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Saab 9-5 Sedan

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Comments

  • tonygenotonygeno Member Posts: 4
    I've got a 9-5 wagon with 60k miles. The car will be 2 years old on June 30. I took it in today for the 60,000 mile service to a new dealer (I moved 55 miles and my original dealer is now too far away). The new dealer said my head gasket is blown and needs to be replaced to the tune of $1250. I had the car in the shop (at the old dealer) two months for a blown electronic brain (SAAB picked up 1/2 the cost of the repair), and he said he noticed no blown head gasket at that time when I called him today. The new dealer said it's been leaking for a while. How can I find out if the new dealer is trying to soak me? How does a car blow a head gasket at 60K miles. It's a lease and I'm thinking I should just turn it in. I've got 1 year left on the lease and 15,000 (out of an original 75000) left on the lease.
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I'm not sure why it would go at 60K but I don't believe turning it in early will help. I have to believe that if the Gasket is Blown, the lease company will get you for the cost.

    Is yours the V6?

    Drew
  • tonygenotonygeno Member Posts: 4
    It's a 4. Saab is the lease company and I've spoken with them. They say that they do an exterior inspection and test drive. No mechanical inspection at all. The car runs fine and shows no symptoms of a blown head gasket- no overheating, no loss of power, no water in the oil or oil in the water. I brought the car into an independent shop today and they say they can find no evidence at all that the head gasket is blown. I think the dealer is trying to scam me. Must be slow for his service department and what better way to make a weeks worth of work than replacing a head gasket. I am starting to wonder.
  • siwatkinssiwatkins Member Posts: 6
    Sounds like a), you need to find another Saab dealer, and b), for you to contact Saab customer service about this issue.

    If the car is only 2 years old, and the dealer is being honest (which from what you've presented, they aren't), you should press for some kind of assistance from Saab. That mileage/age is low for a H/G failure.

    Can you not try another Saab main dealer (perhaps your original one). If they are scamming you, then Saab need to know.

    Simon
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    That's quite a bold scam to attempt. It's not like trying to convince someone their shocks are bad or they need a fuel injection service. Those are easy scams.

    But a new head gasket??? Even a high school auto shop student knows there are lots of obvious ways to check for that problem. If the story is true then I think it took alot of ballz to suggest that service.

    If they put it in writing then you might have something against them to use at Saab USA. Since you didn't fall for it you'll be hard pressed to prove you were harmed but I think Saab USA needs to know that one of their dealers is trying to stick it to people.

    I'd expect this from something like a Chevy dealer. I have a friend who has an old Suburban that had a bad miss. He just moved out of state and took it to the nearest Chevy dealer in his new town. They gave him an estimate for over $1400 to fix the truck. He arranged a meeting with the service mgr and the tech who wrote the estimate. Over $1000 of the work was parts replacements that weren't needed or so-called preventive maintenance ("well, since your truck is so old we think these repairs are a good idea..."). All the truck needed was new plug wires, cap-rotor-condensor, and fresh plugs. Along with a few other parts the *real* total was about $300.

    If it smells like BS, it is. You did good by getting a second opinion. What's next is up to you.
  • tonygenotonygeno Member Posts: 4
    I took the car yesterday to the original dealer I purchased the car from. He says he can find no evidence of a blown head gasket. Saab, in the meantime, says they'll cover the repair 100%. I talked to the dealer who claims the head gasket is blown. He asked that I bring the car in and they'll show me where the problem lies (although yesterday he did say they could have made a huge mistake). I did tell him it was at another dealer who can't see any blown head gasket and that it leads me to believe they are being less than honest. We shall see.
  • dan_patdan_pat Member Posts: 2
    I just picked up my new 9-5 linear - (black/ charcoal interior) automatic – premium package. ( June 27, 2002 )

    The Audi A4 fell off my list as it is small - and feels cheap. I would never buy a car in 2002 without Telematics on it - and if you want Onstar in an Audi - better be prepared to drop 5K on options !!! Build your own Audi. ? .. hmmm it should say : build your own - pay MSRP and wait 4 months.

