will I struggle to get it services etc.

Nahh. Any independant garage can do it. They're just Vauxhall running gear anyway. 🙂

Mine was a good car, until it started to go wrong. No problem with finding a dealer, they just couldn't accurately diagnose the fault - "You could try changing this, might not fix it.." (Engine mngmnt light kept randomly coming on).
Bills started adding up, so got rid.

No problem with parts - the parts company did not go bankrupt and is still around.

That's for a 2 1/2 to 3 yr old one, the German motors are all two yrs older for that money!

Yes, but then we have 2.

Saab Parts are still operating (the only bit of the business that ever made any money) there are still planty of authorised service agents around, and alot of the old dealers are independants.

A lot of car for your money but not a particularly refined drive. Neither is the cabin as intuitive to "use" as others. Performance is sound as is MPG for the manuals.

Overall am happy with our's but in terms of "driving" it's not as nice as my A4 (or previous German motors).

Parts support should be pretty much as good as any other manuf IMO.

My only experience of Saab was like Vauxhall but with more intersting design and lower build quality.

[i]Neither is the cabin as intuitive to "use" as others[/i]

It is if you're used to Saabs. Then everything else seems odd 🙂

the only bit of the business that ever made any money

Oh teh ironings

I'd have another tomorrow, but IIRC the 9-3 estate wasn't a very good motor. The 9-5 estate on the other hand..

geoffj - Member

the only bit of the business that ever made any money

Oh teh ironings

Quite common in the motor industry......

The 9-5 estate on the other hand..

Mine's great....

I'd buy one of these 🙂

[IMG] [/IMG]

I run a 1999 Saab 9-3. I think they are the best bangers around and brilliant value for money, Mine has just gone through it's MOT for £300. So another cheap year (hopefully) of motoring for me.

But I would not pay proper money for one now. I also did a few jobs on my brothers newish 9-3 Aero and had some problems getting hold of parts ( a lot of them do differ from the equivalent Vauxhall parts), the ride was also not as good as an equivalent BMW or Audi.

to sum up around £2000 go for it. Over £2000 look elsewhere.

We have an 07 9-3 Sportswagon with all the bells and whistles which is on it's way out (car fine, we're just replacing it). We got it from new with a reasonable reduction due to it being a pre registered/demo car. However, coming round to selling it now and it's not really worth that much at all.

Great car, it's been brilliant for us. Would get another, but wouldn't get another new car.

DezB

That's just a Scooby Impreza that GM had Saab rebadge as the 9-2 for the US market

(Er, I know.)

or one of these
[img] [/img]

OK soz! 😉

I chose an 07 Saab 93 estate as my company car and ran it for 3 years and 60000 miles with no problems at all. It was the 150 TID engine.

I really enjoyed owning the car, but was removed from the company car list when I came to replace, so opted for a c class estate.

The Saab was bigger inside (can get a mountain bike in the boot with the seats down without removing the wheels)and the seats were much more comfy, however the c class is a nicer place to sit and it quieter and handles a bit better.

As for not being intuitive to "use", the only differance is the key being behind the gear level, everything else is like an other car.

The night panel was great (it turns all of the dials off apart from the speedo) but the dash quality was fine, but nowhere near German standards.

We liked ours that much when Saab went bang we took advantage of the lower prices and traded my wifes car in for an 05 convertible. Again we have had this for a year and no problems.

If I came out of the company car I would consider the ttid as the power and emissions are brilliant.

Chris

Excellent motors and they're nothing like Vauxhalls. Thank god.

SAAB are operating again and will be bringing out a new 93 in the near future. Possibly with the BMW diesel engine and a new electric model.

For 10k you can get a lovely 9-3 180 brake diesel estate with all the bells and whistles.

If i was going to be a Saab thats the one id buy, the TTID engine is fantastic, just get it checked over throuoghly though as that engine can eat clutches and that wouldnt be covered under a warranty either. If its an auto no need to worry but i dont think the drive is as good as the manual. Beware of those who tell you its a Vauxhall in drag, true there are some shared components but most of the car is exclusive and certain parts such as lamp units / trim / electric motors cost a fortune. Besides if the warranty on the car is to be honoured they will insist on genuine parts being fitted to the car during service.

