Saab 9-5 Aero Estate
Discussion
As departure from my usual automotive preferences I would like to introduce my 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero Estate. My beloved E46 330i has sadly been sold. With a new job recently I've got a company car on order and the BMW just didn't make sense to keep. Almost every month I was spending money on it, partly my own doing or just general maintenance. The new car is due late March, so I decided to look for a cheap sub £2k winter car with lots of tax, MOT and history on it, something I won't spend a penny on and can shift again come March.
Initially I wanted to find a cheap WRX Estate, but for the money I was really scraping the barrel, I looked at a few A4 Quattros, but the fuel consumption was too poor and the performance lacking and I didn't want a diesel. Enter the Swedes.... When I was a kid my parents had a 1999 2.3t 9-5 SE Estate, I loved that car, comfy reasonably quick in 170bhp guise, so I had a look around at what I could afford and boy are these things bargains. I quickly settled on wanting an Aero, the 03-06 shape in particular as it came with xenons and heated leather as standard. Annoyingly I struggled to shift the BMW as it was fast running out of MOT and still on coilovers, during that time 3 Aeros in the local area sold that I was watching. I wanted a manual for the better performance and better fuel consumption and by the time a deal was reached on the BMW there were no Manuals anywhere that I was interested in. By total chance I had a look on Car and Classic, boom there was my Saab, for sale by a lovely chap who had recently retired and bought a Yaris. I went to see it the Sunday, sold the BMW Monday and picked the Saab up Tuesday.
Now for the info on the car....
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero Estate Manual
MOT and Tax till April
One advisory for a tyre on the MOT, and all the old MOTs provided too.
Full Saab Canterbury History from new until 2012 when they went bust, local history after that, and the last one a mere 300 miles previously.
2 Owner car, both times purchased from Saab Canterbury.
98,000 on the clock.
Now the spec...
Metallic Blue
Sand Beige Leather (very clean, not a mark, rip or tear)
Electric front seats with driver memory
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats (never seen this actually specced on a car before)
Bi-Xenon headlights
Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors
ESP
The last item on that list with I'm very impressed with, much less intrusive than the DSC in the BMW. It's well used too with a 2.3 Turbo putting 250bhp to the front wheels, it will smoke up an inside wheel upon request on the slightest of lock in second gear with the ESP off. Oh and Saab being Saab the ESP can only be turned off below 40mph, it stays off above that, but to actually disengage it you have to slow down first.
The price for all this comfort, speed, warmth and tyre smoke.... £1500.
I'm loving it, turbo pulls hard, whistles at the top end too (suspected crack in a pipe but sounds too good to worry about). Most importantly its so comfy compared to the hard bone jarring ride on the BMW with the coilovers, oh and the heated seats are stunningly comfortable.
It didn't find much favour with my mates though... I'm a 70 year old trapped in a 21 year olds apparently, the beige interior doesn't help there. But they soon changed their tune when they felt the turbo come on boost.
I'm 5 days into ownership and it's been wonderful so far, I've done a mere 300 miles in it and a rather worrying average 19.2mpg. I blame the turbo gauge
I will keep this thread updated for any that is interested, in the meantime enjoy the photos below. I washed it yesterday and it will be the only wash it gets in my ownership.
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Initially I wanted to find a cheap WRX Estate, but for the money I was really scraping the barrel, I looked at a few A4 Quattros, but the fuel consumption was too poor and the performance lacking and I didn't want a diesel. Enter the Swedes.... When I was a kid my parents had a 1999 2.3t 9-5 SE Estate, I loved that car, comfy reasonably quick in 170bhp guise, so I had a look around at what I could afford and boy are these things bargains. I quickly settled on wanting an Aero, the 03-06 shape in particular as it came with xenons and heated leather as standard. Annoyingly I struggled to shift the BMW as it was fast running out of MOT and still on coilovers, during that time 3 Aeros in the local area sold that I was watching. I wanted a manual for the better performance and better fuel consumption and by the time a deal was reached on the BMW there were no Manuals anywhere that I was interested in. By total chance I had a look on Car and Classic, boom there was my Saab, for sale by a lovely chap who had recently retired and bought a Yaris. I went to see it the Sunday, sold the BMW Monday and picked the Saab up Tuesday.
Now for the info on the car....
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero Estate Manual
MOT and Tax till April
One advisory for a tyre on the MOT, and all the old MOTs provided too.
Full Saab Canterbury History from new until 2012 when they went bust, local history after that, and the last one a mere 300 miles previously.
2 Owner car, both times purchased from Saab Canterbury.
98,000 on the clock.