    If you live in New Haven CT, you will also experience the uglyliest Audi dealer I have ever seen in my life. It's located in Wallingford CT with 5 brands crammed into a shack like warehouse building.. The sad Audi rings are spray painted on metal mesh and is falling off the building....... very very funny. Oh yes the sales team - well lets just say you will hop on a time machine and vist the 1970's.... in my opinion these people could also be selling knives... siding....vacuums .. it makes no difference....... :) and I have never been on a test drive where I was explaining how a car works. ! - this guy was a senior sales guy...:))

    OK - moving along - dumping Audi off the list - I gave the 9-5 Linear a test drive and loved it. The first dealer in Connecticut quoted me 34K – and initially would not get me the above color combo. I called dealer #2 up the road and immediately got a quote of 31.5 K ( less tax and documents ) plus the color combo I wanted (he had to bring it in from Hartford). The first dealer obviously did not tell me about the rebate and wanted to take advantage of me so I did not mind driving 30 miles to dealer #2. I’m sure I could have got dealer #2 down even more ( 30k even ) however I think I got a decent price on this regardless. Bewarned that CarsDirect quoted me 34K.... so even this highly rated online source is cashing on in this hidden deal...

    The best part of the purchase was being pre financed via PeopleFirst.Com . I walked into the dealer and the salesperson gave me absolutely zero attitude ( – no the undercoating - no extended warranty chat – just the keys waiting and polished 9-5 with 35 miles on it. I wrote the amount in the preapproved check- signed some other forms and I was out the door in 30 minutes.

    Things I love about this car:

    - Despite being a four cylinder I love the speed and handling.

    - Quality – Quality - Quality - the doors shut like a vault – and it feels like 40K car. ( I can not say this about the many A4’s I test drove )

    - Premium Stereo rocks

    - Love the room in this car – the A4 was like a little box compared to this

    - Onstar is great – can’t believe you would buy a car with out it.

    - Great traction - it was pouring last night and this car handles very well on slippery surfaces

    - Not having to use premium gas will save me mondo.

    Not too happy:

    - the 3-year maintenance seems a bit thin - should be 4 to match warranty and include a few more bells and whistles

    - I may look at replacing the wood dash to Aluminum and give the car a bit more of an edge (has anyone done this yet)

    Global Saab suggestions

    - Get a new website - the current US one sucks and almost turned me away from this great car.

    - XM satellite radio should be an option in all 2002 Saabs – a total no brainier. A further perk could be a free XM Saab channel if one doesn’t want to spend the 10 bucks a month.

    Overall I’m very happy - I feel I have purchased something unique - well built – with good value. I hope the A4 owners enjoy the 37K Jetta :)
  • tonygenotonygeno Member Posts: 4
    Well, I took the car back to the diagnosing dealer yesterday. He showed me where the leak was and indeed it is slightly leaking oil. He said the problem is that it's leaking onto the belt which could cause problems and is why he is recommending a fix. I asked point blank "So, do I have a blown head gasket" and he admitted that no, that's not what I have. I have a slight leak that could get worse sooner rather than later and probably should be taken care of sooner. So, since Saab has agreed to pay for the work and they have agreed to loan me a car, I'm going to do it.
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    Happy to see you've discovered the finer points of the 9-5. Good choice as you've discovered. Keep up with that Black. I got Steel grey and love it. I've also grown to like the wood dash.

    Couple notes: Although the 3year maintenance may seem thin, you have to remember it is NOT really free. They could increase the time and coverage but ultimately the cost shows up in the purchase price. You got a Great price. The savings is better in your pocket now rather than paying for 5 years of wiper blades up front.

    XM would be nice. Saab is putting it in the new upcoming 9-3 which appears to be an AMAZING car from what I've seen so far. I've already seen the full brochure and we may actually be regreting not waiting for it. It is much better equipped and will leap frog over the competition finally in it's Class.

    I loved your idea of a Saab Channel on the XM radio. I have not experienced XM yet. Are Manufacturers creating their own channels?