My 9-5 was the most comfortable and nicest to be in car I've owned, huge too. Very good family transport.

We are in the market for a large family estate. The mrs is having none of my 'let's get a 9-5' suggestions 🙁

Or I did look at xtype jags, slightly more but still cheaper than the German models. Any thoughts on those?

I recently picked up a 2004 9-5 aero estate and I'm very impressed with it so far. There doesn't seem to be anything else that offers the same space and performance for the price. The seats are also amazingly comfortable. Chatting to a local independent specialist I was told it's only awkward to get parts for the very late model cars.

One thing worth noting is that sometimes they can develop a bit of oil sludge in the sump and so it is important to buy one that has been well serviced and had regular oil changes. If you do they are good for pretty big mileages and most of the running gear is GM off the shelf so actually quite cheap. Also worth noting the Aero versions are a bit thirsty and have a slightly harsher ride than the deisels and 2.3 petrols but go like a scalded cat.

[i]Would you buy a Saab?[/i]

No.

I had a 9-5 Aero Saloon and then a 9-5 Aero Estate. The latter was 260bhp and drank fuel. Back last summer it was costing over £95 to fill it, and lasting for about 350 miles.

The 9-5's were the last of the real SAAB's, the 9-3 was very much Vectra running gear. That said the 9-3s were rather nice, and had a few decent diesel options.

I'd say the 9-5 is getting a little dated now. As others have mentioned, the Aero versions can be very thirsty and very nippy. Nice when you get some chav right up yer rear on a dual carriageway, to drop it down a gear and upset him. (Staying within the confines of the law of course!)

Have had several over the years & currently run a 9-3 Aero TTID Sportswagen. Never had any issues & have put at least 80,000 miles on each (current is at 62k after 2.5 years). From 06 onwards the Aero & Vector Sport were quite different from the other models & actually built by the Swedes rather than in a GM plant - this sorted the chassis stiffness & build quality.

Compared to the Audi/VW/Ford/Vauxhall/Renault/Citroen/Mazda equivalents I tested before buying this one it drives fantastically well. The only negative I found with it is the slightly odd tyre size which made replacements quite expensive - this has changed a bit recently with a few more manufacturers making them.

It's a lot of car for the money these days.

the 9-3 was very much Vectra running gear

I think the press coverage & even the Top Gear 'homage' to Saab dismissed that as a myth. It was GM's intention but Saab ignored them on all but the basic models hence the lack of profitability. Unfortunately, they were being bolted together by GM employees who didn't give a ****.

I would, but wouldn't pay £10k - have you seen how cheap MG/Rover's went?

[i]Or I did look at xtype jags, slightly more but still cheaper than the German models. Any thoughts on those? [/i]

I've a 3.0i X-Type, great car and bought for buttons - apart from fuel, cheap to run too.

xtype jags. Any thoughts on those?

Mondeo with a differnt suit and badge on. Not saying that's bad btw.

9-3 Aero 1.9 TTiD estate is still on my list of next cars. Not driven an Aero but the thought of a rare, cheapish, quickish, economical, superb looking estate thats not Mondeo/Passat/aircraft carrier sized is a huge pull!

X-Type? I think the estates (some models) look ok from the outside. Its just the interior and the dash particular makes a little bit of sick enter my mouth when I see them...

Thinking about it we seem to go through tyres like no business on the Saab, a set every 6-8 months usually. No idea why, the OH drives the Saab mainly and is quite a careful driver.

I've gone 2 years on my car and then only the fronts needed changing. My car before that the tyres lasted even longer. We do similar amounts of mileage in both our cars.

9-3 Aero 1.9 TTiD estate is still on my list of next cars. Not driven an Aero but the thought of a rare, cheapish, quickish, economical, superb looking estate thats not Mondeo/Passat/aircraft carrier sized is a huge pull!

