Buying a SAAB post-Bankruptcy?

"Dann" (ammerty) 08/19/2013 at 08:09 • Filed to: SAAB

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I'm looking at retiring the Magna and getting into something more interesting. Among other vehicles, I am considering a '03-'07 Saab 9-5 (ideally a MY04/05 9-5 SportEstate, pre-MY06 update), and, to a lesser extent, a MY03-on 9-3 (less so for its GM overtones).

I should say, I've had a thing for all things SAAB (and Volvo, so lets just say Swedish) since well before being able to drive.

I'm sure we're all well versed on SAAB's red-inked journey into ruin, so my question is would you buy a SAAB post-bankruptcy?

From what I have researched, part availability isn't a major issue. I know here, in Australia, SAAB has a distributor (albeit sole) who ships nationwide, and many niche workshops and wreckers exist. I think the main concern is finding a mainstream workshop (if need be) to work on them (though I don't think their odd-ball enough to have a mechanic rip their hair out maniacally seeing as the 9-3 uses the GM Ecotec engine, and the 9-5 uses an evolution of the SAAB H-engine that has effectively been around since 1990.)

The upside of SAABs predicament, if there was one, is the value on the used car market for the buyer. MY02-on 9-5s and MY03-on 9-3s start from less than $7000, which make them particularly attractive when comparing to similarly aged Euros.

What are your thoughts?

BarryDanger > Dann 08/19/2013 at 10:21

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I am in the same boat, this just came up for sale in Colorado and I really do want.

Turbo X Sedan MT6

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. :)

terrunt > BarryDanger 08/19/2013 at 11:11

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I've heard they can be worked on by most workshops that deal with GM? There's a fair amount of crossover apparently. I haven't owned one, though, so don't take my word for it.

Spikejnz - Ezekiel 25:17, trolls! > Dann 08/19/2013 at 12:28

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Back in March I got the Saab itch again. I've previously owned a 1st gen 900 and a 1st gen 9000 Turbo, but I hadn't had a Saab in my stable in almost 15 years. I was originally going to go with a cheap beater DD and invest in a clean 900 SPG, but decided to go with a newer 9-3 instead. I ended up getting this '08 9-3 Aero for a true bargain and I've been quite happy since.

Parts aren't a huge issue given that NEVS has purchased the parts arm of Saab and will be ramping up production with suppliers. I haven't regretted my decision to purchase one in the least.

Spikejnz - Ezekiel 25:17, trolls! > terrunt 08/19/2013 at 12:31

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Any shop that has Tech II Security access can program the ECM. Your best bet is to find a Cadillac dealership, as the 2.8 in the Aero/TurboX was also used in the SRX in 2010.

I wish I could have found a TX, but I'm quite happy with my '08 Aero auto. A JZW Stage 1 tune is alone bumps power to 320HP/409TQ. Stage 5? 415/532.

Dann > Spikejnz - Ezekiel 25:17, trolls! 08/20/2013 at 03:17

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Glad to head your experience has been positive, the pros are stacking up and I think its going to be a tight decision between a 9-5, 9-3, or similar vintage Volvo V50 or S60.

How do you find your Aero? I see you're happy with it, how is it to live with on a day-to-day basis, assuming you use it as a daily?

Spikejnz - Ezekiel 25:17, trolls! > Dann 08/20/2013 at 10:08

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The only thing I don't like is the gas mileage. I work 10-minutes from home, and I live in a large suburban area of an even larger Kansas City metro, so I don't have to go far to find the things I love. Because of that, I average ~14-16 MPG. I can get upwards of 18 if I keep my foot out of the throttle ... but what's the fun in that? On purely highway trips I can get up to 28 MPG.

Still, it's super fun to drive, and it's rather stealth in how quick it is. When shopping I was looking for either a 9³ Aero or a S60R—the latter of which has numerous drivetrain issues. Good luck in whatever you decide!