Saab 9-5 3.0 TiD

[Mikeyplum]

Looking at these and they seem to be a lot of car for your money.

Circa 2003 with about 100k miles, the Vector line too.

I've been doing a bit of reading but was interested in any common issues with the engine. I've read so far that there was an issue with the cooling of a particular cylinder which caused the lining to drop.

Sounds terminal but are there any preventative measures available keep?

Feel free to recommend alternatives also. Price range of up to £2k and am after a manual, diesel estate with a bit of oomph :-)

Cheers
Mike

[mywifeshusband]

Have a look at UKSaabs for more information but I'd run away as fast as possible. It's the only Saab to avoid.
It's a case of when rather than if the engine goes bang.

[SlowV6]

If you wander over to http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/ you'll see the 3.0 diesel [Isuzu engine] does not have a good reputation at all. I know it's not very original to suggest this, but a petrol Aero would be miles, miles better. Manual Aero estates are quite hard to find, but even the auto will do 35mpg on a run if you are gentle. If you don't want Aero suspension there are lower power 2.3s available (185bhp and a rare 220bhp model)

If you really want a diesel 9-5's were also available with an old GM 2.2 and after that the Alfa/GM 1.9. The old 2.2 is very reliable but agricultural and not particularly economical, whilst the newer 1.9 seems too prone to big bills as it gets older.

TBH if you want a 9-5 then a petrol 2.3 is the way to go IMHO.

[BorkFactor]

Am I correct in thinking that this engine was fairly trouble free in the Vectra C?

[Superchickenn]

Go petrol.. Ive been telling you goooo petrol :-)

[aeropilot]

BorkFactor said:

Am I correct in thinking that this engine was fairly trouble free in the Vectra C?

Don't know.

But it became fairly trouble free in the 9-5 once GM/Isuza fixed the dropped liner issue in 2004, just before dropping it from the Saab 9-5

A lot of the pre-2004 9-5's were fitted with the revised spec engines under warranty when they went pop, so if looking at an earlier pre-04 9-5 3.0Tdi, check to see if there's any documentation for a warranty engine replacement dated 2004 or later. If so, I'd take a chance on one of those, or a late 2004 production car that would have had the revised engine fitted on the line.

A pre-04 car with no post-04 warranty fit engine or no documentation to prove should be walked away from.

[BorkFactor]

That would tie in with my thoughts - the Vectra got that engine from 2004 or so, so must have the revised version!