Saab 9-5

illegalpower

A good friend wants to get one of these and was asking for advice. I haven't got a huge amount of knowledge on them except i did hear they had an engine sludge problem.

He's looking at this one
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-5/2.0T-VEC/201110201532030/advert?channel=CARS

It looks quite smart but could anyone help with some things to look out for on these. This ones an 05 so i think they had addressed the sludge problem by then but i'm not sure. Also is there any other common expensive problems with them.

He's not a very mechanically minded person and would be dazzled by a well polished car with a leather interior so any info would be great to know

illegalpower

I also assume it would be quite a thirsty beast being an auto and heavy. Would low 30's be the best to be expected on the long motorway run

anthony4335

Try honestjohn for known issues ,
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/saab/9-5-1997/?section=bad
Otherwise I quite like these cars, you get a lot of car for the money, however I would assume you should be able to do much better than the car you have listed ,

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1989041
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2132551

aero2k

Have a look here: 9-5 buyers guide.

No sludge problem on the '05 model. I've heard the 5-speed auto is very nice too. I can't advise on the price, but compared to Merc, Audi, BMW, the Saab tends to be a lot of car for the money. Spacious, comfortable, safe, and the 2.0t engine is nippy enough. Fairly robust mechanically; most problems tend to be of the "irritating" rather than "car won't go" variety. Non OEM parts are reasonably priced for a car of this size.

Reckon low 30's sounds about right for the motorway, though some claim they get more.

unkel

ONLY consider one if it has a full service history (of oil changes)

Low to mid 30s is about right for long motorway trips depending on how smooth a driver he is and if he keeps to the speed limits. To be honest, most biggish petrol cars would be about the same, be it a 1.6l Avensis or a 4.4l BMW 7-series...

illegalpower

Thanks for the advice guys, would hate to see a mate buy a lemon so it's greatly appreciated

illegalpower

anthony4335 wrote: »

Try honestjohn for known issues ,
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/saab/9-5-1997/?section=bad
Otherwise I quite like these cars, you get a lot of car for the money, however I would assume you should be able to do much better than the car you have listed ,

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1989041
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2132551

Thats some price for an 07!! wow i'll pass it on, seems like a better deal. He'd have to do without a warranty but i could do a good look over it for him.

Mycroft H

We had one for about two years, well the diesel version.

The overriding impression of it was that it was a big, solid car. The interior is well designed and the dash is quite nice.


Nothing really went wrong in the two years of owning it except for a radio problem which was fixed under the warranty given by the dealer

OldGuysRule

I have had three; two saloons and an estate (still have the last one, a Vector saloon) and have done well over 150k in them over the past 6 / 7 years. Would prefer the pre-facelift one (although not entirely sure about the after market sat nav) or else the silver face lift, if only for the proper Vector spec seats, those seats really are perfect.

Saab 9-5s really are a 'horses for courses' type of car, if they get the Saab ethos, then they will love them.