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different animals and luck of the draw Posted by billherbst [Email]  (#2137) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from billherbst) on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 03:44:12
In Reply to: need advise,thinking about a 9-5, Seansaab, Mon, 12 Jun 2006 19:15:11 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
So, you're thinking of "upgrading" from a 10-year-old car to a 6-year-old car, and changing models in the process. Liking the 9000 series is, of course, no guarantee that you'll love 9-5s. And much depends on the particular car you're getting rid of, and the particular car you buy to replace it. We can compare the two production models all day long, but it finally comes down to the individual car you own. If you get a good one, you'll love it. Get a lemon, and you'll rue the day you bought it.
My experience: I owned two used 9000s, both 5-door hatchbacks---an '87 turbo 5-speed manual that was as close to a true sports car as I'm ever likely to own, and a '91 turbo automatic that was much more a touring car. Both were bought cheaply with about 100K miles and owned for seven years; both required the greater-than-normal maintenance that was inherent to 9000s (and most European luxo-cruisers). The '87 was terrific fun to drive and held up very well. The '91 nearly bankrupted me with repairs. Seemingly everything broke, some of which could never be fixed (electrical system malfunctions, and bad air conditioning leaks).
By contrast, I've owned my 1999 9-5 SE SportWagon (v6, auto) for a year now. Bought with 71,000 miles for $11K. Although clearly related to the 9000 series, my 9-5 is a different beast. Not as roomy up front as my 9000s, and less easy-access storage space for the driver. The front seats are not quite up to the amazing standard of the 9000s (they're still terrific, but have only about 90% of the thigh support). Doesn't corner nearly as well as my '87 (that could be corrected probably with Bilstein shocks and stiffer Aero-like sway bars, but I'm not that ambitious to upgrade).
On the other hand, my 9-5 has been perfect for a year. No maintenance at all. I never made it through a single year with either 9000 without having to take it to the shop for something. Admittedly, like the car you're considering, my 9-5 was purchased at a nice balance point in its life cycle---old enough to be significantly depreciated in price, but it had been well-maintained, looked perfect, had new tires and brakes, the exhaust system was still in good shape, etc. Still, an entire year of driving with no down time or outlay of bucks is very pleasing. And I'll get another year before the 90K major service.
My SportWagon is, in my opinion, a better-designed car all-around than the 9000s. Well thought out, with great fit and finish. Real Trollhagen, but much better built than the 9000s were. EVERYTHING works as it should. The 9-5 drives, well, like a Saab. I love the v6 engine, and the Aisan-Warner 4-speed auto tranny is bulletproof (unlike those crap GM German auto transmissions in the 9000s). Since you're considering the i4 with a manual 5-speed, it'll drive even more like what you're accustomed to. My 9-5 doesn't feel quite as heavy as my 9000s did, but much more sturdy. The responsiveness of the steering is lighter and quicker. Same power and acceleration as the 9000s. And you'll love having the storage space of the SportWagon. That's nearly guaranteed. Plus, SportWagons look so cool. They're beautiful. Everyone thinks my silver SE is almost brand new.
Some of the same vulnerabilities apply as in the 9000 series---turbo, throttle body, DIC, heater core, etc. I can't remember whether the 2000 model year 4-cylinder is included in the current DIC/IDM recall. If not, buy a used DIC cheap on eBay, and carry it with you as a spare, just in case.
Whether you'll like the 9-5 better is a subjective matter of personal preference. For me, the 9-5 is simply a better car, the next generation. I love mine.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
--Bill
posted by 65.101.142...
, Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:25:13
, Tue, 13 Jun 2006 06:47:11, Tue, 13 Jun 2006 03:44:12 <-- Viewing This Message, Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:03:20
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