the listed price?
I'm also considering a Subaru Outback H6 sedan. Has anyone else taken a look at them?

dtrain2 · May 2003

Looking at used 2002 9-5 ARC - 6 cyl, 12k for mileage - drove nice - a little wear and tear , couple of knicks on the car - not much - dealer wants $25.9 can probably get it for 24K.

Question1= is this a good value?

Question2= for about the same dough I can get a new Accord V-6 (without navigation). What would u do?

rob999 · May 2003

In general, only the Aero should require snow tires. This is stated in the current brochure and seems to be a consensus among Aero owners in snowbelt states.

Our Linear did fine with the regular tires in Chicago last winter; my sister lives in western Michigan which gets a lot of lake-effect snow - her SE did fine with regular tires.

The Subaru H6s are nice, I'm betting if you drive both you'll pick the 9-5.

fdour · May 2003

Thanks for the info, Rob. I see that you've had some experience with Subarus. I did drive both and the Saab is certainly an impressive auto. The only drawiback is a personal thing that developed with my present Audi. The car is just too nice inside. I feel like I'm putting kids with muddy cleats in my living room. It cleans up but it just isn't right.

bretfraz · May 2003

If you can get that Arc for $24K, buy it. They're doing about $23Kish at auction.

There's no comparison between a 9-5 and an Accord. Driving dynamics and safety alone put the 9-5 on a whole 'nuther level than most any Asian sedan. Not everyone appreciates this and its OK if you don't. There's a good reason why a bland, soulless car like a Camry is a perpetual #1 seller.

randomguy11111 · May 2003

One thing I particuarly like about the 9-5 is that I recall reading the option of a refrigerated glovebox and ventilated seats.

I stopped by a dealer once and asked about used ones - I am in North East. He said you either get heated seats or ventilated seats, but not both and the ventilated was a "warm weather package".

1. Is this true, you can only get one or the other?

2. What do you guys think of the ventilated seats and refrigerated glovebox? Do they work?

drb9 · May 2003

The 9-5 Arc (at least for 2002 and 2003) comes with both heated seats (front and rear) as well as ventilated seats (front only). The Linear has front heated seats, no ventilation option. The Aero has heated seats, with ventilation as a $1000 option. The ventilation fans are a little noisy, but worth it. Just turn up the radio a little.

guga24 · May 2003

I am new to this forum and am researching used 9-5s (2000-2002). I have traditionally purchased acuras and love the turnkey/almost zero maintenance lifetime experience, however, I would like to try the european experience because the cars feel so great on the road and the look of the cars.

I began to research European sedans and was immediately drawn to the 9-5. The A-4 also seemed interesting but I simply preferred the 9-5 drive. Also looked at the passat but when adding in basic options, drove the price up to 9-5/A-4 levels. I know that by going the european route I will incur more maintenance and potential repair costs than my previous Japanese cars, I guess it is the cost of the fun. But I have heard some very mixed feedback on Saab reliability from local mechanics.

Almost all say go with just about any other car such as a volvo or audi because of their perceived better build and reliability. Reading these posts, all seem to be about the same with their fair share of horror and love stories for all the cars. Can anyone chime in with real life maintenance stories when the car goes out of warranty from 60k+. I love the car and the huge deprecation makes the 2000-2002 9-5 a steal at less than 50% of original price. A number of mechanics also suggested spending a little more and getting a BMW, they basically said although I would be getting fewer options for the price, great reliability. Any and all input would be much appreciated. I need a little help in making the leap from a lifetime of worry free japanese driving.

teechee · May 2003

I own a 1996 9000CS with 130,000 miles and a new 9-5 Aero with less than 1,000 miles. I have had the 9000 for about three years. If it was problematic, I would not have stayed with SAAB's I love the way the 9000 drives, handles, its storage capacity, and the excellent gas mileage. My Aero is three times better than the 9000. I just took a road trip and got 400 miles on a tank of gas. The Aero is a dream. Having owned a Mercedes 190 & 300, a BMW 740IL, and a Jag X-type I am some what familiar with luxury cars. The Aero is by far the most performance vehicle you can purchase within a reasonable price range. In normal drive mode the car is nice, but in Sports Mode its awesome, to say the least. It flys like a rocket! Its a four door porsche in sheeps clothing. EDMUNDS.COM has a site where you can compare the Aero vs BMW 530I. The Aero wins hands down in the comparison. Its roomier, has more standard features, and costs thousands less. For the gentleman considering a used 9-5. Consider the 2002 as SAAB claims to have made over 1,000 improvements to the car that year. Good Luck!
PS- CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO THE AERO ACADEMY IN GEORGIA.

