OT: Any comments on Saab 9-5

[bigtisas]

Thinking about buying a Saab 9-5. I see a 99 Saab 9-5 asking for about US$7k. It has 100k miles, 4-cy, 170hp, turbo, leather, etc. I guess the turbo and timing belt might need to be replaced every 70k miles , etc. Probably need more maintenance than my M50. Do you guys have any experience with Saab? Good or bad.

http://images.craigslist.org/0101040102000103102007052834447b62f112ab4b40001bae .jpg

[Tiger]

I test drove a new one in 99... what a coincidence. I know their engine are bulletproof... The only thing I didn't like about it is the brake... seems a bit weak but easily corrected.

[Denton]

Search bimmerforums OT for a thread I started.

[Denton]

Search bimmerforums OT for a thread I started.

EDIT: "4500 RPM" is my SN.

[yaofeng]

The SAAB 2.3L engine has been around for ages. You'd want the FPT version for 200 plus HP. But the really attractive aspect of the SAAB 2.3L FPT engine is you get the maximum torque of 238 ft-lbs from 1,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. It has a flat torque curve. The engine uses a timing chain. But I do know the early 9-5 has sludge issues. Check the web.

[bigtisas]

Hmm...couldn't find it.

[94_e34_525i]

Saabs are nice, the only thing i dont like about them is they are front wheel drive. With 238lbs of torque that things gonna torque steer like a mother.

[markus]

i hear they are plagued by electrical gremblins ever since GM took over but dont take my word for it.

[attack eagle]

i hear they are plagued by electrical gremblins ever since GM took over but dont take my word for it.
It's very true. Anything post GM should be avoided like the plague.

[whiskychaser]

[QUOTE=bigtisas]Thinking about buying a Saab 9-5. I see a 99 Saab 9-5 asking for about US$7k. It has 100k miles, 4-cy, 170hp, turbo, leather, etc. I guess the turbo and timing belt might need to be replaced every 70k miles , etc. Probably need more maintenance than my M50. Do you guys have any experience with Saab? Good or bad.

Had the newer model with soft top. Great in a straight line but not that hot in the corners. And having the key where it shoudnt be bugged me. I wouldnt touch one now as they are the current hot favourite for car thieves in my area

[yaofeng]

Hmm...couldn't find it.
http://www.saabservices.com/qaoilsludge.pdf

[yaofeng]

Saabs are nice, the only thing i dont like about them is they are front wheel drive. With 238lbs of torque that things gonna torque steer like a mother.

Have you driven one? Don't shoot your comment on the Bimmer forum. Do it on a SAAB forum so people can defend themselves.

[Sam-Son]

My father bought an '02 9-5 2.3t with an auto and as much as I hate to admit it it's a pretty good car the turbo punch is alot of fun for passing people and though his car has 4 less HP than my car it feels a whole lot faster and probably is. It obviously doesn't handle or brake as well as aBimmer, but than again what does? It still is pretty fun to drive. He drives 100 miles a day back and forth to work and he hasn't had one problem so far he has put on about 10,000 miles on it. If you are gonna get a Saab 9-5 get an '02 or later because they updated the suspension as well as a few other tweaks and it really improved the driveability and reliability.

[yaofeng]

My father bought an '02 9-5 2.3t with an auto and as much as I hate to admit it it's a pretty good car the turbo punch is alot of fun for passing people and though his car has 4 less HP than my car it feels a whole lot faster and probably is. It obviously doesn't handle or brake as well as aBimmer, but than again what does? It still is pretty fun to drive. He drives 100 miles a day back and forth to work and he hasn't had one problem so far he has put on about 10,000 miles on it. If you are gonna get a Saab 9-5 get an '02 or later because they updated the suspension as well as a few other tweaks and it really improved the driveability and reliability.

Your father has the light pressure turbo version of the 9-5. The full pressure turbo 2.3L gets 250HP and 259 ft-lb of torque. As early as 1991, if not earlier, SAAB regularly squeezes out 200 HP and 238 ft-lb of torque out of the 2.3L turbo 4 banger in production.

[Sam-Son]

Your father has the light pressure turbo version of the 9-5. The full pressure turbo 2.3L gets 250HP and 259 ft-lb of torque. As early as 1991, if not earlier, SAAB regularly squeezes out 200 HP and 238 ft-lb of torque out of the 2.3L turbo 4 banger in production.
The Aero is the one with 250 HP his has only 185 HP

[bigtisas]

I read the Saab board. They said Saab fixed a lot of problems in 02 model year.
But my budget is only $7k. I am looking for 99 and 00 only.

[Sam-Son]

I read the Saab board. They said Saab fixed a lot of problems in 02 model year.
But my budget is only $7k. I am looking for 99 and 00 only.
I really can't comment on those years. If you do get a 99 or a 2000 it may not be the best Saab but you'll always have the E34