Didn't have time to read all the reviews, but I'll chime in on my experiences. I don't have the experience of those who have owned saabs for decades and then some, but I do have two Saabs.
1. 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero
2. 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero

The 2002 has given us plenty of problems. Something I would never imagine in a car such as this.
1. Battery continues to drain for some reason. (2 times now)
2. Power steering pump was leaking fluid and eventually failed. (1 time)
3. AC vents were stuck on window setting. (1 time)

The 2003, on the other hand, has not had any problems whatsoever. *knock on wood* :)

To be honest, I am particularly concerned about Saab's reliability given some of the things I've heard. But here's what I've concluded so far after owning these two cars and reading numerous Saab testimonials.

1. Saabs are just like any other car brand when it comes to reliability. Some get a car that's great, others get a lemon. Case in point, BMW. Our 325 has 220k+ miles on it, and has just now needed major repairs. Other people however have needed major repairs done for the same car with a tenth of the mileage.
2. After reading a ton of Saab users' reviews/complaints, a couple of problems seem to be rather inherent. Although this may sound like a bad thing, I don't think it is in my opinion. This gives you the ability to properly prepare and budget for emergency repairs. Most other brands can't give you this kind of security. A DI cassette, or a new SID, even out of warranty, seems like a problem I'd much rather have than anything going wrong with some electronic [insert almost any part of car here] on our Mercedes.
3. When I think about the 'utility' of a Saab, I think it beats every single European brand out there. The 9-5 is a great car with plenty of room, plenty of standard options, plenty of power, and more. I think Mike Lynch pointed out that for 17k you're not going to get much out of another European brand, and I agree. I grew out of the 325 coupe the second I entered college. Still love the car, but I need something that's definitely more practical.

I can't really think of anything that differs greatly from what I have stated above, but if I do, I'll definitely post it. I think getting a Saab, especially two of them, was one of the best things my family did car wise. You also mentioned that you've been driving for 30 or so years, which brings me to my last point, Saab's are FUN to drive. There was a post earlier on this board about other 'cars in the stable' which I didn't get a chance to respond to. But I'd drive either of our Aeros over the E320, 325, or s40, and I think plenty hear would agree. It's just that much fun to drive.

posted by 24.99.234...

• want to buy a saab, but..., wayne, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 15:42:01
  • saab purchase??, Tom, Sat, 12 Mar 2005 05:42:58
  • Some things to consider, Allan, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 15:41:06
  • Why you want a Saab, Ari , Fri, 11 Mar 2005 12:42:34
  • Have had 11 since 1999, davidgmills, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 11:53:18
    • One other thing., davidgmills, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 14:14:13
  • This is mainly a TROUBLESHOOTING board.. NOT, John T, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 10:20:09
  • Re: Try this..., Kirk, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 09:37:48
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., penelope, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 06:36:49
  • ***Wayne again... thanks a lot... please review***, wayne, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:30:51
    • For the price difference, take the CPO Aero., Woody, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 11:55:01
    • Re: ***Wayne again... thanks a lot... please review***, tincob, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 11:37:52
      • Re: ***Wayne again... thanks a lot... please review***, davidgmills, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 14:26:12
    • Get snows, UnderDog, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 09:49:49
    • Re: ***Wayne again... thanks a lot... please review***, Rafe, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:37:32
      • winter tires, Rafe, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:40:32
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., SeaSaab, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:16:50
    • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., Peter Logue, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 06:11:59
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., JG, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:12:36
    • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., larmen, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:15:07
      • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., wayne, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:35:20
        • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., larmen, Fri, 11 Mar 2005 13:05:48
        • "high failure rate", Rafe, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:52:43
          • Re: "high failure rate"***Rafe***, wayne, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 19:02:49
            • Re: "high failure rate"***Wayne***, Rafe, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 19:09:18
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., SAAB-san, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 18:00:25
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., Amar Balikai, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:38:34 <-- Viewing This Message
  • aggressive preemptive maintenance, LesH, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:18:49
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., Paul E, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:43:45
  • I Love My 9-5, Gordon , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:37:23
  • My take on the car and the troubles reported here-long, Louis, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:37:15
  • Your right, buy another cheap, boring car...., Mike Lynch , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:31:55
    • Errr....grammer....you are.....you're....nm, Mike Lynch , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:33:04
  • Re: want to buy a saab, but..., GMcGrath, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:30:52
  • 100,300K miles - very minor problems, Joe D., Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:29:29
  • How's this?, ChuckD , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:26:30
    • Re: How's this? > addendum, ChuckD , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:29:43
  • Re: I agree, david, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:03:20
    • cant beat 'em, Aussie, Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:30:59
      • Re: cant beat 'em, dan , Thu, 10 Mar 2005 17:00:55

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