Saab 9-5 AER0 auto 115k what's it worth? Risky??
Discussion
Hi Saabsters,
Due to having an injured left foot I am looking at getting an auto. I was initially setting my sights on more expensive metal but then I saw a 9-5 aero estate at £2.5k in the classifieds. It looks nice but at 115k and on the original turbo it seems over the money. I really only plan on owning it for 5-6 months so would I be buying a money pit disaster? Would I actually be better off spending 4/5k on a newer, lower miles one on the chance things are less likely to go wrong but take a depreciation hit?
Oh and what do you think is a reasonable price, I was thinking £2k for a private sale?
The other car I've seen is a 9-5 lpt with Hirsch remap (220bhp) and Abbott suspension at £1,795 which if it went for £1.5 might be a better buy. Similar miles at 117k but it's not an Aero or estate..
Both nice Q car style
Due to having an injured left foot I am looking at getting an auto. I was initially setting my sights on more expensive metal but then I saw a 9-5 aero estate at £2.5k in the classifieds. It looks nice but at 115k and on the original turbo it seems over the money. I really only plan on owning it for 5-6 months so would I be buying a money pit disaster? Would I actually be better off spending 4/5k on a newer, lower miles one on the chance things are less likely to go wrong but take a depreciation hit?
Oh and what do you think is a reasonable price, I was thinking £2k for a private sale?
The other car I've seen is a 9-5 lpt with Hirsch remap (220bhp) and Abbott suspension at £1,795 which if it went for £1.5 might be a better buy. Similar miles at 117k but it's not an Aero or estate..
Both nice Q car style
No reason to assume either would be a moneypit - service history is everything with these cars - the mileages are no problem with properly maintained cars. Turbos are what (?)£500 or less for new ones, mileage is not the best guide as to whether the turbos will go - is down to how they have been used and serviced.
Sounds promising I do quite like the idea of the modified 9-5 lpt as i have heard the Aero hot turbo is slow to pick up/a bit laggy. Are the 2000 aero models 230bhp or 250 because if it's only 230 there would only be a 10hp difference between the two. Although, would it have the same midrange smack as the aero? in fact come to think of it, is it only a remap that's the difference between 9-5 2.3lpt and 2.3 hot Aero?
2000 aeros are indeed 230bhp but they also have a different turbo compared to LPTs. Crucially these cars need a sump drop, or evidence one has bee done recently, to check for sludge issues caused by incorrectly specified oil! 200 quid should get it done. Get over to http://www.uksaabs.co.uk and stick a thread up. Some really knowledgeable 9-5 guys on their. A much underrated car IMO and now easily tuned too!
alfa daley said:
Sounds promising I do quite like the idea of the modified 9-5 lpt as i have heard the Aero hot turbo is slow to pick up/a bit laggy.
Aero slow to pick up or laggy..........
Yes, the lpt (modded or std) does intially spool quicker because of the smaller GT17 turbo.....great for 0-30 drag racing if that's what your into.
But, it runs out of breath just as quickly.
alfa daley said:
Are the 2000 aero models 230bhp or 250 because if it's only 230 there would only be a 10hp difference between the two. Although, would it have the same midrange smack as the aero? in fact come to think of it, is it only a remap that's the difference between 9-5 2.3lpt and 2.3 hot Aero?
2000 models are offically 230hp, but closer to 240 in reality.
Mid range will be close, modded lpt will 'feel' quicker but won't be.
If youre only keeping for 5-6 months I don't think it matters which you go for in reality, however, I'd still go for the Aero because of the sludge issue which affects Aero's less as they were (or should have) always specified as needed fully synth oil, whereas, Saab made the mistake of allowing semi-synth for the lpt's and also the smaller GT17 turbo on the lpt is a weaker unit than the TD04 unit on the Aero, so when modded is pushing it towards the outside of it's 'envelope'.
stevoknevo said:
2000 aeros are indeed 230bhp but they also have a different turbo compared to LPTs. Crucially these cars need a sump drop, or evidence one has bee done recently, to check for sludge issues caused by incorrectly specified oil! 200 quid should get it done. Get over to http://www.uksaabs.co.uk and stick a thread up. Some really knowledgeable 9-5 guys on their. A much underrated car IMO and now easily tuned too!
Not strictly true, my 9-5 2.3LPT is now just over 202k miles and has never had a sump drop (was dealer serviced to 180k, then independent thereafter). It has also only consumed one turbo at 189k miles.However your advice is generally sound. Given the choice I'd go for the Aero, no sludge issues, stronger turbo, stiffer suspension, better brakes, more toys.
davidy
Edited by DavidY on Monday 23 March 09:17
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