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Different animals and luck of the draw Posted by billherbst [Email]  (#2137) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from billherbst) on Wed, 24 May 2006 03:45:01
In Reply to: Is 9/5 really a better car than 9000's?, masupra, Tue, 23 May 2006 19:28:29 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I've driven many Saab models over the years and have owned three used Saabs---an '87 9000 manual hatchback, a '91 9000 automatic hatchback, and my current '99 9-5 SE Sportwagon (V6, auto).
The '87 9000 was awesome, closest thing to a sports car I'm likely to ever own. I paid 10 grand for it in 1991. With the manual 5-speed, 1st gear wasn't great (due to turbo lag), but 2nd gear was killer, almost equal to a Porsche. Tremendous fun to drive. Handled extremely well, very tight and responsive. That particular car was good to me on repairs. Not perfect, of course, but reasonable---about $3,000 on major repairs over seven years (DIC, heater core and fan, alternator, new clutch). I loved it, but finally sold the car because of terminal body rust.
The '91 9000 was a touring car, more highway cruiser, less sporty in handling and feel. It was seven years old when I bought it in 1998 for 7 grand, and its age may account for some of the excess repairs, but it nearly bankrupted me. Over seven years, that 9000 cost me $11,000 in major repairs in addition to normal maintenance and two sets of tires and brakes. One thing after another went down---I put in a rebuilt auto trans (those German GM autos in 9000s truly were crap), alternator, two exhaust systems, DIC, heater core and fan, AC compressor, CV boots (twice), both axles. Many serious fluid leaks (engine oil, brakes, power steering), questionable fit and finish, aggravating electrical system problems, and endless small stuff that was expensive to fix (leaky AC system, fog lamps, memory seats, etc.). All in all, a nightmare.
I bought my '99 9-5 SE Sportwagon a year ago. Paid 11 grand. I agree with what you mentioned: 9-5s are not as roomy as 9000s. Seats are not quite as plush (although still very comfortable), ride is softer, and handling (at least in my SportWagon) is not nearly as crisp or well-defined.
That said, the design and construction are top-notch, much better than in the 9000 series. Everything feels solid, inside and out. The modified Vauxhall v6 and asymmetrical turbo is a terrific combination, uniquely Saab---refined but throaty, with great low-end torque. The 4-speed Aisin-Warner auto trans (later upgraded to 5-speed in 2002) is bulletproof and very smooth. Hit Sport Mode and step on it, and the car takes off like a rocket. The SE uses premium gas, but I get 27-28 mpg on highway trips, which is great for a wagon.
DIC/IDM design on early model years was unreliable, but that problem's been fixed by the recall, which didn't include my '99, so I carry used spares bought cheaply, just in case. The i4 engine is somewhat vulnerable to sludging; the v6 isn't. Turbo units and throttle bodies are potential problems.
After one year and 10,000 miles, my 9-5 has been nearly perfect. Only problem I've had was a fog lamp breaking off its housing, which is minor. I don't recall ever making it through a whole year with either of my 9000s without a significant repair being needed.
So far, I absolutely love my 9-5. Overall, it's the best car I've ever owned (out of 13 vehicles, including Hondas). Everything still works, which is saying something for a 7-year-old luxury car. Looks and drives like new. Safe, comfortable, stylish, and drives better than any make or model car I could have gotten for a comparable price.
I think luck of the draw matters, as does your particular karma. My 9-5 was religiously maintained by the first owner and came with all service records. That helps. I test drove seven other used 9-5s at Princeton Auto in Minnesota, from 1999s to 2002s, and the the car I bought felt to me clearly the pick of the litter. That's an intuitive judgment factor, but it matters.
Finding a well-maintained 10-year-old 9000 with less than 100,000 miles will be difficult, as you know. Your chances of locating a good used 9-5 are infinitely better. If you're nervous, get a 2003 that's CPO'ed (Certified Pre-Owned with Saab's extended warranty). Or go low end and pick up a 2000 or 2001 for cheap. In my opinion, the 9-5 is the best all-around car Saab ever made.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
--Bill
posted by 71.32.8...
, Thu, 25 May 2006 14:20:44
, Wed, 24 May 2006 16:35:10
, Wed, 24 May 2006 07:25:38, Thu, 25 May 2006 05:07:27, Mon, 29 May 2006 09:39:18, Wed, 24 May 2006 16:37:49, Wed, 24 May 2006 05:58:54, Wed, 24 May 2006 03:45:01 <-- Viewing This Message
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