    I also love the On-Star system. I do wish they would offer a more competitive package and ability to use a Portible phone like BMW does with their hands free system though. I keep bugging On Star about this one when I get surveys. I only want one phone and one phone number for my Cell Service. Help me out with that one guys. It can already be done but On Star has licensing rights to the equipment so they could squash us from connecting a portible phone and by-passing their service.

    Enjoy the new ride.
    Drew
  • stan18stan18 Member Posts: 8
    In case anybody cares, the pictures Edmunds shows under their 2002 9-5 section are actually MY 2001. I don't know what's going on because they used to show MY '02, but now just the '01 pics as '02. First the wretched 9-5 review (see the July Road&Track for a nice counterpoint), and now the wrong pictures. Does somebody at Edmunds have a beef with Saab?

    Stan
  • saenz74saenz74 Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a 2002 9-5 linear wagon and have noticed two particular noises that are kind of annoying.
    1. When I shut off the car I hear a noise coming from the engine (I think it's the a/c compressor shutting down??) It's not a fan but rather a low rumble that dies down after about 2 or 3 seconds.

    2. When I make a quick turn left or right a noise from the steering column. Not a scraping noise but again like a rumble.

    any advice or anyone with similar issues?
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Thought I would relay a negative onstar experience...

    I was in a 9-5 SE wagon. Was hit broadside by
    a caddy doing about 50. Airbags deploy....
    no call from onstar.

    So much for GM promises....
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,145
    Wow, I hope you're OK, manamal. I wonder if the malfunction occurred with the car, the Onstar installation, or if the defect was in the Onstar alone?

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  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    Well, it's not a perfect world. Sorry to hear about your misfortune and I hope everyone is okay.

    You obviously own a computer so you know how todays technology can sometimes fail and let us down. I'm sure you've experienced similar failings with your Cell Service as well.

    I'd bet the OnStar system has a pretty good track record in these matters but don't forget, it may not even be OnStars fault. They also have to depend on a Reliable Cell signal and Service to work properly. Maybe it was Verison's or WorldComms fault. If you were in a Dead Cell service, it's not really anyones fault. Have you considered that possibility? OnStar is pretty clear about explaining their dependibility on Cellular services and any damage to the equipment in a crash.

    Best of luck hope they fix the car fast for you.
    Drew
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    dski, kerstie_h:
    I know that onstar works in the area of the accident: the other vehicle was a '01 caddy, and
    onstar called him. My guess is that the impact severed a cable in the car or something.

    By the way, the car is not reparable. Everything
    right of the center console is damaged. (the center console was crushed). The car has been replaced with a Toyota minivan.
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    I have a 2000 9-5 wagon. On a recent trip I had to go over 10 speed bumps in the driveway of the place I was staying. I alway went over slow with the clutch in. The front end made a "grunch" noise when it hit the bumps. The rear was quiet when it went over the same bump.

    Is this normal? I have the 30k service coming up. Any thoughts on what to say to the dealer?

    Ride Safe,

    Joe
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    If it were me, I would report this situation to Saab. The fact that the Caddy's On-Star worked might mean your system was dissabled from the crash. Saab may very well want to examine why it failed and where it was damaged so as to improve the system. They have a history of improving small Safety related designs for existing owners. Our first 900 was recalled for a safety improvement that was NOT a result of any Government intervention rather a discovery on Saabs part to make a small improvement.

    If there is something that can be improved to keep On-Star functioning after a collision, We current owners sure would appreciate it being addressed.

    Drew
  • jb7227jb7227 Member Posts: 86
    Looking to replace my wife's 2000 Lincoln LS V6 -great car, no problems - just want a change. She loves the looks of the 9-5 - and i just started doing my research. It appears that there are some great deals out there - i'm looking for premium package, auto trans and met. paint. What should we be paying? I figured this is a good time to buy since they must want to clear out the 2002's. Any hidden rebates (to dealer, etc.) that i should know about? Any advice would be appreciated!!
  • peterson33peterson33 Member Posts: 24
    We are looking at the 2002 Aero, metallic silver, touring package and automatic. The deal we are being offered in $35,600 to buy, that is with a GM Supplier discount(which anyone working for a GM supplier can get, eg. if your company provides hardware or software to them), the current $3000 incentive, and $500 loyalty since we have a Saab 9-3.

