Introducing my big, old, fast, dog barge... Saab 9-5 AERO

[Prohibiting]

Hi everyone,

Due to my constant growing male German Shepherd I did not think he appreciated being stuffed down the footwell of my Impreza anymore. This led to a lot of research and I finally decided to source a Saab 9-5 estate, in particular the 'Aero' version (2.3 litre turbo, 250bhp), model year 2002+ for the facelift, manual transmission and FSH.

Features: Rare electric optional sunroof, rare upgraded optional 9x speaker Harmon Kardon audio system + 6CD changer, optional retractable dog guard, optional rubber boot mat, optional rubber floor mats, optional tow bar, rear parking sensors, full leather, electric front heats with 3 programable memory settings, dual air con climate control, auto dim mirrors, cruise control, xenon lights.

I've owned her for just over 6 months now and since purchase it's had 2 full engine oil and filter changes, new MOT, replaced rear Saab badge, replaced weathered shark fin ariel and new plain number plates. It's also had a proper detail including removing all tar spots and claying the paint. I've then sealed all the bodywork and windows and it's now gleaming. I've cleaned all the interior and cleaned/conditioned the leather too.

As it's 14 years old, there are a few scuffs here and there but overall it is in very good condition and its never seen paint. It's on 114k miles which is pretty low for a big old estate and the previous owner had the alloys refurbished so that they are mint. The alloys are actually from a pre-facelift model but they are much cooler than the newer ones. More importantly, my dog is happy as larry in the back .




















All this for how much I hear you ask? A measly sum of £1525. Your German equivalent (BMW E39 530 Sport, manual (if you can find a good and I did try!)... Around £3500....

Enjoy!

[littlebasher]

I was looking for one of these, but could never find a decent one

Nice find, not sure about that front numberplate though!

[Prohibiting]

Agreed on the front number plate. The smaller style suited my classic Impreza perfectly but doesn't suit the big barge. Can't be bothered to buy a new one though but maybe one day I will!

[addsvrs]

Looks great and a sunroof aswell ! Ultra rare option and love the old style wheels, just sold my 53 plate Aero, and your right about the huge price difference in a equivalent 5 Series

[shalmaneser]

Those alloy look great!

[Sargeant Orange]

Cracking car, well played

[BricktopST205]

Got one myself in the same colour but 04 facelift for the same reason as you. Had mine for one year and @120k passed its M.O.T with flying colours two days ago.

I also have that dog guard and mat in mine but our border collie is too smart and found a way of getting past it! I had to train her to stay in the back instead!

[bomma220]

Cracking car there mate! I have the same (02 in silver). Like you say, what else is there to be had for the money?

Wanted to ask you if you're aware of the sump drop / breather pipes issues? Can result in engine failure if not sorted !

[harrykul]

Looks like a great buy OP, no pics avec dog?

[y2blade]

I Absolutly love those wheels, such a great looking car.

[S10GTA]

3 spokes FTW

[y2blade]

S10GTA said:

3 spokes FTW

Very few cars can pull them off, the fast Saabs are among them.

[Prohibiting]

Thanks guys!

I'm aware of the sump drop and breather pipe mod (mine hasn't had it) but the Aero's are spec'd for fully synth oil and they are much less likely to die of oil starvationed if they've been serviced properly with correct oil, however it's something I will probably get done within the year for peace of mind.

I believe the Saab can definitely pull off the 3-spokes; they scream cool

Dog pic as requested.... just shy of 11 months old (you can see the problem I had regarding boot space)

[FELIX_5]

Looks cracking that! I also quite fancy one of these, but finding a decent one seems almost impossible. People seem to hang on to these and run them into the ground.....

[bomma220]

That is a lovely GSD you have there Sir ! I also have one, a 7 yr old female. I bought my 9-5 for the same reason (her)! Wonder if there's a connection between 9-5 & GSD owners?

[Bluehawk]

Nice choice of car!
I only say that as i too picked one up last Friday for roughly the same money!

Although mine also has the sat nav & Vented front seats.
Oh and mine is an Auto (not to everyone's taste)

Got mine booked in for a sump drop and clean on Tuesday
Also have a Re-Mapped ECU on order from Karl (Noobtune) to take it to 275bhp and 420nm Torque

[Master Bean]

Forget stage 1, go straight to stage 3. It's much better and more noticeable.

[Bigphatcgar]

My old 52 plate aero had fsh 130k

When I dropped the sump the oil pick up was over 50% blocked , think I was lucky

Still miss it , don't why just something nice about these old 9-5s

[ajb85]

Superb cars. I miss mine. Increasing oil consumption became a bit of a concern, just beware that that gutsy turbo does use a bit. I hear you like the wheels, but the later 9-3-esque Aero wheels can be picked up off eBay very cheaply and transform the look of the car into something far more modern in my opinion.

I still search frequently for a face lift 260bhp Aero estate manual, alas finding a decent one at sensible money is an impossibility. Anyway, enjoy!

[Shaw Tarse]

Prohibiting said:

Thanks guys!

I'm aware of the sump drop and breather pipe mod (mine hasn't had it) but the Aero's are spec'd for fully synth oil and they are much less likely to die of oil starvationed if they've been serviced properly with correct oil, however it's something I will probably get done within the year for peace of mind.

I believe the Saab can definitely pull off the 3-spokes; they scream cool

Dog pic as requested.... just shy of 11 months old (you can see the problem I had regarding boot space)

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...