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Re: Need your input on 9-5 Arc, V6, etc. Posted by billherbst [Email]  (#2137) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from billherbst) on Thu, 29 Dec 2005 15:06:59
In Reply to: Need your input on 9-5 Arc, V6, etc., Noel, Thu, 29 Dec 2005 13:26:57 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The V6 in the 9-5 series is a lovely engine. It's entirely different from the less-than-stellar V6 used in the 9000 series. In addition, both the 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions that come with the V6 SE package (you're looking at the 5-speed) are effectively bulletproof and should last the life of the car.
Some diehard Saab enthusiasts swear by the i4 engine with a manual tranny, but the V6 with auto has won a lot of converts on this board, myself included. It's not an especially refined engine, such as in a Lexus or Acura, but personally I like its nice low growl. I get 27 mpg on the highway, avg city-highway of about 23, and that's pretty good for a turbo-charged V6.
Sludge is not nearly as much a problem with the V6 than with the i4. Regular oil changes in the past are key. When I bought my used one-owner '99 SE Sportwagon with 71K miles last spring, it came with all the maintenance records, including oil changes every 5,000 miles, but I did a gentle engine cleanse with Auto-Rx just to make sure. Change the oil/filter every 5-7K miles with a good full synthetic (such as Mobil One), and you should be fine.
Yes, Saab will pay for a new timing belt at the 60K service, but BE SURE to have the tensioner pulleys replaced at the same time! This is critical, as unreplaced original pulleys have a tendency to fail later on (within 20-30K miles afterwards), destroying the engine. Depending on where you have the work done, the labor and pulleys will set you back about $500.
The V6 is asymmetrically turbo-charged, meaning that only one bank of three cylinders has a turbo. The turbo unit may go down, but the V6 turbo seems a bit more solid in this regard than the i4.
As you'll learn if you read this board, the DIC (direct ignition cassette) is extremely prone to failure, sometimes without warning, and may leave you stranded on the road. Bad design, too much heat. This has been such a serious problem that Saab has finally issued a DIC recall after years of protests by 9-5 owners.
The V6 engine uses two DICs, which are NOT covered by the recall. (If memory serves, only the 2001 V6 DIC is covered. I know for certain that my 1999 9-5 is not included, sorry to say. Happily, prices for DICs have fallen dramatically because of the recall, so it might be a good idea to carry one or two spares in your car. Price for one V6 DIC now runs about $170. Changing them takes all of five minutes. Odds are very high that you'll need a replacement over the life of the 9-5.
All the other maintenance/repair is typically Saab (meaning fairly expensive): exhaust system, CV boots, axles, heater core, etc. Basically, it's just like your 9000. I owned two used 9Ks before my current used 9-5, and though nothing could top the sports car feel of my 1987 manual 9000, which was a true rush to drive, I like the 9-5 much better.
Other than that, it comes down to luck, fate, and karma. My 1999 SportWagon has been cherry for eight months and 7,000 miles. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I chose to roll the dice and not buy an extended warranty. So far, so good. Those of us who can afford only used Saabs are thankful for their steep depreciation. Despite the expense of maintenance, they are so cool. Comfortable, luxurious, idiosyncratic, and great fun to drive.
--Bill
posted by 63.231.49...
, Thu, 29 Dec 2005 15:06:59 <-- Viewing This Message
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