Saab 9-5 Wagon

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  • pjs123pjs123 Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone have any pricing info on the SE wagon in the SE Wisconsin or N Illinois market?
  • wagonbyrwagonbyr Member Posts: 26
    Hey, did anyone besides me get a letter from Saab USA saying that as a Saab Owner I'm elegible for a $1000 rebate on the purchase or lease of a new Saab. Boy where were they 6 weeks ago before I bought my new 9-5 wagon and sold my old 9000 privately? I wonder if I can get retroactive credit?
  • gben1gben1 Member Posts: 1
    My wife's 2000 9-5 SE Wagon has a disturbing sloshing sound associated with the gas tank when we brake at a light. When the tank is near full the sound is a dull thud. We took the car to our dealer and complained that the tank probably did not have any baffles. The service manager initially told us that this model has no baffles in the tank. Later we were told that a baffle "kit" can be installed in the tank to correct the problem. Our friend's have the identical model car, with a few more miles on it, and we cannot duplicate the sound when we brake or jump on their rear bumper. Is this a safety problem? Does anyone else have the problem?
  • jonw2jonw2 Member Posts: 49
    gben1,

    This subject has been discussed frequently on the Saab 9-5 sedan topic. In fact, so much so, they made a special topic for it under Maintenance. You will have better luck there, I think. BTW, I don't think it poses a safety problem other than an irritating annoyance. Not something you would expect in an expensive car. Good luck.
    jon w.
  • barrycintibarrycinti Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone found floor mats for the Saab 9-5 wagon that are cheaper than the ones in the Saab catalog? I would want custom fit mats since generic mats roll up and get tangles in the floor pedals etc.

    Thanks
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    I have the HD ones from the Saab catalog and they work great. Call several dealers and see if you can get a discount on catalog items.

    Drive Safe,

    Joe
  • jmackey1jmackey1 Member Posts: 3
    My Saab9-5 wagon has 6300 miles on it and the INFO DISPLAY light comes on with the TIME FOR SERVICE in the display. We had the dealer do the first service at 1300 miles so although the book says this message comes on for the 10,000miles service, the service manager thinks they may have set it for every 5000 miles... My husband changed the oil at 4700 so we are current for now, but the service manager says we must bring the car in to get the computer to clear the diplay...Pushing "Clear" as per instruction only clears for the duration of the drive and when we start up the engine the message re-appears. Is there a way to clear this message without going to the dealer? (The dealer is 1 1/2 hour drive away and while they are very good about loan cars etc it is really a shame to loose so much time!) The service manager also said to have it changed next time we go there for something like service but I just don't want to have to push clear each time I start up the car...Please help.
  • reg3reg3 Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem... hold clear for 8-10 sec.
    You'll be OK then.
  • knepsterknepster Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    Looking at leasing through greenlight. I am able to use $1000 rebate for being a current Saab owner.
    I noticed you put $2500 down. What did this include? Again, I would not need to put down being a current Saab owner.

    Thanks.
  • jmackey1jmackey1 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks Reg3. Have tried it but doesn't do the trick. Should I check anything else i.e. the check list for the service--oil levels, other fluid levels...
  • fhumfhum Member Posts: 3
    While my 9000T is getting some routine maintanance, I am driving a 2.3t wagon loaner. Overall impression is good but some concerns.
    1) When accelerating hard from a stop, I am noticing about a 1 second hesitation.
    2) The driver's seat does not feel nearly as comfortable as the 9000's. Poor lumbar and lateral support.

    Has anybody else found the same thing?

    By the way, I drove the V6 a couple of days ago and found it to be unacceptably noisy while providing only a bit more acceleration. In addition both the salesman and the service manager strongly recommended the 2.3t over the V6.

    In terms of a great deal, check out the prices offered at Greenlight.com. Unless I am reading it wrong, they are not charging extra for met. paint and vented seats. "What a country"
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Noticed the lag (although not a full second), but can't compare seats since I've never sat in a 9000.