Chap living near me has one of these, i'm quite smitten, lovely car. Looks quite small for an estate though.

Father in Law has a diesel 9-3. Build quality as you'd expect. Performance and ride aren't anything special but it's a nice place to sit. It had it's share of problems that no car is immune from such EGR valve, bonus most parts are Vauxhall so no dramas. Other parts can be unique to Saab and be more of a problem. He lost his keys whilst on holiday in the south. Had the spare key driven down to to him to find it didn't work, AA couldn't sort it either so car was recovered. Ended up requiring new keys at £120 each ordering which normally isn't a problem but it took nearly 3 weeks to arrive from Sweden in which time he couldn't use the car.
He still loves the car though so just something you have to live with.

Fiat developed engine, the 1.9 TD .
Avoid the early 2.2 TD's as this was a vauxhall engine and not so good.
I like them , not had a newer model but dont think you would go too far wrong with an 05/55 or newer 93 or 95.
Good value for money , comfortable and safe.

The 1.9 is the same engine as the Vectra/Zafira/Astra etc. It was developed as a joint venture with Fiat.

On second petrol 9-5 estate , yes I would buy a 3rd, as long as you have a decent specialist near you.
9-3 far more troublesome than the 9-5 , the 1.9 diesel is great - but life limited to around 150k by
swirl flap issues , 2.2 lasts longer but is much more of a tractor engine with less power,
The newer the 9-3 the better older ones get some nasty electrical gremlins (I am refereing to the newer 9-3 saloon type looking cars) 9-5 is best bet IMHO

I like them , not had a newer model but dont think you would go too far wrong with an 05/55 or newer 93 or 95.

I was shopping further down the price range but as much as I liked the 9-5, it just didn't seem to be a better deal than the equivalent Mondeo- which are better nailed together, by a company that still exists.

Just about to reluctantly sell my wife's 9-3 turbo diesel. 140,000 relatively trouble free miles on the clock. the biggest bill in the last three years was £500 for an alternator, a week after mine went in my Volvo. Ouch! It's quite a nippy car as well, much better acceleration than my 2.0l V50.

Re parts was chatting to a colleague about his saab this mornig (think it's a 53 plate) someone smashed the wing mirror so he took it to a local garage, they couldn't get a mirror pod in the correct colour so suggest he gets the one they did find resprayed and he had to order the glass of e bay as they could not get that either

Northwind - Member

I was shopping further down the price range but as much as I liked the 9-5, it just didn't seem to be a better deal than the equivalent Mondeo- which are better nailed together, by a company that still exists.

As above, my retired Dad bought a Saab petrol and had loads of problems with it (no idea of year/model/milage), wiring loom issues, engine bolts loose, timing chain snapped recently destroying the engine.
My Mondeo 2002 Diesel has done 182000 and has been fault free for 12 years bar the usual wear and tear stuff. The engine/sus is good for another 100k IMO with just wear and tear upkeep.

Love the 9-5. had a 2.0t estate for 7 years, did 90,000 miles in it - great car. Sold it with 185,000 miles on the clock to another Saab enthusiast.

Upgraded to a '04 9-5 Estate Aero in May last year - picked it up with 130k miles on it - interior is still like new, with the wonderful comfy seats. All the toys, and all for £2k.

There are still plenty of Saab indys around for servicing, parts are not a problem to get hold of.

And i agree with the earlier poster - the interior ergonomics and layout is brilliant - everything is where you need it, in order of priority.

I had a 9-3 Lpt (150bhp) proper Saab shape one and then a 9-5 Lpt (150bhp) both were 1999 cars.

Both were excellent cruising type cars. The 9-3 was rapid, got 140 on an autobahn in it, 9-5 was so comfortable, great cup holder!

Both very reliable. I took them over 130,000 miles with no problems to speak of other than consumables.

I'd love another if they weren't so long in the tooth

Sad about Saab.

I would buy an Aero.