fredmcmurray · May 2003

guga - I don't have any personal experience with Saabs (though I may soon) but CR rates them considerably above BMW and way above Audi on reliability. Personally, I don't consider a mechanics opinion to be much more valuable than personal anecdotes. They have experience with a relatively small number of cars and could be motivated to unfair interpretation of their "data".
That said, I'm kind of in the same position you are. I was very impressed by my short test drive in a 9-5 Aero but am still a little nervous about giving up the flawless reliability I have experienced with my Japanese cars.

trapper7147 · May 2003

I am another newbie to the forum and after driving Audi, BMW and MBE320 wagons, I have decided to purchase a 9-5 Aero Wagon. I have not made the deal yet and I am trying to find out what others have paid for Aero Wagons recently. I know they currently have $4,000 cash back for purchase, but has anyone been able to do any better than that? Option include Touring Package, Metalic Paint, Auto and maybe Ventilated Seats. Any info is appreciated.

rob999 · May 2003

Take another $500 off for Saab Loyalty if you currently have a Saab.

Also, negotiate the cash back discount off of the invoice, not MSRP.

fredmcmurray · May 2003

trapper - Where do you see a $4000 cash back offer? It's not on Edmunds, the Saab site or the GM site.

guga24 · May 2003

Can you combine the $4000 Cash back with the 0% or is it one or the other?

fredmcmurray · May 2003

I haven't found anything talking about $4000 cash back, only 0% financing. A few months ago there was a $3000 cash back OR 0% financing deal but the cash back appears to have gone away.

rob999 · May 2003

I've checked the various GM incentive pages on a regular basis over the last year or so and for some reason the Aero and Arc incentives are NEVER posted although they are available.

Dealers I've spoken with confirm there are incentives. Every Sunday the Chicago Tribune also lists the $4,000 Aero and Arc incentive right there with the Linear.

They DO exist.

blockislandguy · May 2003

rob999,

where are the GM Incentives posted?

Thanks

bretfraz · May 2003

Look for a magazine called Automotive News. Its the automaker's industry primary publication. In the back they list all incentives on all cars nationwide. That's where the Trib gets their info.

Do a net search for GMfamilysavings.com or something like that.

blockislandguy · May 2003

The issue of Saab re-sale interests me. As a contrarian I'm always looking for the mis-priced, good deal. Like maybe a used Aero for next to nothing. Throw on some Blizzaks (this is New England, you know) and I could run around any Bimmer from Thanksgiving thru Easter for less money and more reliability.

Supposedly "Everybody knows" that the resale is awful on a Saab. But maybe the actual used car buyers don't know that.

When you compare on Edmunds the resale prices of comparable Saab and Volvo models (e.g., Aero vs. T5, etc.) they are within $200 with Saab often being higher! Sure maybe the initial MSRP of the Saab is higher, but no Saab buyer pays MSRP. After the usual significant discounting, a new Saab is roughly the same price as a less-agressively discounted Volvo. Three years later this parity persists.

Where is the bad Saab resale? Maybe only in the eye of the fools who compute it from MSRP, not actual purchase price?

What did I miss?

rob999 · May 2003

...are also posted at gmsupplierdiscount.com.

These are same discounts available to the general public. This site will list Linear incentive, but not Aero or Arc.

fredmcmurray · May 2003

blockislandguy - I suspect a lot of the poor resale value reputation does come from people comparing MSRP to used prices rather than actual selling prices. I have seen many people use lease residual values as evidence of weak resale also. Again, residuals are based on MSRP rather thatn actual sales price. When I was shopping for an SUV for the wife, everyone talked about how bad resale was on Ford Expeditions. In fact, Expeditions were selling for $7-8000 under sticker. Taking that into account, the rsle values on Expeditions are actually excellent. I suspect it is the same situation on 9-5s. Aking prices for used 2002 9-5 Aeros seem to be in the $30-35K range. If I can get a new one for around $33-34K, buying used make no sense.

So, the $4000 cash back is real but they're not really publicizing it. Can someone tell me what the point of a sales incentive is if no one knows about it. Is this just another brilliant marketing move by GM? I for one would not be able to be considering a 9-5 at $40K. If I hadn't stumbled in here and heard people were getting them for low $30s, I wouldn't even have looked at the Saab. How many more potential buyers is GM missing?

robr2 · May 2003

I was under the impression the current cash incentives are for the dealer to do with as they wish, hence no consumer driven advertising.

