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Saab 9 3 and 9 5

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  • 30-05-2010 10:26am
    #1
    shawnee
    Registered Users Posts: 1,830 ✭✭✭


    I was thinking about buying an 01 or 02 one of these. I have always liked the cars, they are different and a bit quirky. They also seem quite roomy and comfortable. However some of my mechanical friends think I am crazy. What is the best of these Saabs , considering what I will end up with will probably have up to 100,000 on it . What is reliablilty and economy like on these. Any help appreciated. ;)


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    #2
    Andrew33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,857 ✭✭✭Andrew33


    shawnee wrote: »
    I was thinking about buying an 01 or 02 one of these. I have always liked the cars, they are different and a bit quirky. They also seem quite roomy and comfortable. However some of my mechanical friends think I am crazy. What is the best of these Saabs , considering what I will end up with will probably have up to 100,000 on it . What is reliablilty and economy like on these. Any help appreciated. ;)

    Not as quirky as you might think.
    The later 9-3 is built on the old (very old) Opel Vectra platform and is really only a Saab in looks. The 9-5 was born of a joint venture between European manufacturers Fiat (the first Croma), Peugeot (the 605), and I think Lancia (the Thema) so is a real mongrel. You need to go all the way back to the Saab 900 to get a proper Saab.


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    #3
    Seweryn
    Registered Users Posts: 4,487 ✭✭✭Seweryn


    Andrew33 wrote: »
    You need to go all the way back to the Saab 900 to get a proper Saab.
    Not just to the Saab 900, but to the 900 "Classic" made until 1993. All 900s from 1994 on, known as "NG" are based on the Vectra platform and are very different to the previous 900s.


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    #4
    biko
    Registered Users Posts: 81,223 ✭✭✭✭biko


    It's all talk about platform (so what? Vectra is a solid car.) but does anyone have anything to say about the car itself?

    I've had a 9-3 and loved it, it was quick and even old models come with extras.
    They depreciate fast but if you go with an old one you'll get value.
    You should know that although many normal mechanics can fix Saabs, parts are expensive and Saab specialists are expensive too. Full service - 400 Euro.
    Timing chain can cost 1500 Euro to replace (this usually happens around 150K miles but might not happen at all). And of course other consumables will have to be replaced.

    In all I'd go with the larger 9-5 although it's slower and less mpg.
    There's four different trim levels: Linear, Arc, Vector and Aero. Linear equates to standard, Arc is wood-trim, Vector and Aero are sporting.

    There is a good site here for reviews, and hardly a word about platforms...
    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/saab/9-5/2002/


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    #5
    jimmyw
    Registered Users Posts: 3,382 ✭✭✭jimmyw


    Andrew33 wrote: »
    Not as quirky as you might think.
    The later 9-3 is built on the old (very old) Opel Vectra platform and is really only a Saab in looks. The 9-5 was born of a joint venture between European manufacturers Fiat (the first Croma), Peugeot (the 605), and I think Lancia (the Thema) so is a real mongrel. You need to go all the way back to the Saab 900 to get a proper Saab.

    Was that not the 9000 that were based on them?Nice cars and out of the ordinary.Need service history with them tho!


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    #6
    biko
    Registered Users Posts: 81,223 ✭✭✭✭biko


    You may come across the oil sludge problem.
    The company said it will issue an 8-year retroactive engine guarantee for its 1998 to 2000 9-5 models and its 2000 to 2003 9-3 models. (However the design wasn't changed until 2004 so cars up to 2004 will be vulnerable)

    http://www.google.ie/search?hl=en&q=saab+oil+sludge+problem


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    #7
    Stky10
    Registered Users Posts: 1,165 ✭✭✭Stky10


    If you check out donedeal, you'll find any amount of them for sale, and some in very good condition. I was in the market for a new car a couple of weeks ago and was seriously tempted, but I was put off by their reliability record, and the cost of fixing it when something goes wrong.

    Maybe in a couple more years though, if I get more storage space I'll get one and use it as a second car. The older ones are definitely unique.


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    #8
    Andrew33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,857 ✭✭✭Andrew33


    Seweryn wrote: »
    Not just to the Saab 900, but to the 900 "Classic" made until 1993. All 900s from 1994 on, known as "NG" are based on the Vectra platform and are very different to the previous 900s.