10k? Not a chance.

Why not a newshape Mondeo estate?

Saab Parts

I spoke to the MD of the UK division of the 'new' Saab company. They are signing up dealers and most of these are old official dealers or Saab specialist. 90% of parts should be available on a first pick basis and they have a system in place to scour all the European dealers for stock.

And don't forget most of the mechanical parts are found on GM vehicles - the exception being some of the twin turbo engine parts.

Hth
Marko

http://www.saab.com/en-gb/uk/the-company/about-us/saab-automobile-parts-uk/

Lord Summerisle - when it comes time for me to look, could you give me advice on a Aero when I get drilled down to 1 particular car locally?

Slightly dated but decent buyers guide for 9-5 here

http://www.serioussaab.co.uk/guide_pages/9600_p1.html

There's a STW of the Saab world if you want it UKSAABS. Or various other more US based ones like Saabscene, Saabcentral etc

I was shopping further down the price range but as much as I liked the 9-5, it just didn't seem to be a better deal than the equivalent Mondeo- which are better nailed together, by a company that still exists.

Having owned both a 9-5 Aero and a mk3 Mondeo 2.0 Ghia I'd disagree with this. I know they're not directly comparable in the model range but the 9-5 has a much nicer interior, percieved build quality is better, it's more comfortable and vastly quicker, but then again it did cost £10k more when new. Fuel usage isn't all that different, 27mpg vs 32mpg averages with my not exactly ecconomical driving style. The only way in which the Mondeo was better was in terms of steering feel.

It's also not that difficult to find one/two owners cars with fsh that have been treated well for under £3k unlike the Mondeo market which just seems to be dross.

I've owned a mondeo estate and a Jag 3.0 Sport estate. Build quality, refinement, performance are worlds apart. Kept the Jag for five years and regret selling it. Definite recommend.

Hora - no worries: pop up to Edenfield and have a look at the 2 Aeros at TK Autos: http://www.tkautosltd.com/cars.php?id=3
Trev and the lads look after my Saabs when i need anything

Had a SAAB 9-5 2.3t 2002 - loved the look, hated the drive, came to despised the engineers. SAAB dealer had the cheek to charge £95+vat ph labour same as AUDI, BM and Merc all of who make superior cars that don't break as often. My SAAB blew up quite spectacularily leaving a huge plume of smoke akin to a Shuttle launch, about 15minutes after the warranty ran out.

Buy a Kia.

Buy a Kia.

In a couple of weeks I'm going to be hiring a car 'Ford Focus or similar'.

If they roll out a Kia C'eed or hyunda i30 I'll use my Citroen C1 instead. I want to hire a Ford Focus.

Gribs- petrol 2.0 mondeo? Schoolboy error that I'm afraid!

Look nice interiors in the ones i looked at were beyond bland not great to drive not bad but not good sporty or comfortable just meh.
As to buying one with an eye on reliability and parts i wouldnt worry good support network still in place for them and a loyal band of nutters who love them.

http://www.tkautosltd.com/cars.php?id=3

4 owners and only 67k in 8yrs...
8 stamps- all the selling garages...

and its a Cat D.

Jaguar X-type? Now, I know there's nothing wrong with them but I just don't understand why you wouldn't just buy a Mondeo? Could always buy some aftermarket fake wood dashboard trim if that's what's important...

Still got a 900 (new shape) and runs happily.

One thing I'd caution is that I shopped around for insurance on last renewal, current home insurance provider said their underwriter would no longer insure Saabs - parts and reducing chance of getting it fixed being main issue.

Any opinions of a 9-5 around 2005 era?
We need a car ASAP and there is one near by. Not the ideal car long term, so it would be an interim solution.

Low miles, around 50,000 and 2.0t petrol in Linear trim. Asking price is £3k. Not sure if that is a bit overpriced?

Looking for something reliable first and foremost but don't want to loose out on depreciation either.