    Or we can lease it for $467 month, 3 yr. 12k mile lease($20500 residual, 1000 down). To me the lease is almost $3000 more then just outright buying it, can anyone explain why that might be? Does this sound like a good deal?
  • zeusalexzeusalex Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a '99 9-5 with black paint and realizing this car does not have clear coat. I previously had a black '97 900 that didn't have clear coat either. I have heard that Lexus does not put a clear coat on their black cars either. Can anyone explain this to me?
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I'm guessing the $3K difference is in the lease factor or interest. Are you comparing the Purchase Price as a Cash Deal to the total lease payments added up?

    If you compare a LOAN on the $35K to the lease deal, you should come up with the Lease being cheaper unless you get a very low or no interest loan. Wether or not it makes sense to pay cash for expensive cars is another story.

    Drew
  • rudikamprudikamp Member Posts: 34
    I need some advise on which of 2.3 turbo engine is
    more reliable, the light-pressure or the high-
    output turbo.I intent to keep the car for atleast 6 years.Thanks for all the information.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Looking at SAABnet 9-5 bulletin board
    (www.saabnet.com), it seams that the
    2.3 HPT engine is more reliable than the
    2.3 LPT engine. The primary isues seem to
    blue smoke (blown turbo). The V6 lpt also
    seems to be reliable.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    The HP is a more reliable engine. I have seen several miley LPTs (70K+) and a few with as low as 45K miles that have been smokers.

    Never seen an HPT like that.

    Bill
  • soonerdavesoonerdave Member Posts: 1
    I have a '01 95 with about 28k miles. Since purchasing the car, both headlamps have failed, both fog lamps have failed, both front turn signals have failed, the center rear brake lamp has failed, the dome light has failed, I've had to replace the brake pads, and now the lighting on the radio is failing.

    I've never had this many failures in all my other ars combined (mostly Acuras & Toyotas).

    Is there a problem with the Saab electical system?

    Is it normal to run through a set of Saab brake pads in 25k miles? I've never had to replace brake pads at less than 40k before.

    I love the car, but I'm considering selling it before the warranty period expires. Thoughts?
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Headlights fail because of the daytime runing lights. Can't comment on the rest.
  • edisaacedisaac Member Posts: 15
    Looking at getting a 9-5, probably the Arc model. Like to know what people are getting out there. Went to the dealership yesterday and the salesperson was telling me that Saab has a very attractive lease package, I think the payment came out to about $375-400/month. I told her that I would most likely put on more mileage than a lease typically allows. However she said that shouldn't matter much because with the money factor used (?) and the residual value at the end of the lease the numbers favor leasing, even with the 0% financing. Apparently they can't discount(rebate) much on the 0% interest. Help.
  • cstowecstowe Member Posts: 101
    I am looking at a 1999 Saab 9-5 se v6 turbo, loaded, auto, 41K miles, silver, black leather, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats. I have set up a time to drive it on friday here in New Orleans. The dealer has it listed for 19,999 and will Saab Certify it for something like $599 more. How does this sound? What do you think I should offer? This would be my first Saab, what about reliability, maintenance costs, etc. Comments welcome from all!
  • bbf65bbf65 Member Posts: 29
    what's in the saab's engine(s)?
    timing belt or chain? (I4 and V6)
    also, am trying to decide between the Saab 9-5
    and the Infiniti G35.
    all input welcome.
    thanks.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    2.3t (and 2.3T): timing chain
    3.0t: timing belt (first replacement "free" @60K)

    Can't comment on Infinity 35 (except, it is
    a lot smaller, I think).
  • ajaymeajayme Member Posts: 74
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    I'm on my Third Saab and haven't had the kind of trouble you've had. I must be lucky. I will say, however, that our '02 model does have some kind of odd electrical glitch that will be addressed in the 10K service. At this point I'm not concerned.