Now the spec...
Metallic Blue
Sand Beige Leather (very clean, not a mark, rip or tear)
Electric front seats with driver memory
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats (never seen this actually specced on a car before)
Bi-Xenon headlights
Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors
ESP
The last item on that list with I'm very impressed with, much less intrusive than the DSC in the BMW. It's well used too with a 2.3 Turbo putting 250bhp to the front wheels, it will smoke up an inside wheel upon request on the slightest of lock in second gear with the ESP off. Oh and Saab being Saab the ESP can only be turned off below 40mph, it stays off above that, but to actually disengage it you have to slow down first.
The price for all this comfort, speed, warmth and tyre smoke.... £1500.
I'm loving it, turbo pulls hard, whistles at the top end too (suspected crack in a pipe but sounds too good to worry about). Most importantly its so comfy compared to the hard bone jarring ride on the BMW with the coilovers, oh and the heated seats are stunningly comfortable.
It didn't find much favour with my mates though... I'm a 70 year old trapped in a 21 year olds apparently, the beige interior doesn't help there. But they soon changed their tune when they felt the turbo come on boost.
I'm 5 days into ownership and it's been wonderful so far, I've done a mere 300 miles in it and a rather worrying average 19.2mpg. I blame the turbo gauge
I will keep this thread updated for any that is interested, in the meantime enjoy the photos below. I washed it yesterday and it will be the only wash it gets in my ownership.
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate by tlynchie, on Flickr
spaceship said:
Sorry, have to post a pic:
Oh now that looks awesome, I did wish mine had the spoiler but oh well.
Edited by spaceship on Sunday 17th November 09:28
Edited by spaceship on Sunday 17th November 09:30
As for the non-washing of the car I didn't expect this reaction! I barely ever wash my cars, I keep the interior clean, but the exterior gets the odd wash a few times a year and they always come up spotless and clean. The car isn't amazing externally, big dent on the rear wing, big scuff on front bumper and wing. Don't forget it's a winter car, I never wash cars in the winter, they just get filthy again! Not washing it isn't the same as not caring for it.
On another note, SID is missing a fair few lines off it, most irritating is the first digit off the clock. I have noticed that when I turn on the car only the left light rises up and down.
As for the Noobtune you mention, I've already been speaking to Karl this week. Just need to find a convenient way to get me to Stage 1, and from what I've heard it's well worth the trip up to Nottingham.
Thanks for all the comments guys!
Mr E said:
DanielJames said:
Awesome write up mate, did the slippers come with the car or are they optional extra?
I had the slippers before buying mine. SID a possible cheap fix. Non adjusting xenons a possible mot fail?
Checked again, both lights level themselves absolutely fine now.
Stedman said:
Welcome to the quick Swedish estate club
Thanks, not quite the soundtrack of yours, but for a 4pot I think it has a nice thrum to it.outnumbered said:
And now that the roads are being gritted, get ready for epic wheelspin...
Already feeling that today on cold wet roads. Epic fun with ESP off, and with the ESP on as I mentioned before it does a brilliant job of modulating wheel spin rather than just cutting the power like the BMW did.james_gt3rs said:
How are you coping going back to front wheel drive?
Fine for the moment, if I'm honest I've gotten myself into trouble before with the boys in blue for my RWD antics. Just can't help but step the backend out off roundabouts, it was too easy with the setup on that car. FWD is fun too, especially with the ESP off on slippery roads. I've got another RWD car with 620nm torque on order at the moment and the plan is to get a V8 powered one come summer so I can cope just fine with FWD for now
Mr E said:
A blue one or a carbon one. And if the latter, can I ask where from.
(somebody has stolen mine)
Just a stanarard Blue one off eBay.(somebody has stolen mine)
Big up the Saab love in this thread. I'm totally smitten with it, not even thinking about the BMW. It's just such a lovely car this. Good news is I'm getting 20mpg on my commute which is the same as the BMW! Hooray!
I do have a tyre conundrum also.... one of the rears had an advisory on the MOT and frankly it looks very perished, the other rear is a Michelin Primacy HP with about 6mm left on it, fronts tho are Kumhos with 3mm left or so. Do I just buy a new Michelin to match other other, whack em on the front where most of the wear is and where I need the winter grip and put the Kumhos to the rear to wear less (Yes I know on FWD usually best tyres go on rear). Or do I go all out for four new Vredsteins/Falkens something mid-price and decent for about £280 all round perhaps sell the good Michelin, bearing in mind the Michelin will cost £100 for a new one but that I'm only keeping the car till April at the latest. I'm thinking buy one tyre and swap around, what you lot reckon?
