2000-2002 Saab 9-5 Auto , anything to be worried about ?

Eric Cartman

strongly considering a saab 9-5 in the 2000-2002 range , any issues i need to be concerned about ? what are they like to drive ? whats the reliability like ? re parts that expensive ?

colm_mcm

parts are expensive, and reliability is pretty patchy. buy one with a full Saab history owned by an enthusiast.

There are better options out there TBH.

geoff29

Hi,

I'm in the same boat as you - I often toy with the idea of buying an auto 9-5 as since they came out I always liked their understated looks. They're also pretty safe and assuming reliability, go pretty well. I have yet to drive one but I've driven other Saabs and I've always been happy enough with the way they steer, and I'm sure one of these would be no different.

There are a few specialist Saab forums on the net which you should prob read about. I've done this and unfortunately there are some horror stories regarding the engines, especially 2000-2003 (I think), which suffered from oil sludge issues and could end up with total engine failure. I read about that on wikipedia and doubting it, I then read some owner stories - going back a few months now so no links for you to read - but apparently it is/was an issue. But do some googling. Also, I look at carzone religiously - i'm talking 10 times a day here - and have done for the last 5 years - I've seen more than one 9-5 with "new engine just fitted" in the comments.

The engine itself I have never been a fan of, even going back 20 years or so, it's been re-worked many times - but it still has the same basic architecture. Some people swear by it's abilities for mileage - but other like me have been left in tears - starting with an early 80s 900!

Also, the thing about turbos, and all the 9-5s have them, is that they are another thing that can go wrong - indeed they've been known to go. Fortunately there are cheap ways to get over this with reconditioned units etc. but just bear in mind.

I can't remember what box is in it now - current 9-3 uses an Aisin Warner, which are fine and used in most everything from Volvo to Lexus, so if it's an Aisin Warner box should be ok - but you'd need to check this.

Finally, if I ever buy one, I will *only* buy it from a main dealer - and I will *only* buy it with a fssh, and ideally it will have been sold when new by that same dealer. Also, it would need to be low mileage. I firmly believe these factors to be more important on a 9-5 than most other cars. That's just because I'm not sold on the engine. I'll also want a warranty etc!! I believe servicing/repairs are not exactly cheap either - but that goes with the territory when it comes to volvo/saab/merc etc.

Anyway, that's just my experience. I'm sure there are many great ones out there but def do some reading first so that when you come to view the cars you know what to look for. e.g, the cars affected by the oil sludge prob - which Saab did acknowledge - prob have the vins listed -so you'd know to avoid that one etc. Best of luck!

wanted saab/volvo or bmw for ages, all fab cars obviously but went for the volvo s60 - you'd probably be looking at the s80 - and I just love it. A guy I know bought a brand spanking new 9-3, bloody gorgeous car but he only had it a few weeks and on 3 occasions his battery died, all while no lights etc had been left on and he had only left the car parked for less than an hour..... once off probably as can happen but it turned me off them....

Barr

The SAAB 9-5 is a fine car by all accounts . Its a far more individualistic choice than the usual Audi , BMW that are everywhere .

They are great value second hand as well as they dont hold there value as well as the germans- I've seen a 00 model sold recently for €3k . Its alot of car for the money .

The best thing aboout them are the seats - definately the best in the business

Anan1

I had a 98 2.0 turbo automatic for a while last year, really liked it. I ended up selling it to a friend, he loves it too. He did get quoted €650 or so for a replacement drivers mirror last week, though.

geoff29

Grainne C wrote: »

...on 3 occasions his battery died, all while no lights etc had been left on and he had only left the car parked for less than an hour..... once off probably as can happen but it turned me off them....

surely that's just an issue with the battery though - unless he changed it and the same thing happened?

Would agree on the Volvo - nice cars. I've driven a 2001 S80 Auto 2.0 LPT and it was quite nice indeed. Steering racks go at high mileage. What is it with Volvo and steering racks?!!?

geoff29

Barr wrote: »

They are great value second hand as well as they dont hold there value as well as the germans- I've seen a 00 model sold recently for €3k . Its alot of car for the money .

The best thing aboout them are the seats - definately the best in the business

Unfortunately might be a reason they're going so cheap...

The seats are nice and are among the first cars to have active-headrests so work well in the event that you are rear-ended. Saabs and Volvos generally regarded as the best for seats in this area - though others are catching up. Comfort wise they might be ahead especially the S80 seats which were unbelievably comfortable - a lot more so than something like an S40. They seemed like they were 'sprung' as opposed to just foam squabs - and that was the same with the Saabs I've come by also, so hopefully 9-5 is the same.

galwaytt

No, there's no issue to be specifically aware of afaik. Good fsh is a ++, and they are much better value tha German cars.

I'm on my first Saab, a 9-3, which is gorgeous, but my brother is on his 3rd 9-5, the last two of which were auto - no probs, even at high mileage, i.e. 100k++

His currrent one is for sale at the mo, and if I could shift my 9-3, I'd buy it....it's a stonking car, and light years ahead of an equivalent age MB, for less money..... See it here