    Do have one question for you if you're driving the manual. Did you notice that the engine revs when you depress the clutch-- even if your foot is completely off the gas? Noticed this in a test drive and found it very annoying.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Forgot to mention that I also got the infamous fuel thunk when I test drove. Had to fill the tank (to 3/4) to do it, but it's defintely there. Don't think it would keep me from buying.
  • fhumfhum Member Posts: 3
    I am driving the automatic so I can not comment on the clutch issue. As for the fuel thunk, I am at 3/4 full now and plan to keep an ear out for it. I will let you know how I make out. As an aside, I did not notice it when I drove the V6, but i) I only had it for about 15 minutes, and ii) the tank was well below 1/4.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    You probably already know this, but the best way to hear it is to come to a quick stop. You don't need to slam on the brakes, but you do need to make the stop somewhat abrupt.
  • fhumfhum Member Posts: 3
    The 2.3t I am drive is not making the thud, but neither is it making the grade.

    My two biggest issues are the seats and the acceleration. In addition, the upgraded stereo is not what I had hoped. Does anybody have any extended experience with the Volvo XC SE or the A6 wagon.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Do you have the manual transmission? I found the manual to provide enough acceleration, but I would agree, it's not a rocket.

    You might want to consider some kind of modification. I understand that you can tweak the engine to improve its performance, although I'm far from knowledgeable about this.

    I would wholeheartedly agree about the stereo. It's a real disappointment. The worst part is I understand it's very hard to upgrade the head unit because of Saab's "unique" electronics. I was wondering, however, whether changing out the stock speakers might help.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Oops. Forgot you already said you the auto.
  • saabbersaabber Member Posts: 84
    At 3/4 tank full, the fuel tank in both the sedan and the wagon make a big "thunk" sound upon braking, although I have heard that the structure of the wagon makes the noise louder. It only affects models after the middle of 1999 because the fuel tank design was changed by saab. It seems from the comments that have been made that the saab technicians first will deny that they have ever heard of the problem before, then when the customer complains, they will offer a "kit" which places foam in the tank and removes 3 gallons of fuel capacity. Saab refuses to redesign the tank for existing customers and has no intention of changing the design for the 2001 model. If you are interested in buying a 9-5, make sure you ask to test drive the car with the tank 3/4 full. Some saab owners just think its another quirk with owning a saab, but others are really annoyed by the problem. The "maintenance" site on the 9-5 in edmunds has a full description of the problem. Lastly, make sure you ask questions from saab and dont accept evasive answers.
    Regards to all.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    Thanks for the information on the fuel tank issue. For what it's worth, my dealer immediately acknowledged it and the fact that there was no fix in the offing for 2001. Doesn't make the problem go away, but I did appreciate the no BS approach.
  • jlemkinjlemkin Member Posts: 1
    Am about to buy a 9-5 Aero Wagon at a great price. The dealer has black & red in stock, and I also see white on the website, but also claims she can trade for a midnight blue 9-5 Aero Wagon up in Seattle. Is this possible? She knows her Saabs, and swears she isn't confusing a non-Aero with an Aeor. Perhaps it's an early 2001 slipped in as a 2000? Please help as I want the blue but would be terribly dissapointed if we did an out-of-state ship and it didn't turn out to be an Aero.
  • speedshiftspeedshift Member Posts: 1,598
    If it was the wrong color, I'd make that the dealer's problem, not yours. By the way, what's the great price? I like the Aero but don't think I can afford it, at least not at or near list.
  • kitinazumakitinazuma Member Posts: 1
    I think I've seen the actual wagon (Aero Midnight Blue) that your dealer is referring to in Seattle if it's at Carter Saab/Volkswagen. I'm in the process of trading my 9.5 sedan for a wagon and saw an Aero Wagon in the showroom that appeared to be a very dark blue. Carter does have a few more Aero wagons, too, so I'd ask my dealer to inquire.
  • jonah95jonah95 Member Posts: 11
    This one's got me beat. Neither my dealer nor Saab can resolve a gearshift problem on my brand new 9-5 Aero wagon. They even suggest that all 9-5s suffer from the same problem as a result of a design shortfall, for which there is no solution.

