2007 9-5 Aero with no history

[Stu78]

Just been to have a look at an '07 0-5 Aero Estate with 81k. Ad states FSH however when I get there no sign of history. It looks like it's been well maintained at some point; it has two newish contisports on the front and the rears have about 4mm left on contisports (I always think matching quality tyres are a good sign). Discs and pads are all fairly new. The car is very tidy apart from some wear to the drivers seat. I know the Aero needs frequent changes of fully synth 0w30 and I have no evidence this has been done.

Dealer asking £3.6k, that includes alloys refurbished were needed, and a couple of smart touching up jobs.

I've no former experience of SAAB, I used to petrol Honda's so reliability and build quality has always been very good. I don't know how to view the SH. Should I just walk away?

[Stu78]

There's no handbooks at all, so the pack has gone AWOL somewhere along the line but that's not my problem. I don't have any evidence that it's been maintained accordingly. I'm not fussed about the alloy refurb, I was actually saving that for the haggling - I'd be prepared to take it as it is for a couple of hundred knocked off, I know people in the trade who can sort it for me and I know their standard.

I liked the car, the interior isn't as well screwed together as my Accord but they have a quirky charm all of their own.

The dealer has just left a message to ring him back. Think I'll pass on it.

[Stu78]

It'll have to be cheap for me to have a go and I don't think we could get there. I'm not that bothered to be honest. I felt the interior was considerably cheaper than the pre-Dame Edna and not a patch on my Accord. I'm thinking the 04/05 models will be a better bet.

[Stu78]

I suspect the handbook pack went missing during the dealer transfer. I think the Dame Edna models are very colour sensitive and if I did go for one I'd be having the chrome 'glasses' and chrome grill surround colour-coded. I don't think the interior is as well made as the pre-Dame's. I've not done anything over the car in question, if it was cheap enough I'd probably take a punt but the damage to the drivers seat would drive me mad and getting a replacement could take some time.

I'm actually warming to the idea of a MY 04/05 as they seem to be the best of the lot. I'm also looking out for V70 T5's though I don't like them half as much as the SAAB.