I had an 06 9-3 Vector Sport 1.9Tid

I put over 100k on it and the only issues were a couple of EGR valves which is a common issue with that engine weather it is fitted in a Saab, Alfa or Vauxhall.

Very nice spec inside and out reasonable performance with good economy.

I then went to a Volvo V50 Drive. Better built, better fuel economy but no go whatsoever!!

I prefer my current Jeep to either of the above though 🙂

I've been looking at the Seat Exeo ST. Not the biggest estate but it's to replace a golf estate and I'm happy with the size. Anyone any thoughts?

mtbmatt, i'm guessing you haven't been to see it yet. I was never going to buy a 'grandad's car' until the wife dragged me off to see our 9-5. It's a lot of car for £3k, very refined and comfy, not quite an audi or bmw but way ahead of ford, vauxhall.
I can't see how saab prices can really fall any lower, if i didn't already own one I would be buying one now they really are selling for peanuts due to the fear over parts. I also have a 20 year old Lancia so I know all about parts shortages but this is not something saab are going to suffer from for a long time yet.
We have '01 3.0 tdi 9-5 Vector whic has been great. Apparently it's the same engine as the Izuzu trooper but retuned with a bigger turbo. 160k miles now and still going strong. Had a couple things go wrong this year (split pipe, wheel bearing, etc) but nothing major and I have put 15k on it so I'm still happy.
Go and see it.

#sneaky edit# I think they got a facelift about 2005, ours is 2001 and has a tape player (FFS) and CD but the later one got touchscreens with Sat Nav. Other than that I think it is cosmetic stuff on the outside?

If they roll out a Kia C'eed or hyunda i30 I'll use my Citroen C1 instead. I want to hire a Ford Focus.

hora, I cant speak for the hyundai but I wouldn't dismiss the c'eed. I've had one at work for the last few months and it's comfortable, quick and well put together. tbh the build quality is at least as good as the focus and golf we have

[i]Jaguar X-type? Now, I know there's nothing wrong with them but I just don't understand why you wouldn't just buy a Mondeo? Could always buy some aftermarket fake wood dashboard trim if that's what's important... [/i]

They are 2 different cars, much like comparing a Seat and an Audi.

I've the 3.0i, and its Jag-only engine plus AWD. A lot of the running gear is shared with the Mondeo, but that can only be a good thing - reliable and keeps the price down.

the Tape/CD/Radio unit was an upgrade over the basic system, also included a better speaker set up too.

There was an update to the model in around 2002. Sat Nav was added as an option, which included a 6 CD changer in one of the cubby holes in the boot. The sat Nav unit was updated in late 2005 to include a slot for CD to be inserted into the head unit, plus the CD changer in the boot - The SID unit was removed and the heater controls & steering wheel changed to a stock GM part. The post 2005 cars also had the Dame Edna headlight trim and the dash made out of hard plastic, rather than the earlier soft feel the older car had.

Personally i dont like the interiors of the post 2005 cars as much as the 1997 - 2004 cars.

b r - Member
They are 2 different cars, much like comparing a Seat and an Audi.

I've the 3.0i, and its Jag-only engine plus AWD. A lot of the running gear is shared with the Mondeo, but that can only be a good thing - reliable and keeps the price down.

Aren't they both Duratec engines with different valves and engine management?

Wish I had not started looking at Saab's!
I've gone from looking at linears to Aero HOT's.

k

mtbmatt - Member

Wish I had not started looking at Saab's!
I've gone from looking at linears to Aero HOT's.

Matt I run a 2005 Aero Estate, great car pleanty of bike room, quick when you want it to be and very comfortable. It's only drawback is the fuel consumption, I get 26 commuting and 32ish on the motorway. But to buy an equivilent aged 5 Series you'll need to spend close to £7k. I also worked for a Saab dealer and Saab GB.

If you want to know anything else my email is in my profile.

Mike

have a 9-3 IIRC at work. Nice engine but the 6 speed box is horrid- very close gated and easy to miss shifts. Interior trim quite fragile and had a major water leak that wrecked some major electricals.