I do have a tyre conundrum also.... one of the rears had an advisory on the MOT and frankly it looks very perished, the other rear is a Michelin Primacy HP with about 6mm left on it, fronts tho are Kumhos with 3mm left or so. Do I just buy a new Michelin to match other other, whack em on the front where most of the wear is and where I need the winter grip and put the Kumhos to the rear to wear less (Yes I know on FWD usually best tyres go on rear). Or do I go all out for four new Vredsteins/Falkens something mid-price and decent for about £280 all round perhaps sell the good Michelin, bearing in mind the Michelin will cost £100 for a new one but that I'm only keeping the car till April at the latest. I'm thinking buy one tyre and swap around, what you lot reckon?
Matt Cyclone said:
Good thing we got in there and bought the estates before they became shed of the week! I seem to have spent the last 5 years thinking about changing cars and then ending up looking at things which then become SOW and hence all the good ones go!
Regarding tyres, depending on the model of Khumo's you've got, I would be tempted to match those all round and sell of the Michelin, I do like cars with matching tyres all round but I understanding that when shedding (or in my case, just my cars!) then it is silly to 'throw away' a good tyre - the other option is too keep an eye out for winter tyres, I missed a set of 4 decent ones on a set of alloys (on uksaabs) for $120 (no pound sign on this mac keyboard).
I am starting to prioritise the work I want to do mine (just added smiley to list):-
Replacement C Pillar Trim
Clean and polish headlights
Replace SID blown bulb
Check ALL fluids
Check exhaust
Short Shifter option?
NOOB Stage 1 tune - Xmas 2013?
Rear ciggie lighter
Passenger seat electric seat switch
Modify CK-100 system to play music by bluetooth
4 wheel tracking?
Check headlight ballasts - check earth under washer bottle
Then again, all the above is most likely dooable for under 400 quid, so that would make it a 1500 quid car in total, which I would be very happy with!
I keep making lists too, I always want my cars perfect, but I'm trying to bear in mind this is just a short term nice winter shed. SID is missing some lines but still useable so not going to fix that, tyre, probably go with cheapest option of buying one tyre, did look for winters but not much out there. I think I will consider a Noob tune though. Headlights could do with a polish now you mention it too.Regarding tyres, depending on the model of Khumo's you've got, I would be tempted to match those all round and sell of the Michelin, I do like cars with matching tyres all round but I understanding that when shedding (or in my case, just my cars!) then it is silly to 'throw away' a good tyre - the other option is too keep an eye out for winter tyres, I missed a set of 4 decent ones on a set of alloys (on uksaabs) for $120 (no pound sign on this mac keyboard).
I am starting to prioritise the work I want to do mine (just added smiley to list):-
Replacement C Pillar Trim
Clean and polish headlights
Replace SID blown bulb
Check ALL fluids
Check exhaust
Short Shifter option?
NOOB Stage 1 tune - Xmas 2013?
Rear ciggie lighter
Passenger seat electric seat switch
Modify CK-100 system to play music by bluetooth
4 wheel tracking?
Check headlight ballasts - check earth under washer bottle
Then again, all the above is most likely dooable for under 400 quid, so that would make it a 1500 quid car in total, which I would be very happy with!
ETA Oh and I desperately want a boot spoiler the more I see them!
Nikko 40691 said:
I love a dirty car but now that I've got my first red car I've spent all day polishing and waxing it.
I'll go and hand in my dirty car membership. -_-;
It won't last long, you'll be back. Us dirty car guys always are. Picking up a brand new car in March, I don't know what way it will go yet, washed every week or washed twice a year.I'll go and hand in my dirty car membership. -_-;
Matt Cyclone said:
The spoilers do look good, I am also jealous that you have a colour other than silver!
Noob tune, defo on the list! Xmas present to myself I think!
I also think I need to check my exhaust. The occasional clunk from somewhere round the back....
I was really hoping to pick one up in that lovely red colour. Having a blue one on our drive feels like major deja vu, the one my parents had for 9 years was exactly the same colour.Noob tune, defo on the list! Xmas present to myself I think!
I also think I need to check my exhaust. The occasional clunk from somewhere round the back....
I still can't get over how it will just leave smoke clouds leaving roundabouts in second gear from the front tyres. Also having experience understeer and oversteer in the same corner yesterday I've decided to take the option of replacing all the tyres on it. Better safe and sorry with a car that owes me a little more cash.
