Saab 9-5 Aero Estate (2004ish)

[t84]

Following the MG ZT thread I posted earlier, I don't think I have much confidence buying a car with the MG brand (Call it snobbery if you will, but they must've got their reputation somewhere!)

Does anyone have a 9-5 Aero? Are they any good? Thanks

[aeropilot]

t84 said:

Does anyone have a 9-5 Aero? Are they any good? Thanks

Yup.

They are good value, have stonking mid-range punch, can be quite economical when needed, are safe, roomy, very comfy, have a lot of kit when fitted with the optional Aero Lux Pack.

Yes, they are fwd, so don't expect BMW levels of chassis finesse, and thus arn't great if you try and drive it like a complete hooligan, so, a smooth driving style is needed and if driven that way, they are a quick barge.

[t84]

Thanks, I'll check them out

[fathomfive]

aeropilot said:

t84 said:

Does anyone have a 9-5 Aero? Are they any good? Thanks

Yup.

They are good value, have stonking mid-range punch, can be quite economical when needed, are safe, roomy, very comfy, have a lot of kit when fitted with the optional Aero Lux Pack.

Yes, they are fwd, so don't expect BMW levels of chassis finesse, and thus arn't great if you try and drive it like a complete hooligan, so, a smooth driving style is needed and if driven that way, they are a quick barge.

I'd agree with all of that. They are an accomplished motorway crusier - stable, quick & safe. I averaged 32mpg over 30k miles in mine and somehow managed to avoid understeering wildly into hedges whenever I came to a corner

[t84]

Hmm, it's a tossup between this and the MG ZT-T...

[aeropilot]

t84 said:

Hmm, it's a tossup between this and the MG ZT-T...

I'd have the Saab without question, but then, I would say that. Only had one short drive of the ZT....and it was so, so....although, I do like the look of them.

The engine in the Saab is sooooo much better though

[Jimnic007]

I have one as well and would agree with all of the above, except the MPG, I have averaged 23mpg in the 4000 miles that I have owned it on a mix of runs, but no real hooning - as they are not built for that!

[t84]

Do they feel powerful though? Bear in mind I'd be coming from a 115bhp Focus...

[fathomfive]

Jimnic007 said:

I have one as well and would agree with all of the above, except the MPG, I have averaged 23mpg in the 4000 miles that I have owned it on a mix of runs, but no real hooning - as they are not built for that!

If you're doing a fair few short, stop/start or runs where the engine doesn't get warm enough then I think that's the mpg you can expect - they're a big, heavy car with a whacking great turbo. Keep it below 2500 / 3000 rpm though and the engine runs pretty efficiently.

My mileage was probably 80 / 20 split motorway to urban so my 32mpg reflects that I guess.

As for feeling fast OP - yes, at 3000rpm in 2nd or 3rd when well warmed up they do fly

Check out Youtube, there are a fair few posts of the 30-70mph sprints.

ETA: Off boost they are pretty docile beasts.

Edited by fathomfive on Monday 26th April 20:33

[aeropilot]

t84 said:

Do they feel powerful though? Bear in mind I'd be coming from a 115bhp Focus...

Err......250hp and 350Nm at 1800rpm makes a Focus feel pedestrian in the mid and upper speed ranges.... and I've had a Focus 2.0 Ghia in the household at the same time as the Aero...and my Aero is an auto as well

You won't be able to chuck it around like a Focus though.....but then, neither would you the MG.

Edited by aeropilot on Monday 26th April 20:50

[Fastra]

Always fancied these, next car probably..

Although not an estate this ones nice (plus 1 year Saab dealer warranty too)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

and this with the full screen radio thingy:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

The first one appeals more just due to the warranty back-up.

Edited by Fastra on Monday 26th April 20:53

[dave_s13]

They have awesome midrange punch. Get out of your focus into one of these and floor it in 2nd, you will be amazed.

They are a compromise though.

Mine needed 99RON/Vpower to feel properly quick. The difference with regular 95 RON was marked.

Manual gearbox is a bit $hit TBH, very notchy.

If you regularly boot the thing expect front tyres to go after 7-10k miles.

They are prone to creaks, squeaks and rattles in the cabin.

Without the lux pack the electric drivers seat is a PITA - no memory so if the other half drives it regularly it means having to stand there, in the rain, waiting for the seat to trundle back (my volvo remembers the position based on my setting and defaults to this when you unlock the car).

Stereo is a bit average.

You can't chuck it about like you can a 5 series.

Mine did 22mpg average (54 plate Aero estate).

They are a good car but I would go for an E39 of some kind over one of these.

[aeropilot]

Fastra said:

Always fancied these, nect car probably..

Although not an estate this ones nice (plus 1 year Saab dealer warranty too)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

and this with the full screen radio thingy:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

The first one appeals more just due to the warranty back-up.

First one is a very rare colour. Glacier Blue is the same as mine, and was only available for one year only. Approved used on a car that old is rare, and yes would be nice, but it's still expensive even though it's low miles. Also, doesn't have the Lux Pack which may or may not be an issue.

Second car, is boring silver as a huge amount of them are, & similar miles, similar price, but it does look like it's got the Lux Pack fitted (power fold mirrors are a poss clue), as well as the Sat Nav (which is actually pretty bad though, so should be seen as a deal breaker).

[t84]

What about this one?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Edited by t84 on Monday 26th April 21:02

[aeropilot]

t84 said:

What about this one?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Looks OK

Sounds like it's got the AS3 audio upgrade (8 speaker 200w Harmon Kardon) which is nice to have.