The idea behind dealer cash is to offer a way to sell cars without reducing brand equity. But since we all know that SAAB's are heavily subsidized, will it work at this point? Why not at this point reduce MSRP and call it even?

ffb13 · May 2003

my 2000 aero with 55,000 miles has 4/32 nd left on the tires from 11/32 nd when new.
this is about 60 % wear. but in about another 5m miles i will need to get tires,the thread wear is only 3/32 away.
currently i have the oea michelin mmx.

thinking of going to the goodyear f1 tire.

has anyone tried this tire as yet ????
and if so --results ????

the tire rack customer poll states that it is 100 % better than the michelins on my car.
quieter ,
longer lasting ?????????
better in the wet.

but,most of the 9.5 and aero owners tell that the mmx only gave them 15 to 22,000 miles were i am in the 60,000 range by the time i re-tire.

i think it has to do with ny inflation pressures of 41 front and 39 rear.

anyhow,i would appreciate any feedback on the goodyear from saab owners as there is none on tire rack.
thank you.
ff

trapper7147 · May 2003

robr2 is correct in saying that the $4k cash back is a dealer incentive to use if they wish. I called the SAAB Customer Assistance Center and they openly speak about 0% financing but say that any cash back incentive is up to each individual dealer. Also note that the two incentives cannot be combined ($4k cash back + 0% financing = NO), it is one or the other. The best deal I have gotten to date is invoice minus the $4k incentive.

gver2 · May 2003

Still looking for an answer to this: Those of you who have ventilated seats. Do you use them heavily? Does the racket deter their use? Is this just more a marketing gimmick than a desirable option? Thanks.

grumb · May 2003

Thought they were a gimmick, but they really do work. You need less A/C and on long trips you feel more refreshed IMHO. They are noisy,especially on higher setttings, but you won't accidentally leave it on :-)

fauxpaws · May 2003

This is another of those "gotcha" options that once experienced, becomes a must-have. Think instant hot water in the kitchen--I thought my wife was going decadent on me, but you know, it's really nice.

Oh yeah...seats. Just set it on "1" and forget about it. You won't even notice it's on. You'll just be very, very comfortable. If you forget to turn it on and get sweaty, then you'll have to crank it up, experience rapid evaporation, and notice the cold and noise of the fan. Of course, if it's that hot out, other fans in the car will be louder.

Intelligently used, it's like a good non-steroidal agent. All of a sudden, you just notice that your knees don't hurt anymore. You just feel normal...not in pain, not sick to your stomach with side effects. Just normal. Quiet relief.

Gotta hand it to those Swedes. Who'd think that folks in a cool climate would put this into a car.

Best,
Greg '03 Arc Wagon newbie

dski · May 2003

>>Gotta hand it to those Swedes. Who'd think that folks in a cool climate would put this into a car<<

The idea came from back when they were part of the Aircraft Division. It was a feature commonly used in Fighter Jets. Not sure what company or who invented it though.

Saab was the first to put cool things like this in cars but companies like BMW eventually copy them and make everyone believe they were the clever ones to think of the idea. Heated Seats is another good example of this. Self Leveling Head Lights? I think that might be a Saab original too but admit I'm not positive about that.

Drew

maybesaab · June 2003

decisions, decisions...after looking forever, I am closing in on purchasing used and need help....any opinions on getting a used 9-3 versus used 9-5...and whether 2000 year is superior to 1999 model year for either...I like look and smaller feel of 9-3 but have heard some people comment on how 9-5 is THE Saab to get....all opinions would be helpful, thanks...

bretfraz · June 2003

The 9-3 is a fine car in its own right. A bit dated in design but still nice. If a used one fits your needs and budget, its a great choice.

Obviously the larger 9-5 has clear advantages in comfort. There's no hatchback like on a 9-3 but there are wagon versions available and the sedans are very flexible haulers.

Having driven both I think the 9-5 is a "more together" car - better chassis, steering, brakes, etc. Also the 9-5 is a better long distance tourer. If you plan to drive long distances, carry lots of people, or have a long commute, the 9-5 is a winner.

Both cars are very safe and have performed well in crash tests. In 1999 (IIRC) Euro NCAP said the 9-5 was the safest car they'd ever tested. So I think the 9-5 has an edge in safety.

As for years, the newer the better. Saab has worked on its bugs aggressively and the '00 models are better than the '99's. In '01 the 9-5 won the JD Power award for highest consumer satisfaction for a new car.