    I've posted the details of the problem on the Maintenance & Repair conference (posting number 1595). If any recent 9-5 owners out there have the time to check it out, I'd be really keen to know whether you all have this same problem! Naturally, any suggestions as to a fix wouldn't go amiss either, since Saab currently have no suggestions...
  • bfc2bfc2 Member Posts: 1
    This first time saab owner chose the lease being offered not the 9-5 sedan with manual. It seemed like an excellent deal. I do not know why any one would choose to buy this car. I haven't heard the sloshing in the first six hundred miles but I was surprised at how slow the rear window defogger worked on the first dewy AM. I don't think the dash computer adds anything to the driving experience; the HK stereo system doesn't sound better than most; the key fob is awkward; generally the controls take learning. I like the size and the ride and the safety. The exterior is not styled.
  • davidgmillsdavidgmills Member Posts: 6
    My 9-5 is beginning to give me problems. First the motor mounts went which took 11 business days to fix and now the TCS just ten days later. Only 29,000 miles. However, here is a sobering thought which makes me forgive alot.

    Saab sold 70,000 cars in the US in 98 and 99 and had only two deaths in those cars during those two years. Volvo, which sold 230,000 cars in the US in 98 and 99 had 48 deaths in those two years. Death information is from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System webcite, a US government webcite.
  • ickesickes Member Posts: 82
    Has anyone here bought their Saab's w/ the GM Family Discounts? The GM page says that a discount is available to GM employees under a separate program from their GMO/GMS purchase plans for C-P-O-B-C and Saturn. I have access to this discount by marriage and am very interested in the 9-5 Wagon. Thanks...
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    FWIW I have just posted pictures of our 9-5 wagon with the front and rear spoilers and 7-spoke wheels. You can check it out at the bottom of:


    My Toys


    We have 6000 miles on the car and we still love it.

    Drive Safe,

    Joe

  • olliedawgolliedawg Member Posts: 3
    Hello everyone. I have a '98 Subaru Forester (reliable, peppy, fulltime AWD) in pretty good shape. The problem is that, with pooch, husband, a lot of "stuff"...well, putting in one more person is a squeeze. While the Forester is paid for, I am beginning to think that a larger vehicle might be in order. We drive back and forth from NYC to upstate (about 120 miles) just about every weekend, and you know you can get some funky weather on the NYS Thruway. My husband says his requirements are a car that is safe, reliable and in line with his views of pleasing design (he is a self-described "design policeman"). What is the feeling out there about nabbing a '00 SE V6 wagon with the special lease, waiting for the '01 version or going with the '01 XC Volvo which I've test driven and liked? Better yet, anyone have any ideas about late-model wagons that are "reasonable", reliable and safe? Thanks!
  • beechtreebeechtree Member Posts: 1
    I drive NYC to Hamptons and occasionally upstate on weekends. Just last weekend bought my fourth Saab, the '00 9-5 4 cyl wagon. Here's why: 1. Saab is the safest car on the road (significantly fewer deaths per # autos on the road than Volvo; check saabnet.com bulletin board for documentation). 2. Saab is the most fun car to drive with its turbo engine that has been perfected by Saab engineers since it was introduced in the 1970's. The car has great features and really feels as though it is on your side in all driving conditions. As far as '00 vs '01, i'm not aware of any big changes in the '01 V-6, but ask your dealer. There are good deals on the remaining '00's --- call dealers in NY-CT-NJ for availability.
  • raw47raw47 Member Posts: 3
    I've owned my Saab wagon for nearly three months now with 3000 miles of driving. Having owned an Audi A6 wagon, I was skeptical about switching to a Sabb. I'm impressed and not disappointed. The Saab has more kick and is a fun car to drive. The Audi was like a tank compared with this car and I don't feel unsafe with front wheel drive. In the rain, it handled securely and solidly. It took me six weeks to get used to some of the interior functions (simply placing the key in the center console challenged my brain).
    I'm very pleased with the Saab so far. It doesn't have the styling of the Audi wagon, but it makes up for it in a spirited driving experience.
  • ejgskmejgskm Member Posts: 9
    I bought my wagon with the GM discount in May. The whole thing was pretty straight forward. There is a GM 800 number that you call and they will send the employee a coupon. On the coupon the employee specifies how you are related and signs off on it. Take the coupon to the Saab dealer and from their big book of numbers they pull out their discount price. No haggling, no discussion. It is probably about as low as you could get them to go with a lot of haggling, but nothing too extraordinary. I special ordered a manual with ventilated seats, and there was a special GM price for those options. The whole experience was pretty easy, and I really enjoy my car!
  • ickesickes Member Posts: 82
    What was the total discount based on a percentage of MSRP? I know that the discount on core GM products works out like 80% of the base price and 30% on options. Thanks
  • ickesickes Member Posts: 82
    Thanks...
  • k1hck1hc Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 Saab 9-5 wagon, bought in May 1999 with 25K on it so far. In August after sitting a week in our garage, the battery was dead. Dealer recharged it and said everything else was OK. Today, 10/21/00, it would not start after having been out earlier in the day for a nice highway drive. Anyone out there experience similar electrical problems? I love the car, but reliability is VERY important.
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    I have heard of battery/charging problems in the 9-5. Check your owners manual. They go into battery life in some detail. I think they say the car can sit for 40+ days. They also say what fuse to pull to get longer life out of the battery. Check the manual.

