thoughts on Saab 9-5

Jackaroe

The wife is looking for a car, she likes big saloons, and the Saab 9-5 has caugt her eye. Don't know much about them, other than what I've been reading online since she suggested it. Would be looking at '07/08 model, petrol. I'm aware that that model was coming to the end of its life then, and had been around a long time. Was it miles behind fresher models by then?
In terms of use, mainly in Dublin, a spin down the country a few times a year, and an annual trip home (for her) to northern Spain for about 4 weeks covering maybe 6k km. Maybe 12k km in total over the year.
Prices seem to be reasonable, particularly on biopower models. I know you can't get e85 here any more, but with 6k or so put up through France/Spain each year it might be worth it. Can you even get e85 there anymore?
So, any thoughts? Do they stack up against the likes of a similar age mondeo, mazda 6, octavia, or just a different era?
Incidentally, would be going down the remap route, which i think should bring the 2.0t from 150 to about 180bhp, if that makes any difference.

MrDerp

A buddy picked up an 07 95t recently and is delighted with it. They're a bit boxy and the interior is a little dated but he loves the drive, but then he came from something a lot smaller.

There's great value in them right now, but I'd worry about the on again off again Saab story.

Another option you might consider is a Volvo S80*. The design is fresher and if you get an SE-Lux it's loaded to the hilt. 07 2.5T models can be had cheap (high motor tax being the culprit, presumably). 197 bhp and pretty nippy:
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=142956

This one is nice, low mileage and loaded with toys:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S80/2.5-T-LU/6113332023047870/advert?channel=CARS



* Disclaimer: I recommend Volvos to everyone. I have an S40. If I drove only 12,000km per year I'd be in an S80

colm_mcm

Id have the voltvo over the saab too. Fierce value in s60 and s80 and a much more modern feel to them

Jackaroe

I like those volvos, and they look like cracking value too. Not sure if they're her cup of tea, but I'll show her the photos;)

v240gltse

hi jackaroe

definitely the Volvo s80 is the winner here . My wife has an 04 model packed full of goodies and in the 3 years she has had it , it only needed new tyres and a regular service as did teh previous S80 she had.

great great value for money and the 2.0T is very very punchy indeed

brendan

RoscommonTom

I agree with the other lads, the 95 is dated on the inside for a new car, wouldnt be my cup of tea I have to say. Reliable wise, I think there grand

Jackaroe

ok, I emailed her a link to a volvo, and she doesn't like it! But apparently the 9-3 is nice too, so what about that, is that any better a proposition thank the 9-5?

MrDerp

Jackaroe wrote: »

ok, I emailed her a link to a volvo, and she doesn't like it! But apparently the 9-3 is nice too, so what about that, is that any better a proposition thank the 9-5?

9-3 isn't exactly a big saloon. Interior is still dated.

I take it the Volvo would make her feel old? I'd love it, but I like big comfortable Dad cars, sounds like your wife wants something a little more sporty.

If a smaller saloon will do, what about an IS250?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS250/2.5-%5B430/22713415708535960/advert?channel=CARS

Great value in big petrol 5-series e60s:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/525-I-SE/201210207272143/advert?channel=CARS

Leonard Hofstadter

The 9-5s are noted for having problems with the oil turning into sludge - a full service history is essential so that you know it's had frequent oil changes. As the others have said though, if you want a big comfy barge, get the S80, but the old model, which is the last car designed by Volvo before Ford took them over (and is all the better for being a 'proper' Volvo too I might add).

Jackaroe

I agree, think the 9-3 is too small, and she won't like it in the flesh.
BMW could be an option. That one's knocking around a long time now, pretty sure I came across that a few months ago when I started searching for large petrols.

MrDerp wrote: »

9-3 isn't exactly a big saloon. Interior is still dated.

I take it the Volvo would make her feel old? I'd love it, but I like big comfortable Dad cars, sounds like your wife wants something a little more sporty.

If a smaller saloon will do, what about an IS250?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS250/2.5-%5B430/22713415708535960/advert?channel=CARS

Great value in big petrol 5-series e60s:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/525-I-SE/201210207272143/advert?channel=CARS

Pottler

What about the parts issues? Apparently very fresh Saabs are being rendered useless due to a lack of replacement Immobiliser control units - GM has found it, apparently, impossible to decipher the changes Saab made to the standard GM item and cannot supply replacements. This, seemingly, is an issue which is coming to light with more and more Saab parts. Or am I wrong?:)

Jimbob 83

Gotta be the Volvo, that generation saab is just a tarted up Vectra

Jimdagym

captainspeed wrote: »

The 9-5s are noted for having problems with the oil turning into sludge - a full service history is essential so that you know it's had frequent oil changes. As the others have said though, if you want a big comfy barge, get the S80, but the old model, which is the last car designed by Volvo before Ford took them over (and is all the better for being a 'proper' Volvo too I might add).

The sludge issue won't affect the cars the op is looking for.

colm_mcm

Jimbob 83 wrote: »

Gotta be the Volvo, that generation saab is just a tarted up Vectra

Ah come on. They don't share anything really.

unkel

I don't know about '08 and onwards cars (I'd probably pick an '08 Volvo S80 over an '08 Saab 9-5 myself), but an '07 or older Saab 9-5 is the best value for money decent large petrol car by a long shot

Yes the car is old fashioned and looks dated (it came out in '97 and is based on the platform of the '88 Opel Vectra - but the engine and most other parts are from Saab), but it is comfortable, luxurious (most have leather) big (with massive boot) and when it came out first, it was the safest car ever tested by Euro NCAP

I bought a 10 year old Saab 9-5 myself last year in excellent condition with massive Saab history and 78k miles for just over a grand. Crazy value for money. Everybody is buying small diesels, nobody wants big petrol cars anymore

captainspeed wrote: »

The 9-5s are noted for having problems with the oil turning into sludge

That problem doesn't apply to '04 and newer 9-5...