    As far as the brakes go, there is no simple answer as to what normal life is. ie. I got almost 50K out of my New Montero and the dealer was amazed claiming that on average owners are looking at their second pad replacement by then. I drive 80% highway in that vehicle and No Aggressive driving.

    Have your driving patterns changed at all with the Saab? Many people will claim they haven't changed but when taking time to think, they sometimes will admit to driving the Saab in a more "Aggresive/ Fun" manner than with their other cars. Driving in that manner is expected more from the likes of Saabs and BMW's etc than with Honda's and Acura's. The First Step is Admitting it then accept that the results are a happier existance and Shorter Brake Pad Life. :)

    Drew
  • ranger2002ranger2002 Member Posts: 2
    I talked to a saab dealer in Frederick, MD who said Saab was offering dealers $6700 in incentives 95 linears w/ premium packages - they were only passing about 5k on to customers. Has any one heard of this deal before? Anyone with good pricing or dealer info in the DC area and loan info would be a champ if you wrote back. Thanks!
  • cstowecstowe Member Posts: 101
    It is true. I saw a sheet for the GM supplier discount program that offered 6750 rebate on 2002 9-5 (Linear only).

    Am I a CHAMP now?

    3500 back on 9-3se
    6000 back on 9-3se convert.
    6750 back on 9-5 linear (no mention of prem package)
    5000 back on 9-5 linear wagon

    This is from the GM Supplier Discount website but the rebates are typically the same ones everybody gets.
  • stgreenstgreen Member Posts: 74
    A few questions:
    1) how do the preferated seats really work to keep one cool?
    2) how is gas milage on average for those who have the ARC and the AERO?
    3) over the long haul, day in and day out, is the suspension on the AERO? - too stiff? too jarring?
    4) whats the 'winter wheel package' (16 inchers) like with the AERO? ((how does it handle in the snow?)

    thanks in advance.
  • ranger2002ranger2002 Member Posts: 2
    Hey cstowe,

    You're a champ! Thanks. When I told the dealership I was posting this note they said, well, we can do the full $6,750. The power of communication! Thanks!
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    try international saab in Falls Church, VA
  • edisaacedisaac Member Posts: 15
    Any rebates available on the Arc models?
  • bg729bg729 Member Posts: 6
    I am a school teacher and a new Saab is out of my league, but a local dealer has a used /preowned fleet vehicle- Auto Arc 6 cyl.- that is a certified preowned 2001 Saab with 21,000 miles for around $25,000.
    What have been your experiences with certified preowned SAAB's? Is the warranty as good as it reads???Am I missing something?
    My brother feels that 21,000 miles in a year is hard driving and I will be facing the expense of new brakes and tires sooner rather than later and these are exclusionary items?

    He also says that when the warranty runs out, I will not be able to afford maintenance or repairs which are notorously expensive. Is that true??

    I looked into the cost of an extended warranty and it is $2000-ouch!

    Is anyone driving the Arc /
    auto 6 cyl? How is it behaving itself so far??

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts and advice.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    21000 miles in one year probably means that it was primarily run on the highway, which is not hard driving.

    By the way 2001 v6 was called the SE. I had a 2001 SE wagon...bought new for 30,500. Totalled it after 6 months (was hit broadside by a caddy doing 50 mph). I did not buy another saab because we really needed a minivan (children...).

    The certification gives you a 100K warentee. Should be no need for another warentee. Also, V6 seems to be a good engine. I have not heard of any problems with it. (I did not own my car long enough to encounter any problems). The 2.3 LPT engine does seem to have issues with turbos/blue smoke (HPT 2.3 does not have this problem).

    Once thing to consider, though is that SAAB maintence and repairs are expensive. Even though you would be paying 25K, down the road expenses will be much higher than many other cars. Price out the 60K tuneup, for example.

