1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
My 99 9-5 was nearly trouble free until it got past the 100K mile point. After that point, I had to have the head gasket replaced, the DIC replaced, the throttle body cleaned, the interior fan blower motor replaced, timing chain replaced, theft alarm replaced, heater bypass valve replaced, and the water pump replaced. I replaced the CPS as a preventive measure.
So, my DIC lasted past the 100K point.
My main complaints are (1) that the DIC gave me no warning that it would fail and (2) that the head gasket leak is a disappointing and expensive replacement; one which SAAB has not completely addressed even with the later models, according to some of the posts on this board. Although I did get over 100K miles on that head gasket, other (non-SAAB) cars that I took past the 100K mile point, did not have leaky head gaskets!
Regardless, the car is fun to drive and has held up well otherwise. With the repairs the car runs very well. I think the key for an older SAAB is a very good independent mechanic.
Any older car will cost more to maintain than a newer car; but that's the reason you pay less for it in the first place. A SAAB 9-5 is more expensive to maintain than Japanese cars. However, if you like the SAAB, then you have to accept its weak points. Hondas can still have expensive repairs as they get older. In general, according to Consumer Reports, problems are less likely with the Japanese cars.
The good point about this board is that the weaknesses of the SAABs are documented; so you can look out for them if you are buying a used SAAB car, and you can anticipate them if you already own one.
If your car is always in the shop, then your monthly expenses for repairs may be equal to a payment on a new car. When that situation occurs, many people opt to buy a new car. Essentially, buying a new car gives you a (usually) trouble-free car for a while with a warranty should anything fo wrong. Yes, it is true that the extra cost of a new car could be applied to repairs on an old one. However, the time lost in frequent repairs with multiple trips to the shop may be too inconvenient and unacceptable for some people who need their cars to be very reliable. As always, there is a cost associated with each priority.
If you have a good mechanic he can check-out a used car for you and let you know any potential problems. The CPO warranty is useful and will save you money on repairs during that period should you choose that option. After the warranty runs out though, you'll have to deal with the cars weaknesses yourself, as discussed on this board.
Not all Japanese cars are boring. Even if you own a Japanese car, you could still have an expensive repair. Again, according to Consumer Reports, the Japanese cars will on average be more reliable.
Any used car will require its share of repairs. Before buying one, I defintely would have a mechanic inspect it first. You can ask the mechanic what the typical problems are that he sees on different cars. You will still have to budget some money for car repairs (unless you have a warranty). You will always have to budget for maintenance.
1999 9-5 2.3LPT 126000 miles
posted by 192.160.5...
, Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:44:04
, Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:34:34
, Sun, 23 Jul 2006 21:51:55, Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:39:25
, Sun, 23 Jul 2006 20:27:25, Sun, 23 Jul 2006 14:05:03, Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:45:43
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