Good luck with your decision.

maybesaab · June 2003

thanks much my man for taking the time to respond to a wayward traveller in the land of Saab...I was hesitant about the 9-3 because of postings I had seen about 9-5 and your input confirms...so a 9-5 a hunting I shall go and your point about the best quality coming in the most recent model years is extremely helpful...thanks..

gbriank · June 2003

Shoot for an '01 over the '00, as the sloshing gas tank problem still exsisted in '00. '02s have the new integrated bumper and therefore suffer more damage in front and rear end collisions.

buddhabman · June 2003

From what I have read and in conversations with techs, the newer 2001-2-3 Saabs are pretty darn reliable. We have a 2003 and it is perfect. If You are going used get as new as you can.

ahles1 · June 2003

I am a new reader and have noticed numerous posts regarding tires on the 9-5 particularly the Aero. It's kinda crazy that Saab would equip the Aero (mine's a 2002) with the Primacy(s) here in Wisconsin. Mine are up in the attic.

I did some pretty thorough research on tires that fit the Aero, not really wanting to come up with the cash to buy the rim combos, though they weren't a bad deal, and not really wanting to give up the performance the Michelins gave. I settled on the Sumitomo HTR+ and feel like I lucked out. It's a bit softer, but not that much and it is absolutely great in snow and ice. I have about 6000 on them now and great wear so far.

The dealer informed me right away that I was in for a change when the foul weather came and then unbelievably told me that a number of his custys kept the Prim's on last winter. Yes it was an easy winter. But I will tell you this - driving the Aero with the Mich's in winter, even with all of the wonderful safety devices that come with the car, is like taking an out of control saucer ride down the toboggan slide. I know you northern folks know what I'm talking about.

Love the car.

jgravel · June 2003

Can anyone recommend are service station in the Worcester Ma area? My 1999 9-5 has 120K miles on it (bought it new)and is going to my daughter. The next appointment at my dealer is 2 1/2 weeks away and I prefer not to wait. I'd like to car to get a thorough inspection.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

-Jay

amyshubby · June 2003

Here is my background- I have always driven Japanese cars. I usually buy them two years old with some mileage and drive them for about 5 or 6 years at 20,000 per year. My last car was a Nissan Maxima with 130,000 miles and not one problem until it was stolen last week.

I looked at another used Maxima but decided it was time for a change. I was considering a 2001 fully loaded V6 Accord for $17,500, but saw and test drove a 2000 Saab 9-5SE and really liked it. I can get into the SE with 30,000 miles for slightly under $20,000 and am comparing it to the Accord and Maxima. My questions (and concerns) are as follows:

1) The obvious question is reliability. I am a big Consumer Reports advocate and I saw they bumped the reliability up from average to above average. It seems to be based on reliability improvements (especially electrical) made after the 1999 model year. Do most owners agree with that assumption? I plan on putting about 150,000 miles on it and have no fear of that number with Nissan or Honda, but do most of you expect to get 150,000 miles without major problems?

2) The second question is also related to reliability and cost of repairs. I have had two people tell me that if something goes wrong, it will be much more expensive to fix then if it were a similar item on a Japanese car. Is this true?

3) I read something about the tires being performance tires that should only be used in good weather. I'm not sure if that's true for the SE or only the Aero.

4) What kind of gas is used in the 2000 SE? Regular or premium? If it's premium, with the mileage I put on, I need to factor that in to my higher monthly payments

5) I also saw a 2001 9-5 SE through a Saab dealer on the internet that I could pick up for around $21,000. Were there any real differences between the 2000 and 2001? This dealer is about two and a half hours away from me, but I would make the drive if the car not just newer in years, but also look and/or reliability.

Thanks in advance for any answers you can give me.

bretfraz · June 2003

(1) Yes. Yes.

(2) Yes. In general European cars will be more expensive to repair due to the cost of parts.

(3) The SE uses 16" touring tires whereas the Aero 17" performance. Any of the cars you mentioned will benefit from a top quality tire which will be priced accordingly.

(4) Gotta use premium due to the turbo motor. Also most Saab owners highly recommend using full synthetic motor oil (like Mobil One or similar) to protect the engine and the turbo from the added heat. Saab recommends at least a semi synthetic oil but you'll find full synthetics of better quality.

(5) No real diffs between '00 and '01. The 9-5 received a major makeover in '02. But the general consensus is the newer the 9-5, the better and more reliable it is.

Happy Saab shopping :-)

bretfraz · June 2003

Maybe this will help:

http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/faq/service/ma.html

jgravel · June 2003

Just what I was looking for. I recognize a few of the names. Thank you for your help.