Synchromesh said:
You're mad to replace tyres with a decent amount of life left on a car of this value, especially at the rate you eat them! What size are they btw?
Fronts have about a 1mm left in them till they are on the depth markers. They're 225/45/17Did have a look on eBay, seems I could get 4 good winter tyres with 4/5mm left on em for about £180, I'm liking this idea.
Fattyfat said:
North or South? I'd love a look at your car if you're past my way.
South and mainly West Coast (Clare/Galway)ALThaus said:
surely the 250hp doesn't come into it unless your hooning? the solution would be fitting the narrowest, freshest winters possible? the beetle was awful with the FAT and quite new deep tread goodyears on but fantastic when i swapped them for the well used whitewalls?
I know I don't have ANY high power winter driving expierence, but i've got heaps of low speed expeirence
This is me, I'm always hooning (or using full throttle a lot of the time at least)I know I don't have ANY high power winter driving expierence, but i've got heaps of low speed expeirence
Skinny tyres would mean new wheels, which I don't want to buy, but it would look superb on some skinny steel wheels, proper winter spec! (Shuffles off to eBay to look)
Mr E said:
No, but big gobs of turbo torque turn up pretty frequently, and it's torque that spins the wheels.
Even in 3rd gear as I found out today. Just had a look at your 9-5 Aero looks lovely, need more pics. Elise is lovely too, very much on my radar alongside TVR as contender next year.Looks really nice, love the walnut trim too. Silver is a bit dull in mine.
Gotta say I'm falling for this car a lot, which is annoying as I'm meant to be selling in March when my E350 arrives.
On the tyre front, I think I'm going to be brave and try the new Uniroyal RainSport 3s recently released, they are a tad cheaper than the Vredsteins Ultrac Sessantas I've had before. I like the idea of maximum grip in the wet.
Gotta say I'm falling for this car a lot, which is annoying as I'm meant to be selling in March when my E350 arrives.
On the tyre front, I think I'm going to be brave and try the new Uniroyal RainSport 3s recently released, they are a tad cheaper than the Vredsteins Ultrac Sessantas I've had before. I like the idea of maximum grip in the wet.
Ved said:
Spot on posh-shed motoring and a bargain price too. I've seen once for £750 with 220k on the clock but to be honest that wouldn't put me off with the right history. £5 says you keep it beyond March 
Let's be clear on this, new car may be delayed to april. But £5 is mine if the Saab gets sold when the E350 fuel of lucifer machine arrives! Mr E said:
petrolveins said:
Gotta say I'm falling for this car a lot, which is annoying as I'm meant to be selling in March when my E350 arrives.
Depressingly we're also considering an E350. Estate, obviously.Had a CLS350 CDI recently and loved it, though obviously I would need a big V8 with a manual gearbox to balance it.
Update for you all!
I decided to go ahead and order 4 new tyres, took a little gamble and went for the new Uniroyal Rainsport 3s, very little in the way of reviews out there, but seeing as the Rainsport 2s had excellent reviews I decided to go for it. Got them for £290 delivered from Camskill, then had them fitted at work today. Only driven home for 4 miles on them and already they feel a lot better than the old mish mash of tyres. I've kept the good michelin off the car as a spare. Will report on how I get on with them, will also try to keep you updated from my Irish road trip which I'm embarking on the 14th for. I also decided to not go for the remap. Would rather the extra fuel money for Ireland, and also don't want to feel like a downgrade in power to the 252bhp E350 I'm getting in March.
I decided to go ahead and order 4 new tyres, took a little gamble and went for the new Uniroyal Rainsport 3s, very little in the way of reviews out there, but seeing as the Rainsport 2s had excellent reviews I decided to go for it. Got them for £290 delivered from Camskill, then had them fitted at work today. Only driven home for 4 miles on them and already they feel a lot better than the old mish mash of tyres. I've kept the good michelin off the car as a spare. Will report on how I get on with them, will also try to keep you updated from my Irish road trip which I'm embarking on the 14th for. I also decided to not go for the remap. Would rather the extra fuel money for Ireland, and also don't want to feel like a downgrade in power to the 252bhp E350 I'm getting in March.
Andy665 said:
Also ordered Rainsport 3s for my newly acquired Aero last week - fitted to my brand new OE 18" rims that I acquired for a very good price - current tyres are mixture of ditchfinders, car is scary in the cold / damp
I greatly enjoyed my last journey on the old tyres, off a roundabout down a dual carriageway I managed to keep the inside wheel smoking for a good 100m or so. Biiiig cloud of smoke. So different to my last car, bit this one makes me chuckle out loud like the BMW never did.
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