    Agreed.;)


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    #9
    Andrew33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,857 ✭✭✭Andrew33


    jimmyw wrote: »
    Was that not the 9000 that were based on them?Nice cars and out of the ordinary.Need service history with them tho!

    You are correct sir but the 9-5 is just a development of same, very very old car under the skin.


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    #10
    shawnee
    Registered Users Posts: 1,830 ✭✭✭shawnee


    Thanks for the advice so far, I take the 900 is the one to go for , now can anyone advise me what year and which one, turbo non turbo etc. :p Im learning so much from this.


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    #11
    biko
    Registered Users Posts: 81,223 ✭✭✭✭biko


    The 900S (S for non-turbo) is good too. Without turbo it's one less thing to worry about.

    Turbo's seems to have a life span from anywhere around 60,000 miles to 300,000 miles. As a general rule a turbo can be expected to last around 120,000 miles. The earlier oil cooled Turbo's tend to go sooner than the later water cooled turbo's but obviously again it depends how they have been treated. The earlier oil cooled Turbos require a lot more time to cool down. They are fairly costly to replace averaging around £300 to £400.
    http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/c900/900_buyers_guide.php

    One of the major weak points in a Saab is the gearbox. You hear of gearboxes, both automatics and manuals giving up the ghost at 60,000 miles and others going on for over 300,000 miles. It all depends how it has been treated. Auto boxes coupled to Turbo motors probably have the worst reputation for letting go first. As a rule of thumb you can reckon on some major gearbox repairs between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900
    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/saab/900/


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    #12
    Mr Benevolent
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    Been looking at them myself out of curiosity. As biko says saabcentral.com is the main font of all SAAB knowledge. If you buy one make sure it's had very regular oil changes to combat 'the sludge' and at least one ATF and filter change if you're going for the auto.


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    #13
    coolbeans
    Registered Users Posts: 3,051 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    biko wrote: »
    The 900S (S for non-turbo) is good too. Without turbo it's one less thing to worry about.


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900
    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/saab/900/

    It's not a proper SAAB sans turbo and it's a pretty simple job to sort on the older cars. Get a turbo.


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    #14
    mumblin deaf ro
    Registered Users Posts: 604 ✭✭✭mumblin deaf ro


    What's your budget? Buying a classic 900 is a whole different ball game to buying a 01 9-5 or 9-3. I drive a 1987 900 turbo (no point getting a non-turbo) and while i love it and plan to be the last person to drive it (187K miles, and I hope to drive the same again), there is a maintenance cost that goes with an older car so you need to budget for that as well. If you're looking at a 2001 9-5 you're talking between €3K and €5K - a decent classic 900 would be about the same (€600 odd to tax as well unless it's more than 30 years old).

    You need to do loads of homework when buying a classic and there is lots written on the net about the 900.

    Start here:

    http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/c900/900_buyers_guide.php

    If this is going to be your only car then I would suggest looking at other cars in your budget and thinking about getting a Saab another time. It's not that modern Saabs are bad (the vectra comments are really overplayed - modern saabs are only made in trollhattan and are heavily customised versions of the GM epsilon platform) it's just that it can be hard to make a comment on whether it's a good buy without knowing about the particular car. A well-maintained 2001 Saab 9-5 could be amazing (esp if it's an aero) but it's pot luck whether the previous owner really cherished the car.

    If you're determined to buy a saab, don't overlook the 9000 - proper saab (and alfa) roots but of more recent vintage and still an interesting car to drive.

    You can pm me if you're going down the 900/9000 route as i use a specialist saab mechanic who I could put you in touch with - he might be a good safe starting point for finding a good example from one of his customers who is looking to sell.


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    #15
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,766 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...don't mind them OP - one thing about 9-3's, is, compared to a German car, it'll have more toys, in a nicer spec, for less money.

    And, having GM parts makes it CHEAPER to run, not more expensive.......I've just had the timing belt done on my 06 9-3 and it cost me 400 all-in. Show me any other in that price range.......

    I've bought pads, accessories etc, and I've found all the bits reasonable. Now at 106k kms, and it hasn't needed any repairs. I complained about the shocks last year, and got them under warranty, so in my book that's free, and I spend €35 on drop links - yep, that's how much TWO of them cost.

