Anyone got a Saab, and willing to admit it ?
Discussion
I have a 93 Se 2.2 Tid (Diesel). Yoko 539s and a degree more Toe in helped. When I got it it wouldn't brake in a straight line at speed. I had the alignment checked and it was better but still not great. The second time I went back for more tyres I asked that they set it up as close to the toe in limit as poss within spec (ish). That and the Yoko's have made it a lot better. I also run the new rubber on the back and move them forward when the fronts are worn out, this helps keep the back in shape without a Birmingham Hammer. Turbo lag is always a bugger on these things, I found that second in most roundabouts was a problem because you hit the rev limiter halfway round and can't get drive in third quick enough because the boost is lost, so I use third I guess I break to a third of the way into the apex and then ease of and apply the gas.
Oh Yeah I forgot. The other reason for having a SAAB.
Last Christmas a freind of mine did wash wide and clipped a curb. He rolled twice. Landed in Trees. Had a bruised elbow for his trouble. When the officer at the scene arrived he asked whether there was anything in the car he wanted to keep. He said "Oh yes". He Leant in the drivers side door and pressed the boot release, went round the back, opened the boot, got his golf clubs, shut the boot! No windows, air bags everywhere, not a straight panel, doors and boot still worked
The officer at the scene just laughed 
. I asked my freind what he did next. His reply....
I got another one
Last Christmas a freind of mine did wash wide and clipped a curb. He rolled twice. Landed in Trees. Had a bruised elbow for his trouble. When the officer at the scene arrived he asked whether there was anything in the car he wanted to keep. He said "Oh yes". He Leant in the drivers side door and pressed the boot release, went round the back, opened the boot, got his golf clubs, shut the boot! No windows, air bags everywhere, not a straight panel, doors and boot still worked
The officer at the scene just laughed . I asked my freind what he did next. His reply.... I got another one
Recently picked up a high mileage 2002 MY 9-5 Aero Est.
Remarkable vehicle in many ways though a few small things I think could be better. Nothing to get worked up about though. Very solid considering nearly 100k miles recorded
Sport mode on the Auto is enervating (though rarely needed), the brakes seem incredible (look like new discs and pads all round) and I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4. The rest of the time it is not a problem and the changes on the 5sp box are seamless, up or down.
Handling seems very OK now that I am getting used to FWD after years of mainly RWD vehicles and none of those with a Turbo. (The wife had a Diesel Turbo ZX some years ago but that is not quite the same thing .. or maybe it was. Very rapid once it was moving. Not auto though.)
The only odd thing is that it seems to find an extra 10mph or so without any obvious signs of engine working or increased noise - so country lanes have been negotiated rather rapidly even when trying to be sedate.
It even came with a 1yr or 20k mile Saab warranty, complete with AA full assistance.
And, on a motorway run, it shows over 31 mpg average.
So far I am very pleasantly surprised. Good dealer as well!
Remarkable vehicle in many ways though a few small things I think could be better. Nothing to get worked up about though. Very solid considering nearly 100k miles recorded
Sport mode on the Auto is enervating (though rarely needed), the brakes seem incredible (look like new discs and pads all round) and I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4. The rest of the time it is not a problem and the changes on the 5sp box are seamless, up or down.
Handling seems very OK now that I am getting used to FWD after years of mainly RWD vehicles and none of those with a Turbo. (The wife had a Diesel Turbo ZX some years ago but that is not quite the same thing .. or maybe it was. Very rapid once it was moving. Not auto though.)
The only odd thing is that it seems to find an extra 10mph or so without any obvious signs of engine working or increased noise - so country lanes have been negotiated rather rapidly even when trying to be sedate.
It even came with a 1yr or 20k mile Saab warranty, complete with AA full assistance.
And, on a motorway run, it shows over 31 mpg average.
So far I am very pleasantly surprised. Good dealer as well!
sirtophamhat said:
woolfie said:
might be fun to mod the V6...any suggestions.
Remove it and fit a B234 2.3 litre Turbo lump. You can get a lot more power (550bhp+) from them than you can from the V6.
Matt
Just bought a 1994 900 s with the V6. This was my guess. How hard is it to swap?
This thread is a blast from the past!
Well, in the 18 months that have passed since my last post I bought a 1991 T16S, had it for 6 months, very happy with it
see profile for pics. Would love a 9-5 Aero when they come down in price a bit, although I would have to have something a little more hardcore as well (either my T16S or something like a TVR S
) Reading back over Jaydee's post, it's very convincing to read, seems to know his stuff...
Woolfie - I'm no expert but I would imagine changing from a GM V6 to a Saab engine would be a huge job, not only the block but all ancillaries, looms, exhaust, etc. I think with the price of ng900s now you'd be better off selling it and buying a turbo.
Alternatively, talk to ragtopcav on SaabCentral, he has a n/a v6 gm900 with getting on for 200bhp
nicecupoftea said:
Would love a 9-5 Aero when they come down in price a bit, although I would have to have something a little more hardcore as well (either my T16S or something like a TVR S
Depends on what you mean by 'down in price a bit'.
I have heard that the estates ride and handle better than the saloons for some reason. I certainly think they look nicer but that's a personal thing.
