Do I want a 9-5 Turbo Edition?

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This isn't the busiest corner of Pistonheads but I'm looking for some wisdom from 9-5 Turbo Edition owners. I'm looking to change the family car. I've got an old 911 for nice days which sleeps on a trickle charger much of the time. The daily has been a 1.8 Primera. I'm attracted by underdog cars. The Nissan had 1
Owner before me, had covered 11k and came packed with toys including nav, reverse camera, cruise, auto lights and wipers. I can get over 400miles to a tank of fuel with a combination of driving. It's patently NOT a fast car but with a chain driven engine it has given me zero headaches over the past four years.

I'm looking at an 09 95. Manual 2.3t. Heated front and rear leather seats, nav, premium audio etc. has a big boot though I fear I will miss the practicality of a hatch. I'd also need to get a Parrot fitted as Bluetooth didn't seem to standard?

The Saab appeals as its low miles, mint and presents a lot of car for the money. It must also be far more entertaining to drive than the Primera.

I have two concerns. How savage on fuel is it? Is it entertaining to drive? I can enjoy a car that's well equipped, slow but good on fuel. I can't accept a car that's heavy on fuel whilst not being quick. That's a bad combo. The Mrs had an X type 2.5 a few years ago which was exactly that-slow and thirsty despite a 2.5V6.

So please share your 95 experience 09 model and manual thanks

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Am I also right in thinking that an 09 car is substantially the same car as when the 9-5 was launched based on a Vectra ?

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Thanks for the replies. I bought it. Took £81 of super unleaded from close to empty which was a lot. Very comfortable with great ride quality as mentioned. Doesn't feel like a car you would want to hustle hard over a B road but the ride quality makes up for that. Great audio and looks quite imposing as well!

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I have noticed lots of interesting little details like the fact that the handle used to close the boot lid is exactly the same as the wife's ancient Saab from the 80s that lives in Sweden.

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To Guildford then on to Bluewater, then back to Sutton earlier. Super comfortable. Cruise control poorly sited on stalk rather than on steering wheel. Steering wheel controls not lit at night. A curious omission. As is the lack of factory Bluetooth on a 2009 MY exec type car.

I've driven mostly gently since filling up on super. Done 210 miles on just over half a tank. Not great but maybe I can live with it. I really miss a reversing camera!

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That's a kind offer thanks!

I was researching prices for a Parrot kit earlier today. Out of nowhere my getting elderly neighbour knocks the door and asks if I will sell him the car! I explained I had just bought it as replacement for our family car. He explains he's always wanted one and proceeds to offer me a fair chunk more than I paid for it.

It is a great car. I think it will cost me broadly £30 more per tank of fuel, to do the same miles I was doing in the current daily. I've been servicing the car myself and I can change the oil and filters on the car easily enough. I wonder of long term that's a false economy with regards to replace.

The diesel is obviously more popular but would have cost thousands more to buy at this mileage. Overall I'm really taken aback at how much car it is for the money

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This car really does have a turn of pace. The HK sound system sounds great and it's not even as difficult to park as I first thought. Only thing I need to sort is a Parrot for hands free.

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I've now managed 1000 miles since purchase. Liking it more and more. This may allow me to effectively retire my 911!

Every time I see the see the last 9-5, the facelift before Saab bit the dust, I think how good looking it is and wonder what it was like to drive. That car still looks bang up to date.