Saab 9-5 Sedan

ajayme

I can tell you that the G35 space is not appreciably larger than the A6. I've got an A6 and checked out the G35. As a future Saab owner I like the fact that the rear seat "flops" down like the my A6. The G35 does not. The Saab and A6 have much more useable space. IMHO, The G35 look good, just in a different league.

tpken

Bill - question for you since you sell used Saabs:
My carpool buddy just bought a black 2001 9.5 base model with most of the goodies - leather, heated dual power seats, etc. This car has 8K miles and he got it for $22K without trade-in. Seems like a VERY good deal to me based on Edmunds used pricing and the car is immaculate and has a clean title per CARFAX.

What do you think???

I'd never ridden in a 9.5 before today and I was extremely impressed with the 2.3L turbo performance and the luxurious ride. Seats are the best I've ever sat in. I'm thinking when my Bonneville is ready for replacement - this is definitely one to consider.

Ken

k_chui

I have to agree that not having a fold down rear seat is draw back of G35 compared to A6, but I also recall that the GS300 does not have fold down rear seat either. Since the GS is also on "aggie76" list, (I just assumed) the issue of the fold down rear seat is not a major concern.

I read many auto reviews on the 2002 Aero two months back, and there seems to be slight disappointment (among the reviewers) with the Aero's suspension not "sporty" enough (with considerable body lean in hard turns). I have not personally test drove a Aero, but simply suggesting that perhaps a G35 is worth considering given its competitive size, horse power and price to the Aero, A6 and GS300.

aggie76

Really appreciate the suggestion to look at the G35. I have considered the G35 but want more luxury feel than it offers. Also, I'm a fairly good sized guy 6'2", 250+ and the interior room on it seems a little tighter than I want to live with. That's why the TL, C320 among others have bit the dust in my evaluation.

im_brentwood

Yes... VERY good deal on it. I'd not be suprised if it did close to that at auction, so he really did swipe it.

Nice cars, I'm driving a 99 at the moment, the seats are super comfortable, and the LPT engine gets awesome mileage (Strictly highway I can close in on 30mpg at 75mph or so).

If you go new tho.. Lease and do NOT buy. Used is soooo much smarter on these. You can pick up 99 Base Autos with under 50K for under $16K if you look. Thats a lotta car for little cash.

Bill

aeroking

Word of advice. Check the Audi forums at Audiworld.com and others for there experiences with the A6. It could be educational. The G35 looks to be a major player in this class and will certainly shake things up. I have a'01 AERO and the G35 is on my short list of cars I will look at when the time comes. I have checked it out at auto shows and I can see where it might be confining to some one your size. It actually has comparable room to a GS, AERO or A6 but it is configured in such a way that it still feels kind of tight (to feel sporty I suppose) As for the GS, it seems to be a fine car, but against the AERO it leaves alot to be desired for me. It lacks real power, the trunk is not as useful, I don't like the transmission and it's brakes feel funny. The SAAB has the active head restraints, front and rear heated seats, more power etc. The GS is still nice though, and it is a Lexus. Good resale and all.

newsaabguy1

Hey folks. I picked up a new 9-5 Linear 5-sp manual a week ago. What a great car! After running the econo-car gamut for years (Escort, 626, Protege, 240 SX) and trying an SUV ('00 GMC Jimmy) I think I've hit the jackpot. I cross-shopped the X-type, A4, VW Passat & Jetta wagons, Volvo V40 & S60. The GM Employee discount and 3k incentive allowed me to get into a 9-5 for just a couple of grand over what I'd have paid for a 9-3 w Premium pkg. I feel like I've gone to heaven with the comfort and features, even without the Premium package. Although I was really interested in buying a wagon the fold down seats and huge trunk have so far accomodated my Home Depot runs.

I picked up my car @ Massey Saab in Orlando after handling everything over the Internet and phone. Russell Myers was great to work with.

On the way back to Jacksonville I noticed 3 other 9-5s on the Interstate. Strangely, 2 of them had a burned out headlight. I couldn't tell if these were older models since they were in the oncoming lanes. Is this a common problem with the car?

Anything else I should look for? The owner's manual states I can use 87 octane; Is this ok for the long haul?

