I won't comment on reliability between the two, but I will say the V6 has a timing belt, and I've read a few posts where people have lost their engines (maybe just the engine head) when a belt or tensioner failed. Saab (from what I read here) will replace one belt free at 60K miles - have the tensioner replaced as well at this time. The 4's have a timing chain and I personally haven't heard anyone complain about that failing and someone losing an engine because of it. Check the back posts for yourself to check though. The timing belt issue isn't a big deal - it's just something you should still be aware of.

I own a '00 Aero and love it. Noone who rides in my car ever thinks it's a 4 cylinder. If I'm driving agressively, the usual question is 'Hey, do you have a V8 in this thing?' Saab's 4 cylinders are great engines. If you live in high altitudes or plan on any mountain driving, you'll really appreciate the turbo. Overall I'd say their both great engines - the V6 might have slightly better resale value years down the road just because Americans like 'big' engines, even if it is producing less power than the 4 cylinder Aero engine.

To answer your initial question: I disagree with the statement '6 was not as good an engine as 4 turbo'. From the posts I've seen here, nothing seems to really indicate one engine is more/less reliable than the other. As for years, I wouldn't start earlier than a '00. If you're getting a non-Aero, you should get an '02 an above, as after then even the base cars received some of the Aero engine perks. The '02 had a lot of other improvements (read old posts) in terms of suspension, and Saab also fixed a footwell intrusion issue which had caused them less than perfect crash test results. The best year is probably the youngest year you can get - obviously, but 2002 onward is probably a good bet. If your deciding between an '00 and an '01 and the price difference is significant go with the '00 as they're essentially the same car.

Good Luck

posted by 69.140....

• what is best 9.5, 6cyl or 4 w/ turbo, year, 99,00,01, lew, Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:23:39
  • Re: what is best 9.5, 6cyl or 4 w/ turbo, year, 99,00,0, KevinH, Sat, 24 Jan 2004 00:35:38 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Which one do you like?..., Mike Lynch , Fri, 23 Jan 2004 17:03:16
  • check service bulletins and recall notices, Bill McD, Fri, 23 Jan 2004 10:01:57
  • The V-6 has the best service record..., keeton, Fri, 23 Jan 2004 09:12:17
  • Re: what is best 9.5, 6cyl or 4 w/ turbo, year, 99,00,01, Aero 9-5 2000 good car, Fri, 23 Jan 2004 08:16:00
  • the 6 is fine, water_dog, Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:33:03

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