    Also check www.saabnet.com
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Just got home from 1700 miles of driving my '00 SE V6. Got 30.2 MPG on my last tank - 475 miles of driving before fillup. 90% interstate driving at 70-100mph.

    As for electrical glitches, I've had my SID replaced once due to dead pixels and several bulbs from courtesy lights, all under warranty. Never had a headlight or foglight burn out. First thing I did when I bought the car was remove fuse #35. I hate DRL's.
  • dskidski Member Posts: 414
    You may Hate the DRL's but I have to admit, they make sense and they DO Work for their intended purpose.

    I hated the 3rd brake light back in the day they became mandatory ('86). But then the day came during rush hour when I saw two cars ahead hit the brakes extremely hard. I narrowly missed the car just ahead even though I was following a safe distance. From that point on, the 3rd light was just fine with me.

    DRL's absolutely help people see you in various conditions.

    Drew
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    For my work, I sometimes have to enter military bases. Even before 9/11, the guards do not like being blinded. I found a position which, if held, turns off the DRLs
  • mbartombarto Member Posts: 24
    The Saab 9-5 Aero or possibly a 2003 9-3 are among two of the cars I'm looking at potentially buying within the next 6-10 months. I like the sporty 2003 9-3, but love the luxury of the 9-5.

    Here are some of the questions I have and hopefully can be answered or opinionated by some of you Saab enthusiasts.

    1. Do you know of any changes to the upcoming 2003 9-5 model? i.e. Nav, XM (satellite radio), etc. Especially navigation.

    2. When is the next major change (cycle year) to the 9-5 model?

    3. Curiosity question - What does the model designations represent? (i.e. 9-3, 9-5) Is Saab using the -3 and -5 in similar ways to the BMW's 3 and 5 series? Looks that way - luxurious SPORT sedan in the 9-3 and a sporty LUXURY sedan in the 9-5.

    4. I'm rather impressed with some of the new features implemented in the 2003 9-3 model. Will we see some of the things migrated into the 9-5 models in the near future and how soon? (i.e. Nav, ReAxs, ideal location of the SID)

    5. Like most people, I'm highly concerned about long term reliability. I have seen Consumer's Reports review on the 9-5 and it received high marks. And from the forums I have been following, the 9-5 has been far more reliable then the old platform 9-3. What have some of you 9-5 owners experienced with your car? One of the things I'm worried about if I wait for the next major change on the 9-5 - Will the new platform be as reliable? I've read some "horror" stories on the 9-3 previous years. Do you all expect higher reliability with the new 2003 9-3 platform then the last platform?

    6. Opinion - I plan on paying for one of these models fully in cash when I return from overseas in about 6+ months. Being retired military - Saab has a discount 9% off MSRP. Can I do better than this?

    7. Since reliability is often in the back of everyone's mind, particularly mine - Would I be better off just leasing one of these automobiles, experience it and then decide if I want it long term? Of course my first choice is to buy since I don't want to pay extra for a depreciating asset, but on the otherhand, I also don't want to be stuck with something that turns out to be a money pit.

    8. Last question (I promise for now, but I'm sure I forgot something I wanted to ask) - Are the cup holders as crappy and useless as everything I read and heard? LOL.

    Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for answering any or all of my questions.

    ..Mark
  • mbartombarto Member Posts: 24
    See I did forget something.

    Handling question - Has anyone had a noticeable problem with torque steer, common to high performance front wheel drives, and if so, how bad is it? How is the handling, cornering and road "connection" of the 9-5? If someone has comparision driven a BMW 3 or 5 series - how does it compare?

    Thanks again.

    ..Mark
  • theremintheremin Member Posts: 26
    I'm only answering your last 2 questions-- having never owned a Saab, but seriously considering the 9-5 aero (along with the Audi A6, which I have now, 2 mos left on the lease):

    --Cup holders: the one that pops out from the dash is fine (although it's circumference could stand to be a little wider); the one that's in the arm-rest storage bin is completely useless. Even if you never put anything in the storage bin (fat chance), you have to lift the arm rest up completely to use it. Just know that you'll have one decent cup holder in the front of the car.