MetzgerMeister

unkel wrote: »

nobody wants big petrol cars anymore

I wouldn't say "nobody"

Jimbob 83

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I wouldn't say "nobody"

Lol so true

JAMM222

captainspeed wrote: »

The 9-5s are noted for having problems with the oil turning into sludge - a full service history is essential so that you know it's had frequent oil changes. As the others have said though, if you want a big comfy barge, get the S80, but the old model, which is the last car designed by Volvo before Ford took them over (and is all the better for being a 'proper' Volvo too I might add).

That sludge problem was well sorted by 07/08
I have a 07 95 and it's a fantastic car I would highly recommend it

Pottler

And the spares issue?

unkel

What spares issue?

Whenever a make goes down, there's always the kneejerk reaction / assumption that there will be no parts available

People should understand that spare parts have very, very high margins, so as long as the make is somewhat mainstream, there is a lucrative business to be started by someone even if the original supplier is out of action

When Rover was Over the same remarks were made here and parts are still widely available and no more expensive than for other makes. Many years later. Search for the Rover threads here for the craic

Pottler

unkel wrote: »

What spares issue?

Whenever a make goes down, there's always the kneejerk reaction / assumption that there will be no parts available

People should understand that spare parts have very, very high margins, so as long as the make is somewhat mainstream, there is a lucrative business to be started by someone even if the original supplier is out of action

When Rover was Over the same remarks were made here and parts are still widely available and no more expensive than for other makes. Many years later. Search for the Rover threads here for the craic

Hmm, ok, but the issue with Saab is that they would take a GM part, modify and Saabify it, fit it and alls good. Problem now is, ie with the immobiliser scu, GM can not for the life of them work out what the feck Saab did with the software mods, hence while the GM part will fit, is outwardly identical, it won't work. The Security control unit for almost new 9-5 's is NLA and GM cannot remanufacture them to help owners out as they apparently cannot replicate the part. So, if your SCU fries(and they do), your car is parked up. It is not pub talk, and it somthing to be aware of if contemplating buying a Saab.

galwaytt

Pottler wrote: »

unkel wrote: »

What spares issue?

Whenever a make goes down, there's always the kneejerk reaction / assumption that there will be no parts available

People should understand that spare parts have very, very high margins, so as long as the make is somewhat mainstream, there is a lucrative business to be started by someone even if the original supplier is out of action

When Rover was Over the same remarks were made here and parts are still widely available and no more expensive than for other makes. Many years later. Search for the Rover threads here for the craic

Hmm, ok, but the issue with Saab is that they would take a GM part, modify and Saabify it, fit it and alls good. Problem now is, ie with the immobiliser scu, GM can not for the life of them work out what the feck Saab did with the software mods, hence while the GM part will fit, is outwardly identical, it won't work. The Security control unit for almost new 9-5 's is NLA and GM cannot remanufacture them to help owners out as they apparently cannot replicate the part. So, if your SCU fries(and they do), your car is parked up. It is not pub talk, and it somthing to be aware of if contemplating buying a Saab.

Some ex-Saab engineer will open up an online business cracking those units. Look at old 928 so-called outdated electronics.......20 years later.....and it's now easier, not harder, to sort. And there's a lot more 9-5's than 928's.....big market for someone....

I just traded down from a 9-3 to an older 9-5, and I love it. And I'm quids ahead, as well. Win-Win for me.

unkel

galwaytt wrote: »

Some ex-Saab engineer will open up an online business cracking those units. Look at old 928 so-called outdated electronics.......20 years later.....and it's now easier, not harder, to sort. And there's a lot more 9-5's than 928's.....big market for someone....

I just traded down from a 9-3 to an older 9-5, and I love it. And I'm quids ahead, as well. Win-Win for me.

Ooh I love you talking about 9-5 and 928 in the one post

Tell us about your glorified Vectra!

gammygils

Saab 9-5 a gorgeous car especially in metallic black. Keep it waxed.

They're reliable, roomy. Thinking about one myself

Jackaroe

galwaytt wrote: »

I just traded down from a 9-3 to an older 9-5, and I love it. And I'm quids ahead, as well. Win-Win for me.

What engine does yours have? And how do you find it? A lot of the ones I see are the 2.0t, 150bhp, and I wonder how it copes? I believe it remaps to about 180 anyway so that should help I suppose.

galwaytt

Jackaroe wrote: »

galwaytt wrote: »

I just traded down from a 9-3 to an older 9-5, and I love it. And I'm quids ahead, as well. Win-Win for me.

What engine does yours have? And how do you find it? A lot of the ones I see are the 2.0t, 150bhp, and I wonder how it copes? I believe it remaps to about 180 anyway so that should help I suppose.

I changed from one diesel to another: from the 150bhp 1.9 to the older 120bhp 2.2 , but I changed for the car, not the engine. Bought a 9-5 Estate, in auto, with all the toys, leather etc. Half the price of a comparable A6 estate....

My brother is on his 3rd 9-5, and has never had any issues: and all of them petrol turbos. Mind you, his current one is a 3.0 petrol turbo, so not exactly common....