Thanks.

aeroking

It is no big deal. The reason is the daytime running lights are on all the time and they are just the regular headlights. The regular headlight being on all the time causes them to burn out earlier than on other cars. It happened to me and I changed the bulb in exactly 10 min with no prior experience. It could not be easier. The replacement bulbs cost about $20-$40 depending on the brand and where you get them from. Don't worry about it.

bretfraz

You could just pull the fuse on the DRL's and eliminate the bulb buronout problem. I couldn't wait to get home with my new 9-5 and yank that thing.

Check out http://www.saabnet.com for detailed info on 9-5's and other Saab's. And welcome to the club!

seaflo

Just wondering about GM deal my brother is eligible for it is it a good deal

godeacs

DTRL shouldn't cause bulbs to burn out. Had DTRL on my 97 Volvo and never had a bulb burn out.....now xenon headlights have a tendency to burn out but don't think Saabs have xenons..or do they?....

im_brentwood

Well.. They ARE on twice as often

godeacs

can't argue with you about that! Maybe I was lucky with my Volvo's DTRL. With the xenons my owner's manual says they are more likely to burn out from turning on and off so much ...we'll see...

im_brentwood

Yeah.. its the turning off and on that nails em.

We had a few customers back in my Volvo days who flicked the DRL switch on their 850s and S/V70s. They stopped going through light bulbs.

I remember reading somewhere that a light bulb, if never turned off, has an amazingly long lifespan. That turning them on and off is like a cold start on an engine.

Makes sense I suppose. The temperature changes inthe filament must cause some wear and tear when ya think about it, right?

Bill

tpken

What do you sell now??

aeroking

Unlike other cars, the SAAB 9-5 does not use a seperate light bulb for the day-time running lights. It just uses the regular headlights at full power. You can pull the fuse and disable the DTRL, but I do believe that DTRL can be a safety feature under some circumstances. Some think it look dumb to have the headlights on all the time, but I think it has helped me a couple of times. Xenons are a different matter, Saab offers them on the 2002 9-5, I don't know how they work with DTRL.

im_brentwood

Havent sold in a loooooong time. I own a dealership now. Lotta fun

Bill

dski

Regarding headlights going out early, they are expensive to replace but does anyone realize that the dealer replaces these at No Charge? My 9-5 is a '99SE. I've had 2 or 3 go out and dealer just replaced one last month under warranty.

The G-35 is an awesome new car from Infinity. It can be had for under $30K from what I've read. I sat in one at the car show but don't believe they hit the lots until next month which is when our 9-5 lease is up. It's on my list but not sure the timing will work.

A few things to consider about the G: It is Rear Wheel Drive. Fine for Texas (a plus in fact) but here, my wife may not like it. The rear seats don't fold down But.. they do recline about 4 to 6 inches which is kind of cool. The rear seat leg room seems much less than in the Saab though.

RE: The Audi with CVT Tranny.... NO way in the world I would buy this transmission until it has been out and tested for at least 3 years unless I were leasing the car. I've read several reviews that say the same thing. I'd bet you will see one of three things happen with this new introduction, either... Audi Leases go way up, Quattro Sales go way up or Audi sales drop a bit. Just my opinion.

Drew

trecchuiti

I agree about the headlights. My dealer replaced them for free under warranty. Also washed the car, vaccuumed the interior and got me a Coke while I waited. He went ahead and replaced BOTH at the same time. What he had seen is that one burns out then the other one about a week or two later. As this is annoying, he had started doing this rather than have upset owners.

rickpct

been quiet here for a while..spending most of my time on saabnet.com...

re. headlights - technically they are under the 1yr/16K mile "wear" warranty, but i've heard that dealers will replace them after that initial period for free. Had our's replaced on our 2001, 9-5 - dealer said the lights re redesigned to last longer..we'll see...i'm going to pull the fuse out thought to kill the DRL...

also, if you do replace bulbs - I just got a set of sylvania xtra-visions on my 9-3, they are a marked improvement over the stock bulbs. about $10/piece at pep boys. not sure if they are better on the 9-5.

newsaabguy1

Thanks for the headlight responses.

Seaflo, I thought the GM deal was pretty good since I needed to stay under 30k. My 9-5 Linear had an MSRP of 34620. The GM employee price was 31364, and there was a $3000 incentive, so I paid 28364 plus tax. I think only the 9-3 and 9-5 Linear models have the $3k incentive but the dealer should be able to tell you.

