The Saab 9-5. I've never thought about one before, until now

[Fun Bus]

I've seen a 69k mile, Saab 9-5 2.2TiD Vector saloon at a Saab dealer near to me. It looks and sounds a nice thing. The thing is, I know little about what to look for on a Saab so I need some advice please. It's an Automatic and would replace my Vectra 1.9CDTi which I'm staggeringly bored of after nearly 20k miles.

I'll be doing the usual Google searches too but always like to draw on the knowledge we have on here.

Oh, and the Saab section looks very quiet here and I'm going to look at the car tomorrow I've just decided!

[NiceCupOfTea]

Don't know much about the diesels. Check all the pixels work on the SID!

[Fun Bus]

I think the 2.2TiD had a 120bhp engine?! Someone tell me I've just mis-read that!

[ukmike2000]

The main thing you need to know is that if it is the latest shape 9-5 you may not be able to get a new windscreen if you are unfortunate enough to chip the one thats in. Autocar had a long termer just before Saab went pop and they couldn't get a screen replacement. Older Saabs should be ok. Tough as old boots, but get a bit baggy after some wear. Recent Saabs are mainly GM bits under the skin so don't expect a revelation over the Vectra. But the Saab will always be a lot cooler than a Vauxhall.

[Rovinghawk]

I'd suggest a petrol with manual gearbox- petrols for fewer problems, manual as the auto isn't much cop IMHO.

RH

[Fun Bus]

Thanks chaps. I've just learnt the car I'm looking at does have a 120bhp lump with an auto box. Doesn't sound much in a car the size of the 9-5.

I bet the earth rotates faster.

[slippery]

That engine is a dog. I had a 3.0 V6 Tid for 59k to 159k with no issues and found it a great drive. I may have been lucky though, as there are stories of slipped cylinder liners trashing the engines.

[ukmike2000]

Fun Bus said:

Thanks chaps. I've just learnt the car I'm looking at does have a 120bhp lump with an auto box. Doesn't sound much in a car the size of the 9-5.

I bet the earth rotates faster.

You may be surprised - it certainly won't be short of torque and you might find it more than serves its purpose.

[otolith]

Don't care how much torque it has, that's an awful lot of car for 120bhp to haul along.

[NiceCupOfTea]

otolith said:

Don't care how much torque it has, that's an awful lot of car for 120bhp to haul along.

But isn't it the torque that does the hauling?

[otolith]

If you have little power despite loads of torque, you mustn't be making your torque at higher revs - which means that you will have to run longer gears, which will negate the loads of torque.

[fathomfive]

You'd be much better off with a nice 9-5 Aero

[slippery]

fathomfive said:

You'd be much better off with a nice 9-5 Aero

Quite, although happier may be a more accurate way of putting it than better off!

[Triumph Man]

otolith said:

Don't care how much torque it has, that's an awful lot of car for 120bhp to haul along.

My dad test drove one about 6 years ago, before buying a Volvo, and he said it was horrifically slow.

[Fun Bus]

fathomfive said:

You'd be much better off with a nice 9-5 Aero

I'd love one. Not sure I'd want the running costs on 30k pa though!

[slippery]

Without wishing to send things off topic, the Volvo S60 or S80 D5 would be a far better proposition.

[v8will]

slippery said:

Without wishing to send things off topic, the Volvo S60 or S80 D5 would be a far better proposition.

I agree, I have a Saab 9-5 petrol and the S60 is a better car in almost every way IMHO. I have alot of time for the D5 engine.

[Hunnt]

I am on my second petrol 95, both with LPG conversions. Both bullet proof, cheap to run, v comfortable. Hugely cheap to buy. Last one under £6k at 26k miles
Beware risk of poor spares availability. For this reason NFU won't insure them!

[dave stew]

Get a T5 Volvo. Scandi style and comfort - still get the bits and no engine slushing issues!

[HeatonNorris]

slippery said:

That engine is a dog. I had a 3.0 V6 Tid for 59k to 159k with no issues and found it a great drive. I may have been lucky though, as there are stories of slipped cylinder liners trashing the engines.

The 3.0TiD has an awful reputation.

Given the purchase prices, there's absolutely no reason why you'd buy anything other than an Aero HOT.

The only exception would be if you do silly miles / year, then a 1.9TiD may make sense - just a shame it never got the 1.9TTiD as used in the 9-3.