    Go back to the dealer and demand he/she fix it. It could be one of 3 things:

    Bad battery. They do go early on occasion.

    Charging problem.

    Some short in the system.

    Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

    Drive Safe,

    Joe
  • dhall64dhall64 Member Posts: 2
    After reading a few months worth of posts I was all excited to go grab myself a Saab 9-5 wagon with the great 0.0005 money factor. Turns out the deals ended in Sept. My local dealer has about 5 of the 2000s and I can't get into one because the promotion is over. Oh Well. If anyone knows of any new deals coming on the 9-5 please let me know. Thanks.
  • dongoodwindongoodwin Member Posts: 1
    I own a 1999 95 wagon with a 5sp., 2.3T which I truly enjoy. But I would like a little more grunt than the 170 hp offers. Since the 2000/2001 nonAero 2.3T models offer 185hp, it seems like a relatively easy upgrade would be possible. Has anyone heard of an aftermarket company that can provide a 2.3T chip to boost turbo pressure? Very reliable boost kits are available for Audi and VW 1.8Ts. I know the drive train warranty is voided, but I can dream can't I?
  • mrjmrj Member Posts: 21
    I bought a 99 Saab 9-5 2.3T last October (99) and it now has 15K miles. Had only one problem - the car died one day at around 10K miles and had to be towed to the dealer. Apparantly it was a fuel injector flaw that has since been fixed in all new Saabs. Other then that, the car has been flawless. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. The fun factor is high, and I feel good hauling my two small kids around in such a safe (and sporty) car.
  • ebearebear Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a 2000 9-5 Wagon with the GM plan and found out that Saab is giving dealers 10% of the MSRP to move 2000's. I understand that this runs out a the end of the month(oct). It reduced the GM price by another $3700.00. Under the plan you get manufacturers incentives and special financing if they are available-I also took 6.9% financing.
  • dwindbreakerdwindbreaker Member Posts: 1
    Icurrently drive a98 awd xc. I Am considering the 01 volvo xc but is concern with problems that might not have been correctly from previous yrs . Really enjoyed the 9-5wagon and aero wagon. Would appreciate some input on the 9-5 wagon on winter driving and whether snow tire is needed on this vehicle.
  • amatpa1amatpa1 Member Posts: 1
    Looking at the 2000 Saab 9-5 Gary Fisher edition 2.3l automatic wagon....

    We're leaning heavily toward it, over the Volvo V70...

    The dealer is raving about the $34,500 price tag, which includes the perforated ventilated leather and the Fisher Special Package. Based on the research I've done, the price sounds good.

    I was wondering what Saab afficionados, and Gary Fisher edition owners, thought about price, value, performance etc.

    We were impressed with the test drive...and, at this price, seem to get more bang for the buck versus a 2001 Volvo.

    I must admit the threads regarding the fuel sloshing are a concern...and friends' warnings about maintenance costs.