    My brother is on his 4th Saab, the first having been a 9000, then 3 x 9-5's. Currently a 3.0t Tiptronic, and, again, we're waiting for the first breakdown........which, after 10 years, is getting boring..............oh for a.....VAG (ducks...)

    His 9-5 3.0t is an astonishing car........I never heard of the version, until he brought it home.......v6 3.0t........sounds nice, too.

    If you like the car(s), just buy it, imho........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #16
    unkel
    Registered Users Posts: 65,238 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    galwaytt wrote: »
    one thing about 9-3's, is, compared to a German car, it'll have more toys, in a nicer spec, for less money.

    And, having GM parts makes it CHEAPER to run, not more expensive.......I've just had the timing belt done on my 06 9-3 and it cost me 400 all-in. Show me any other in that price range......

    Most German cars in that price range, like BMW and Mercedes don't use cheapo belts. Except VAG cars of course including Audis and even our beloved Porsches :D

    And your Saab has a FIAT diesel engine. I'm not quite sure if the older Opel 2.2 diesel engine is belt or chain? And what about the older Triumph petrol engines and the newer Opel petrol engines?


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    #17
    OldGuysRule
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭OldGuysRule


    On my fourth Saab, had a 9000 then 3 x 9-5s including an estate.

    Love the cars and have only been recovered once with a blown turbo in over 200k miles between them. Current 9-5 is an 02 vector sport with saab performance upgrade, 99k miles and it is sweet as a nut. The car eats miles and I have never sat in more comfortable seats, either the sports seats in current car or the standard ones in the previous saab cars. Have had autos and manuals without a single gearbox problem. I do service them regularly but the favourite sensation is overtaking. Always worth getting one with the toys, it is a buyers market for second hand.

    Most people who like cars, have preferred marques for different reasons. All I know is that I have liked Saabs and have never felt they anything other than Saabs. Good solid cars with interior style and comfort together with a nice turn of speed.


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    #18
    mcwhirter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭mcwhirter


    shawnee wrote: »
    I was thinking about buying an 01 or 02 one of these. I have always liked the cars, they are different and a bit quirky. They also seem quite roomy and comfortable. However some of my mechanical friends think I am crazy. What is the best of these Saabs , considering what I will end up with will probably have up to 100,000 on it . What is reliablilty and economy like on these. Any help appreciated. ;)

    You have a PM


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    #19
    tony6523
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5 ✭tony6523


    [....I've just had the timing belt done on my 06 9-3 and it cost me 400 all-in. Show me any other in that price range..[/QUOTE]

    Hi,
    Think my timing belt on my Saab 9-3 (2001) needs replacing, would love to know where you got yours done for that sort of money.
    Thanks.


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    #20
    woody33
    Registered Users Posts: 491 ✭✭woody33


    Our 95 has 170K miles on it and the only thing that brought it to a halt once was a coil pack problem. It's a 2 litre low pressure turbo and seems to get 28-29 mpg most of the time. Suspension is soft/comfortable, the front can feel a bit light when overtaking quickly but it has no problem gathering up it's skirts and passing safely. Our mechanic calls it "a good old bus", high praise indeed from the man.


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    #21
    Eric Cartman
    Registered Users Posts: 26,282 ✭✭✭✭Eric Cartman


    brilliant cars, the 9-5 is particularly nice

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-5/AERO-2.3/201028198774794/advert?channel=CARS seriously thats a lot of car for that money


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    #22
    Barr
    Registered Users Posts: 7,000 ✭✭✭Barr


    shawnee wrote: »
    I was thinking about buying an 01 or 02 one of these. I have always liked the cars, they are different and a bit quirky. They also seem quite roomy and comfortable. However some of my mechanical friends think I am crazy. What is the best of these Saabs , considering what I will end up with will probably have up to 100,000 on it . What is reliablilty and economy like on these. Any help appreciated. ;)

    Not to sure whats suppose to be quirky about them.

    They are fine cars for the money, its amazing how cheap you could find a 01 /02 for.They offer gerat value for money considering the equipment , power, safety you get.

    Find a good one and you wont regret it :)


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