1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
If I were a betting man, I'd guess that the LPT4 will last the longest of the three, but there's no reason any of the three 9-5 engines shouldn't last a very long time if properly cared for.
A couple of items:
-The Aero and LPT4 engines have more differences than simply injectors. There were even more differences when the Aero was first released but some of the Aero's strengthening improvements have migrated to the standard engine as well. That said, it would take *major* work to convert an LPT to an Aero--not just an injector swap--but the Saab I4 is a proved workhorse of an engine in any form.
The V6, while indeed a GM worldwide engine, has had major improvements made to it by Saab for its use in the 9-5. While some folks moan that it's not "real" Saab engine (whatever that means), the complaints usually center on the timing belt used (as opposed to the timing chain on the 4). The belt has a 60k mile life cycle, and Saab pays for the first belt change, so the owner isn't required to pay for a new belt until 120k. Hardly seems like a reason to favor one engine over the other; anyway, it's a pretty minor expense on a $40k car. I have yet to read of a single 9-5 timing belt problem or failure.
Note: Saab used a V6 in the NG900 and 9000 that were poor engines, but they were different engines entirely from the 9-5's V6.
In the end we may be comparing 250k mi engines to 300k mi engines, and won't know for several more years how the various choices will do. If you're planning on driving your 9-5 for a quarter million miles, the LPT4 might be the way to go. But instead of worrying about it, I'd drive all three variations and buy the one you like. As long as you're willing to properly maintain the car--your new Saab will live a long time, whatever the engine.
Rick
9-5 V6
9kT I4
99 I4
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