    Thanks...
  • patriciab1patriciab1 Member Posts: 4
    Have been looking at the '01 9-5 wagon and the Audi A4 avant. In talking with a Benz salesman, he mentioned that the audi is a good, reliable car but the Saab has a history of problems, notably in the electrical system. Would anyone agree with this? While in the Saab showroom, I sat in the 9-5 sedan and attempted to move forward the powered driver's seat. It wouldn't work; salesman said the battery was dead. Seems like an odd way to sell a car.
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    I have personally been into the wiring of my 00 9-5 wagon and it is done very well. Aircraft quality. It should be reliable over the long haul.

    The battery may have been dead, but the salesman may not have known that the seat controls only stay live for a short time after the door is opened. Some dealers dissconect the batterys in the showroom.

    Drive Safe,

    Joe
  • wagonbyrwagonbyr Member Posts: 26
    I have some first hand history on "Saab Problems".
    I owned a 1991 9000 S from new - 211,000 miles. The first 135,000 miles were flawless. Then I needed a head gasket @ $1300. The next 40,000 miles were again problem free. At 175,000 miles stuff started happening, alternators, exhaust manifold, power windows. We probalbly should have sold it at 200,000. Anyway it was a great car for the first 175,000 miles. Sold it in March 2000. Bought a new 2000 9-5 Wagon. No regrets.
  • tginvttginvt Member Posts: 1
    Sorry to bring up a well discussed item again but: I'm looking at trading my '00 S4 (what a fabulous but uncomfortable car! The seat and I just don't fit one another)for a slightly used '00 Aero wagon and am concerned about the thunk that's been so roundly discussed. I'm simply wondering whether anyone has devised a reasonable solution/fix that works, either on their own or working with Saab? I heard the thunk on one of the three wagons I test drove (before I read any of these posts)and figured it was the gas in the tank; reading these discussions confirmed it for me. I like a quiet ride when I'm not playing the tunes; has anyone devised a fix??
  • bmwjoebmwjoe Member Posts: 136
    I have an '00 wagon and I do get a thunk 1/2 to 3/4 full. I would prefer not to have it, but it is not anoying. Only happens at a stop.

    Saab can put some open cell foam in the tank. I have heard mixed reviews on this fix.

    I love my 9-5 wagon. Thunk and all!

    Drive Safe,

    Joe
    http://home.jtan.com/~joe/toys.htm
  • dcopleydcopley Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 9-5 Wagon w/2.3L with 21,000. This is the best car I have ever owned. I also have a 1998 Nissan Maxima SE, and the Saab smokes the Maxima, for fun-factor, and also for control. Being an engineer, I really appreciate some of the thought that Saab puts into the little details (like the programmable Climate control system). This car has been 100% problem free, and except for a Terrible Dealer experience (Phoenix), I would recommend this car. When we bought it, we also were looking at the Volvo-decided it was too generic.
    I also read in earlier threads, people complaining about the sound of the stereo; I have the Harmon/Kardon upgrade, and I think that it is a VERY clean sounding system-not "harsh". The Maxima has the Bose system, and it is incredibly "harsh" and "boomy".
  • adomadom Member Posts: 3
    In response to the ? about the Gary Fisher Ed.:

    I absolutely love the car. I think that the appearance package is worth it alone. I have had numerous compliments. On a few occasions people have come up to me in parking lots and asked about the make and model.

    The 17" wheels with the low profile tires have not added any NVH problems compared to the other 9-5's I drove. I live in MI and the roads are rather poor.

    I have heard about the load leveling suspension giving an improved ride, but I do not have a good comparison. I am very pleased with the ride.

    The bike is great. It gave me the incentive to actually start getting some exercise. I also would probably not go and spend $800 on a bike, but since it comes with the car, I can enjoy it.

    Another big compliment for the Saab 9-5 -
    A friend of mine that owns a Jag S-type and is from the UK stated that he liked the interior of the Saab much better than the Jag.

    My wifes 900 lease is up early next year. I was thinking of looking for a used 9-5 to purchase. We both love mine (yes, I do share).

    Please let me know if you have additional questions.
  • davidgmillsdavidgmills Member Posts: 6
    Now that my recalled ECM is fixed my sedan is working very well again. Wagon is wonderful as well.
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