The pricing for each model and option is available online @ GMfamilyfirst.com; there's also a list of all the incentives. Follow the automotive link. As an employee you have to enter your name and ss# to access the employee pricing so your brother may have to register first.

Good luck!

dski

Good to know about Pep Boys and Sylvania bulbs. The first time a bulb went out, I couldn't find a replacement anywhere and didnt' know Saab was replacing at N/C. Still, since '99 we've only replaced 2 bulbs. I don't think that's too bad.

NewSaabguy: If I can find a deal similar to what you got, I'll stick with the 9-5 after ours goes back next month. Not being a GM employee, it isn't looking good though. I told my dealer to be prepaired to find me a deal if he wants us to buy again. I want to show some restraint with our next purchase.

Drew

zachsmom

Hi,

I am looking at a 9-5 Aero with automatic and need to get a feel for the "true" invoice and what over invoice I should offer the dealer. Also are there any incentive plans currently available. Thanks in advance.

bornzo

I am thinking about buying a 9-5 linear or Aero. I need to know how roomy the car is. I am 6'4", 250lbs. Will I feel comfortable in this car?

im_brentwood

I weigh 250 also and Im 6' 2.5"...

I fit in 9-5s with plenty of room to spare.

Bill

bz2yx9

I'm you're basic pro football offensive lineman size and I'm very comfortable in this car. I'm also a little over 6'3" and have plenty of head room. I don't think you'll have any problems.

jbranch1

I shopped four months trying to find the best luxury sedan. I decided on the 9-5 Aero and i couldn't be happier. I test drove some excellent sedans like the GS430 ( great engine,awsome luxury, huge price tag). B.M.W. 528 was gutless, Audi A4 was too small, and the A6 needs more horses.The Aero has the luxury, an outstanding engine, and a super ride for a sports sedan. My only complaint is i wish it had come with a c.d. changer. Does anyone out there know where i can get a changer that will be compatible with the stock system?

bretfraz

6'4" - 240 here and no problems. Actually it's one of the main reasons I bought the 9-5. I just wasn't comfortable in an A6 or 5 series. Yeah, the E class was terrific but I ain't payin' 50 grand for the priviledge.

You'll find lots of other things to like about the car as you are getting comfy behind the tilt and telescoping wheel.

rbogar

After lurking for several months and looking at my all options - BMWs, Lexus, old Mercedes, Toyotas (what was I thinking!) - I purchased a 2000 9-5SE last weekend and I could not be happier. It was a SE with a V6, AT... I paid 21k and think I got a pretty good deal for an SE w/ 17k miles...

I am 6'8" and I fit in the Saab quite nicely. It's a comfortable drive, even with the sun roof.

Couple of questions... I am off to my local dealer later this week or next for an oil change and a once over, what sort of things should I keep my eye open for on a 2000... I know 99' had issues with the ECUs - anything on the 2000? Also, is there a way to turn off the beeping with alarm activation.. I'd like it to just flash the lights... I too would also be intrested in compatiable CD changers. I belive the thing is wired for one; it's about the only extra not included... Lastly, does anyone have any experiance and/or opinions with an the intergrated child safety seat? I am considering that as opposed to hauling around a kid's car seat in the trunk.

Thanks!

gbriank

Only the cd changer compatible with the stock system comes only from Saab. In the past, Clarion 6 disc cd-changers were compatible but Saab quashed this. You can buy the changer through the dealer or at www.saabcatalog.com. It will run you about $500 (with s/h) and then there is installation.

bretfraz

Welcome to the SE Club. I too have a '00 SE and love it. Sounds like you got a great deal on yours.

Look at page 237 of your owner's manual. There are some things a dealer can do for you that will "customize" your car, including the alarm operation. It's called a "Tech 2" service at the dealer. Some dealers will charge you and others won't.

There are no major issues with the '00 models that I know of. My fuel tank thunks a little but it's no big deal. Only one recall and that was for an improperly attached air bag warning label, which I'm sure has been taken care of on your car.

Watch the front tire pressures closely and rotate every 6000 miles. The V6 adds that much more weight on the front tires and they will wear out quicker than a 4 cyl model without frequent maintenance.

The engine "growl" under heavy load is normal and considered a good thing - it adds to the sporting nature of the 9-5. The sulphur/rotten egg smell is normal; they all do that.