The 2002 model year with 250bhp is probably the one to target. Lots of toys as standard at launch. Pulls like a train from quite low revs and my auto is turning over at a little over 2000 rpm with hardly any turbo boost indicated at or around NSL.
just ran out of money again, to do any work on saab, as just had to buy a 1st car for my son + insurance..grrrrrrrrrrrr. So got him an '95 astra 1.4 GLS, seems crap enough to be 1st car but decent enough to be used without shame (even for me to do footy / tescos run). This will make us keep the saab for even longer. Just replaced the back tyres on the saab - the pirellis were cracking though plenty of tread, then tracking way out, then the bolts at the end of the tracking rods (i think) corroded so were snapped by the fitters..so that was another shedful of money leaving the vault.
I can't believe I haven't got around to replying to this thread yet...
I've currently got a 1998 9-5 2.3LPT but with a Maptun St3 chip and exhaust, giving a claimed 250bhp and 300lb/ft. Approaching 130k miles and still going (fairly) strong.
According to the online pricing guides the car (as standard) is worth precisely Sweet FA, so as a modified car even less. So I might just keep it until it goes bang.
I've currently got a 1998 9-5 2.3LPT but with a Maptun St3 chip and exhaust, giving a claimed 250bhp and 300lb/ft. Approaching 130k miles and still going (fairly) strong.
According to the online pricing guides the car (as standard) is worth precisely Sweet FA, so as a modified car even less. So I might just keep it until it goes bang.
Re : LongQ's comment
"I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4."
This can sometimes be due to the airflow sensor or mass flow sensor in the induction manifold getting clogged up. If you clean them you may find you have what feels like a new car.
With the diesel 93 every 10-12000 miles is essential. If it get's badly clogged you will get the yellow engine sign and limp home mode.
"I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4."
This can sometimes be due to the airflow sensor or mass flow sensor in the induction manifold getting clogged up. If you clean them you may find you have what feels like a new car.
With the diesel 93 every 10-12000 miles is essential. If it get's badly clogged you will get the yellow engine sign and limp home mode.
Thunderbird1 said:
Re : LongQ's comment
"I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4."
This can sometimes be due to the airflow sensor or mass flow sensor in the induction manifold getting clogged up. If you clean them you may find you have what feels like a new car.
With the diesel 93 every 10-12000 miles is essential. If it get's badly clogged you will get the yellow engine sign and limp home mode.
Ah. Thanks Thunderbird1.
It seems most prevalent either after a longish period on overrun (or a very very light throttle) or when picking up form anywhere between 15 and 30 mph. But does not always happen. I think the computer gets confused when trying judge engine power and possible gear change (it's an auto) at the lower speeds.
That said, once it is moving the engine/auto box combination is superb. Changes are almost imperceptible. And to be fair at it very 'worst' it is no worse than my previous normally aspirated Opel manufactured auto for lurching pickup under moderate acceleration.
It almost makes it fun to be on the road in these congested days.
LongQ said:
Recently picked up a high mileage 2002 MY 9-5 Aero Est.
Remarkable vehicle in many ways though a few small things I think could be better. Nothing to get worked up about though. Very solid considering nearly 100k miles recorded
Sport mode on the Auto is enervating (though rarely needed), the brakes seem incredible (look like new discs and pads all round) and I am learning how to drive around the turbo lag - most of the time. Seems to be inconsistent about 1 time in 4. The rest of the time it is not a problem and the changes on the 5sp box are seamless, up or down.
Handling seems very OK now that I am getting used to FWD after years of mainly RWD vehicles and none of those with a Turbo. (The wife had a Diesel Turbo ZX some years ago but that is not quite the same thing .. or maybe it was. Very rapid once it was moving. Not auto though.)
The only odd thing is that it seems to find an extra 10mph or so without any obvious signs of engine working or increased noise - so country lanes have been negotiated rather rapidly even when trying to be sedate.
It even came with a 1yr or 20k mile Saab warranty, complete with AA full assistance.
And, on a motorway run, it shows over 31 mpg average.
So far I am very pleasantly surprised. Good dealer as well!
Top car the 9-5 Aero, I had an estate and like a fool sold it. God knows why, so comfortable and quick.
Price wise you really can't go wrong very reliable and cheep to buy. Mine was a 2000 model which after a quick look on autotrader are going for 9K a steal. Dealers know how to charge though
Phil
Me!! I'm on my first SAAB and I love it! I've got a bog standard 9-3 SE TiD, it was my first new car and it's just coming up to three years old and is up to nearly 60k miles. Once it's out of its warranty it might be time for a few mods.
I used to have trouble getting it round corners until I was taught round the back roads of Spa to DRIVE round the corner not to wander around it, it makes the world of difference.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the brakes on a 93, mine doesn't stop well and the dealer seems to indicate that this is a common problem on the 93. Are there any insurance friendly ways round this?
Happy SAAB driving!
I used to have trouble getting it round corners until I was taught round the back roads of Spa to DRIVE round the corner not to wander around it, it makes the world of difference.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the brakes on a 93, mine doesn't stop well and the dealer seems to indicate that this is a common problem on the 93. Are there any insurance friendly ways round this?
Happy SAAB driving!
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