The Mr's has a petrol Volvo V70 estate - awesome car, decent money and V reliable. and huge

I had a 57 plate 9-3 estate with leather heated seats, sat nav. It needed a cambelt change and 4 new tyres. I couldn't afford it so I sold the car 🙁 Wish i'd sold a kidney & kept the saab

I didn't find any problems with the gearbox, after the 3-series I'd had previously it was the nicest car I've owned. Would I have another? Possibly. But then I'd possibly have another Alfa too...

The best Saabs are those from before GM got their grubby mits on them - 'classic' 900s and 9000s. Totally robust and would go on for ever. I drove 2 to over 200K, and sold them running well. Gearboxes have been their only weakness. Their amazing engineering and build quality is why you still see so many around now.

Saabs decreased in quality the longer GM owned them. GM were basically asset strippers - they bought into Saab during the 90s, to compete with Ford buying Volvo and Jaguar - but whereas Volvos became better under Ford, Saabs became worse and worse under GM. GM wanted to plunder some of Saab's innovations and improve GM build quality, but in return they made Saab dip into their dodgy common parts bin. Thus you had engines which would blow up after 50K, and suspension which would need total replacement by 7oK - not to mention a host of electrical gremlins.

So newer Saabs are by no means as good and as long-lived as their forebears, and they will therefore cost you more to run. However, when everything works, they can still feel very good (and Saab kept some control on things like the driver ergonomics and the seat comfort.) I've currently got a 55 reg 9-3 TiD sportswagon, and I've had to replace most of the usual weak points identified by others, but at 167K it still drives well and handles beautifully, and I am determined to take it up to 200K at least (which at my rate of mileage will be by Christmas of this year!)

Matt - go for it - 9-3s are worth it if you can buy them cheaply enough, and I believe the later ones are better screwed together than the earlier ones. 9-5s are also lovely and cavernous in terms of interior space (loadsa bikes!) but less economical - and they are more dated.

However, the truth is, I still find most other cars boring to drive....I think only the Octavia VRS estate floats my boat (substitute appropriate Mr Toad metaphor) in terms of VFM loadcarrying rocket potential.

So the proper "looking" starts this afternoon, Saab still on the list, the jag is still in there, Alfa 159 sw poss Volvo s70? Anything else? I know I'm gonna end up with something like a bloody 5 series saloon if we're not careful!

Rusty the 2.4?

Great info. Hasn't put me off them at all.

yep 2.4petrol, averages 30mpg on local and nearly 40 on m-way. Dosnt have injector issues of the diesel and holds value worse than diesel equiv which is fine if you intend to keep.

Not had any issues with wishbones/bushes which is a common fault area, but rear handbrake shoes&cables needed re building and two new rear calipers - genuine volvo parts aren't bad price.

Plush interior with leather heated memory seats, dual air con, brilliant radio/cd changer etc etc

Loads of brilliant 'swedish' design features - load nets that pull out of seat backs to stop stuff coming through from rear when you drop the seats, 2lt bottle holders, 'secret' compartments under load area etc etc

Built like a tank-wife crashed into a wall with it so I replaced bumper and bonnet, really impressed with how solid it is underneath.

No rust anywhere (galvanised) on a 55 plate.

Fitted with proper winter tires and 'snow' button on auto box -was pretty unstoppable in snow over last few years.

Not much of a drivers car - too heavy and soft but brilliant long distance load lugger.

Wife went from a MX5 to the V70 under protest (for her business) but would now not change to anything else-loves it. Would buy another tomorrow if stolen/written off.

wrightyson, I thought you wuz a builder, not an arse-i-tect, no? 😛

Well we're getting rid of our 9-3 tdi. Nothing but trouble, inlet manifold went, wheel brearings, both front springs broke, vehicle ecu, clutch master cylinder & alternator have all failed in the last two years. Great car when it works just expendive. I wouldn't by car with the 1.9tdi engine now (its in quite a few makes)

The ironing is the my 2.4 desiel alfa has been more reliable.