Other than that it's a great car. Enjoy it.

dski

>>Watch the front tire pressures closely and rotate every 6000 miles.<<

Ditto's on that one. I followed Saab service on this one (10K) even though I knew better. The tires wore out prematurely IMO. In the end, only one tire was despiratley in need of replacement.

One interesting note. The 9-5 tire size is unusual I found. Not many Z rated tires are made for the 9-5 wheel size and those that are, are not often found in stock. The dealer has them though.. hmm.. sounds suspicious to me.

Oh well, I ended up with H rated Bridgestone 950's and LOVE them. Much better than the MXV4's. Not even close.

Drew

skim71

I'm thinking about getting a '99 or '00 9-5 SE (V6). I've test driven it several times and loved the performance and handling, all the great features, and the look of the car. However, having heard all the horror stories about Saab's reliability and maintenance issues over the years, I admit I'm somewhat concerned. I've heard stories of people who had love fests with their Saabs only to be bitterly disappointed after only a year or so. Can someone give me an honest opinion about '99 and '00 9-5's? Would I be better off leasing a new 9-5? I would prefer not to lease. Thanks.

bornzo

Thanks for the info in fitting in a 9-5, I am going to test drive one this Friday. Hopefully it will be fun and maybe I can get a good deal.

Again thanks.

jracine

Proceed in peace. Will soon change my '99 9-5 SE for a '02 Aero...

In 3 years:

a) bad battery

b) light thump in my fuel tank (can be fixed with a special foam - never got the time to get it fixed. Now if my '02 does it, I will not leave the dealership until its fixed...

c) light bulbs that do not last as long as we would hope

ON TOP OF THAT: (for what it's worth), check out what JD Power had to say about Initial quality:

http://www.saab.co.za/home/GLOBAL/en/jd_power.xml.htm

P.S. Lucky you did not ask about the reliabilty of my 1992 9000 SPG Turbo....

bolshoi

Greetings to all. I just purchased a 1999 9-5 SE Turbo w/26K miles, black w/tan interior. Paid around $23K. Car seems to be in great shape, tires, lights, interior, body, engine, etc. Rides great. I have just been reading now about the electrical problems with the 99s and am very nervous. Do these things tend to happen early on in the life of the car or later? The car's in service date was 12/98 so it's 3.5 yrs old already; the dealer showed me the (long) list of things that had been done (recalls!) but there's still time on the warranty and I purchased an extended one just in case. Anybody think I got ripped off?

smu1976

I driven a 99SE 9-5 for the past three years. Great car, no problems. Drove a Infiniti G35 today, whew, pretty good ride for 19-34K. Awesome power. Also drove the 9-5 Aero right after, don't see a significant difference over the SE here, and the Infiniti is faster, wish the Saab automatic had more of an autostick mode. The mid thirties class is a little more crowded then in 99. Have not tried the Jags either.

dski

I have a '99 9-5 SE with 35K. I have NOT had repeated electrical problems. I had the SID replaced once under warranty. Edmunds review mentions the car to be 99% problem free after 3 years with the display in the '99 model to be the only problem. If yours was replaced, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

You did NOT get "ripped off". I don't think you got a steal on the price but I think you probably purchased a Solid car. I hope that price included the extended warranty. A little extra research and I think you could have saved some money but in fairness, a '99 with such low mileage is unusual.

Best of luck
Drew

im_brentwood

That the electrical problems are overblown.

I sell a lot of used 9-5s as a dealer and they are GREAT cars, and the only real problems I see are very minor.

These are really well made and reliable, and my customers LOVE them.

Not to worry. $23K isnt a steal fora 99 SE..buut... Its a low-miler, a good color if youre up north, and an SE.. those are woth much more than Ss. It is an easy $18-19K car at the auction.. plus fees ($200 or so), transport, detail, servicing it..etc...

You didnt steal it, but you didnt get ripped off at all. Low-Milers bring all the money.

Use it in good health, its a great car, and a better way to spend $23K than something silly like a new Maxima! lol

Bill

dski

>>Use it in good health, its a great car, and a better way to spend $23K than something silly like a new Maxima! lol

Bill<<

Hey... easy there Bill, Im considering the Maxima when the 9-5 goes back next month, LOL.. Also looking at the G35.

I want the 9-5 wagon but MAN... $40K is getting up there. We'll probably work something out though.

Drew

im_brentwood

Silly...

Go pick up a 99 for like $20-24K...

