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Hi everyone. As some may recall, I departed the Saab scene about a year ago in favor of a brand new Japanese vehicle, in hopes of better fuel economy and substantially fewer trips to the repair shop, among other things. For the most part, I have been happy with my new car, but it's first real road trip last week has caused me to seriously reconsider my decision to buy new instead of a 4-6 year old Saab. Anyhow, I will come to the point, as this will be a long enough post even without rambling. Please, no diatribes about all the money I'd be losing by selling my year old car instead of keeping it until it dies...
I am strongly considering getting a Saab once again, and initially was considering only a 5-door 9^3 (any year), or 9^5 wagon (up to roughly $12k). However, now I am wondering if I might be better served by a 1996-1998 9000, despite the likely higher mileage and sooner trips to the shop, plus the less than long-lived automatic. The 9000 seems to still have the largest interior for passengers, and much more interior storage (door pockets). I have been reading on the 9^3 and 9^5 BBs, and see all sorts of problems that were never an issue with my '87 9000T, and that's saying a lot, as almost everything on it was replaced! Bad turbos, head gaskets, sludge in engines, SID pixels, etc, all requiring very expensive repairs if out of warranty. Are these items things which, once fixed the first time, stay fixed for a reasonable amount of time, say 100k+ miles? On a 9^3 or 9^5, is it reasonable to expect a well cared for used vehicle, with 75k miles or less, to go another 75k miles with no major repairs, assuming at least 85% highway miles? I would probably be looking at an automatic transmission, but would readily consider a manual. I have a few specific questions regarding the comparision:
1. Assuming the same transmission, which could be expected to get the best highway fuel economy? 1996-1998 9000 200HP, 1999-2002 9^3 SE, or 1999-2002 9^5? It looks to me like the 2002 9^3 wins hands down?
2. Among the 9^3 and 9^5, are there specific engines which should be avoided?
3. Assuming normal driving, can it be said that the 9^3 and 9^5 automatic transmissions are 'bulletproof'? By that, I mean at least 200k miles before needing major work, possibly as high as 300k miles.
4. Which of the three in question are most quiet on the highway in terms of road and wind noise?
5. Has anyone gone to a 9^3 or 9^5 from a 9000 (any year) and regretted it? If so, why?
Thanks for your time!
Aaron Gilbert
posted by 198.22.123...
, Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:32:28, Tue, 19 Sep 2006 18:15:05, Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:58:19
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