    Torque steer, BMW comparison: Having driven a handful of different aeros, I've found the torque steer to be pretty mild (even varying somewhat from one car to another). I'm used to the all-wheel drive quattro steering on the Audi, so I can definitely feel the difference, but it doesn't bother me that much. When you consider how much HP and torque is being generated by the aero engine, it's not that bad at all, and I think one could get used to it pretty easily. I've found the handling, cornering and 'road connection' in the aero to all be excellent. It hugs corners, feels really responsive and tight--it especially feels good accelerating into corners. I test drove an aero and a 530i back-to-back and while the BMW is a great car, handles great, hugs the road etc, it's certainly not as fast as the aero and when you factor in the price difference for what you get (BMW options often have to be added separately & the $$ piles up), the aero came out ahead for me.

    --My 9-5 complaints: the 2nd cupholder is useless; I wish there were more cabin storage room; the exterior color choices are rather unexciting (I have the same complaint about the AudiA6--BMW comes out way ahead here); I wish there was an all-wheel drive version; I wish the CD player would display the elapsed time WHILE a CD is playing (a strange complaint, I know, but it's kind of essential for me).

    I too have long-term reliability questions about the 9-5 (specifically the aero and the 4-cyl HOT engine). Also, I've asked dealers when the next generation 9-5 is expected to appear and they mostly say 'not for 3 or 4 years'. But then, what do they know?

    Good Luck.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    I had a 2001 9-5 Se Wagon. (Totalled it).
    regarding prices: you can expect to negotiation to about 31,000-32,000 for a linear, 34,000 for an arc and 36,000 for an Aero. That is about 15% below MSRP. When I bought my car, it was at the end of the 2001 year, with the post 9/11 incentives...I paid 30,500.

    I have heard minimal problems with the HOT and V6 engines. LPT seems to have a propensity to blow turbos.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I suggest spending some quality time at http://www.saabnet.com . Hang out at the 9-5 bulletin board and read thru the old posts. You'll be a 9-5 expert in no time.
  • gbriankgbriank Member Posts: 220
    Hey Mark:

    Here are the answers to your questions:

    1. No
    2. 2005
    3. Something like that. The second number represents the size classification.
    4. Yes. 2005.
    5. Most I have heard from have had nothing but good things to say. Not sure, the next platform will be shared with the CTS. Reliability has been rather good since 1999 on the 9-3, but the new model is a good question. New engine, totally new body, etc...
    6. On a current model, yes. On one of the new 9-3's, not sure. Only time will tell. If sales dramatically increase, look for Saab to discontinue incentives.
    7. SmartBuy or Lease is a great idea right now. It would probably be good for you, if you have never owned a Saab before.
    8. No (9-5), Yes (9-3). The cup holder on the 9-5 is lightyears better than the piece of **** in the 9-3. Saab has heard us and made the appropriate changes to the 9-3 and it looks very promising.
    9. Torque steer is more prevalent in the automatic transmission versions of the 9-3, but barely noticable in the 9-5. With the manual, you can easily control the power to the wheels thereby making it almost unnoticeable. As for road connection, the Aero is the best of the three. The Linear model is a little numb but not as bad as a Camry/ES300.

    I have driven the BMW 3 Series and it definitely is a driving machine. Saabs are very well balanced, but they are a few points behind BMW. That may change with the new 9-3, as it has gone to a fully independent rear suspension. I guess what narrowed things down was the price. I got a 9-3 SE with the manual transmission for $27800. I have the same performance as a BMW 330i for about $9000 less.
  • mre9101mre9101 Member Posts: 2
    I just picked up my Saab 9-5 Linear model with the Premium Package. I love it. Here is the deal I received - The dealership wiped ut the last 3months on my last lease which was a 2000 Cadillac Catera (piece of dung). I put down $500, 15K miles per year, no payment due until October for $389.00 per month. The residual on the car is 12,750 at the end of the term which is 4 years from now. I feel pretty good about the deal. I worked it for about 2 - 3 weeks.
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