-Jay

ffb13 · June 2003

i have always been told by experienced mechanics that a saab is a car that you must sell at 60,000 miles or it will nickel and dime you to death......
my experience with the aero 2000 has been so-so.
new computer 4 times ,new fan for the motor,left me stranded .....
and other.about 6 other failures.
now ,at 51,000 miles ,(4 weeks ago or so ) my dealer told me that i needed a new exhaust,have an oil leak from the head gasket,and need a new cowl......
he waited until i was out of warranty.......but,i think this dealer's mechanics are on a commision basis and ........took the car to a gas station and put it up......
the exhaust has rust on the outer layer.but it should give me another 2 years or so.but a good aftermarket ss unit is 300.$.
the oil leak nowhere to be found.......
the cowl.........i cannot see why it needs replacement ,maybe one of you experts can tell me.

my tires ,michelin mxm pilots ,with 52,000 miles have only 3/32 left out of 10/32 when new,or another 6,000 miles or so.--the car has 58,000 miles now but i run snow tires when i amin ct. in the winter.
i am looking to replace them soon and posted here about the goodyear f1 but no one has replied.

so,if you are asking ----to choose between a honda,acura or toyota and saab. with 2 years of use.......
i will go with
honda
toyota camry
acura
and forget saab.........too many unknowns on this car and poor reputation from those who know,the mechanics.....

or,i tell you what ,go to consumers union and check on the ratings.but remember,the saab rating is based on year to date........look at back issues and you will see that in the past saab have been very poor and now,is the promise that saab is now better.......
maybe,but it is a gamble and if you have limited income to gamble ,go to honda or toyota camry or lexus 300es-------
you cannot go wrong here. but ,i am not recommending,just giving you my objective view,ande suggest that you go to past issues of c.u.--they have excellent data.

scraig · June 2003

I just purchased my first Saab. My previous cars have been Hondas, Nissans, and most recently a Subaru. All have been good cars. The Nissans had a few ignition module problems in the 80's. When I bought my 2003 9-5 linear I was looking for used AWD safe European cars (Audi,MB,Audi,Volvo). All were nice cars but CR says they have dependability problems. On a whim I stopped by the Saab dealership, but then realized no AWD cars. Apparently, they do well in the snow because of FWD in addition to TC and SC. Then I tried to find a 1-2 year old car, hard to find. I started looking at 2003's and they seemed to give you alot of car for the money. I negotiated a price 5.1K below MSRP. Later found out that factory to dealer money was available and some people were getting 6-7K off of MSRP. Called another dealer across state and they told me upfront about the factory to dealer cash. I sort of feel like a chump. In this day and age invoice and MSRP don't mean anything until you thoroughly search for all incentives and that can take some work. I am hoping that reliability problems are in the past. Opted out of extended warrantee which would have cost me 2.1K. Also didn't get simoniz for exterior paint which would have cost$499. After I found out that I could have gotten a better deal I tried to approach the dealer about getting the extended warrantee at dealer cost which they claimed was $1800 and so would sale for $2000 instead of $2100. I didn't believe them so I still don't have a warrantee. Since my car is new I have four years to think about it. I have loved driving the car so far.

explorerx4 · June 2003

we have a 2 year old 9-5.
look at it this way, if you have a good car the warranty isn't a big deal, you are covered for 50k. you can shop around for a gm warranty in the mean time, from what i understand.
legitimate issues we have had, are rear seat heaternot working, and sid losing columns a couple of times, headlight bulbs burning out(drive in and they are replaced).
another issue(resolved) that maybe was just a moneymaker.
regrding winter driving, the tc works, but it's not like a 4wd system. snow tires will definetly help, so buy a tire\wheel package, if you are going to keep the car. it probably cheaper in the long run, and will keep your wheels looking good.
if you post what state you live in, maybe you can get some feedback on the dealer.
from what i understand, another resource is saabnet.com

idrivesaab · June 2003

My Saab 2000 9-5(61K) died on the highway. Took it to repair place. They had to replace ignition cassette. since then engine light has been on. They think it is oxygen sensor from starting.

Has anybody had similar problems? Is this the start of a downhill trend?

Thanks.

petersjf · June 2003

The ignition cassette is a weak point of the 9-5 design and failure is common. It's almost a wear and tear item and 50-60k miles is when it seems to go. Some people keep a spare DI cassette in the trunk along with the fairly basic instructions on how to install it! It's about a $300 part from the online vendors.

More info at saabnet - search for di cassette

While no one is happy with their DI failures, it doesn't necessarily represent a trend towards failure of a bunch of other parts.

Other common problems on the 9-5's are faulty turbo's producing a light smoke at start up, and faulty LED's in the information display.

Saab 9-5 Sedan

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