Bill

sliang

I am just off a 3 year lease of a 99' 9-5, and what a great feeling I can say. It was the most troublesome vehicle I have had in my record. I had 1 Accord and 4 Acuras. The total visits to the dealers of all the Japanese cars I owned is less than the visits of the 9-5. My 9-5 ECU died once, battery died once, the turbo charger was bad once, the display for trip computer was replaced, the AC control panel was replaced, and many other broken things were fixed. Thank God they are all covered under warranty, but thinking about how much time I have wasted on going to the dealers. I will never buy another SAAB period.
I am not here to scare anybody away from purchasing the 9-5, but from my pass experience with the 9-5, it was not as reliable as the Japanese cars I owned. it is a good looking car, the service is good, could be very expensive though if not covered by warranty.
I hope they have improved the reliability for the pass 2,3 years (J.D. Power said they are the most reliable Luxury car for 2001 initial delivery, I am not convinced). Leasing is probably a better choice if you are concerned about the reliability and the service costs unless leasing is not suitable for you.

dski

>>Silly...

Go pick up a 99 for like $20-24K..

Bill<<

Actually, that would be the Silly thing to do. I have a '99SE with 35,000 miles. The lease company has already agreed to sell for $18,950 and it has new tires. If you want it, I'll have your name added to their list so that you can buy it direct from them.

Are you really selling 99's for as high as 24K? Wow! Maybe an exceptional Aero version I suppose but still.

Drew

mstssc

Not really up to speed on prices in US but I paid (actually leased) about $28k US equivalent for new 01 base sedan with leather and sunroof. My residual after 3 years is only $14k US. At the time last August I was also looking at a similar equipped 99 for under $18k US.

im_brentwood

Not paying attention again!

The wagons bring some money, especially SEs... Although, truthfully, a low-mile SE Wagon could do just over $20K at auction.. I think $17-20K will buy one.

And your 99 SE? I bet they'd LOVE to get $18,950 for it... Its worth $15,500 across the block. I'd offer them that.

I usually sell Base ones for $13-18K depending on miles ($18K for SUPER low miles.. 15-20K) and SEs for not much more...

Yeah, Aeros bring big bucks if you can find 'em...

Bill

dski

They'll get $18,950 just not from me. They have residual insurance for that amount so they'd never offer me a lower price. However, all my research tells me that 18nine isn't really a bad price at all. Particularly with my low miles and condition. Oh well.

I'm curious though. I've never found anything that estimates my value as low as mid 15K. At auction or dealer wholesale thats probably about right.. but I'm not a dealer. In our local paper they advertise just under 20K with higher miles. I was thinking under 19K was a pretty good deal.

drew

jonw2

Speaking of used Saab prices here are a couple for consideration. A Saab dealer in Maryland currently has a 1999 Saab wagon (42K miles), 170 hp, 2.3 litre engine for $24,995. Also, a 1999 sedan (65K miles), 170 hp, 2.3 litre for $21,995. I don't know how seriously they hold to these prices, but I would doubt there is a rapid turnover in their used Saabs. Given these prices, wouldn't it be far more cost-effective to lease a new Saab?

im_brentwood

Yeesh...

I letting em go too cheap!

Also, bear in mind that I'm basing my wholesale numbers on what I am paying for them here in Florida, where they go cheap.

They do bring stronger $$ up north.

People down here arent too crazy about SAABs... Shame as they're nice cars.

Bill

tpken

I know I posted this a while back but it's appropriate for the discussion here.

My carpool buddy just got his black 2001 base 9.5 with 8K miles, leather, winter pkg etc for $22K without any trade-in. Dealer is in N.H. about an hour north of Boston.

Some of these used car superstores have incredible pricing.

Ken

mocyd

Ken,

What is the name of this dealer ? That is an incredible price.

Bill, what type of premium are you paying for a silver 9-5 car versus a frost gray car 1999 ?

What are you paying for a: 99 base w/leather; 99SE, 99 SE V6 at auction

I drove a V6 and was impressed with the power, I then drove a 99 2.3 5 speed and was not very impressed. The car did not get up and go until you hit some decent rmp's in second gear. I plan on driving a 99 2.3 auto next. It does come with a sports mode, right ?

I am leaning toward the V6 but not sure now much of a premium I am willing to pay for a V6 + traction control

Thanks for your help

John