"Khalbali" (khalbali)
04/06/2016 at 16:22 • Filed to: None
0
17|
"Khalbali" (khalbali)
04/06/2016 at 16:22 • Filed to: None | 0
| 17 |
I’ve narrowed down my hopefully-this-summer second car purchase down to either a 9000 or a 9-5, and I wanted to get OPPOs opinions. I’ve owned a 9000 before and it was the worst car related financial decision of my life, but I just picked up a really rough example and want another badly, and I have a lot more knowledge and tools now to tackle repairs myself, plus it wouldn’t be my only car like it was last time. However, they are getting hard to find and I find myself considering a 9-5 also, I know the early cars had sludge issues, but I think it would be nicer from the get-go, whereas the 9000 has a lot more eventual potential. I’ve heard of people making 600hp pretty reliably out of the 9000 with minimal mods, but what about the auto trans? How much can that take? Yes I’d probably go with an auto, I already have a Miata and want more of a fast comfy road trip machine. I much prefer the styling of the 9000 but the 9-5 is ok as a wagon. What does OPPO think?
Bytemite
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 16:24 |
|
Why a saab? Over everything else?
Slant6
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 16:28 |
|
Had a 2000 9-5 wagon for a few years. Any questions?
BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 16:28 |
|
I’d go for a 9000 :) not entirely certain why, but I just like them more.
No idea how the auto ‘box holds up to power. Why not find a manual, or have you already got a car in mind?
bob and john
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 16:29 |
|
the 9-5 will be easier to get parts for over the 9000
|
Khalbali
> BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
04/06/2016 at 16:39 |
|
Nothing specific in mind yet, need to save up a bit first. I just have had manuals my entire life, and DD a manual NC, and the goal of this project is something different to complement that. Considered everything from econolines to rivieras, but have always loved Saabs and miss my 9000, and think a fast comfy Swedish hatchback would work well with the miata. I'm open to the manual but they're even harder to find and I think the auto might fit my purposes better, especially since my wife has yet to learn stick and this would be a road tripper for us once it's sorted.
|
Khalbali
> bob and john
04/06/2016 at 16:40 |
|
Yeah definitely a consideration. Especially since I can do the labor myself now so parts are really the main consideration.
|
Khalbali
> Bytemite
04/06/2016 at 16:45 |
|
I've just always loved Saabs and what they represent, especially the 9000. Saab was a company run by engineers, which is why they failed, but they made some great stuff. The 9000 was supposed to be identical to the 164 and the Thema and then Saab just kept tinkering with it and ended up with almost no identical parts.
|
Khalbali
> Slant6
04/06/2016 at 16:50 |
|
Is the key between the seats as awesome as it sounds? That's one of the few knocks against the 9000, doesn't seem like a true Saab without it.
|
Slant6
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 16:53 |
|
It’s fun.
|
Khalbali
> Slant6
04/06/2016 at 16:59 |
|
What engine did you have? I feel like with the 9-5 I'd be looking for the aero, as I'm less sure about the tunability. The 9000 I'd take even the low pressure turbo since the potential is all still there.
PorkchoPlissken
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 17:05 |
|
God those louvers are great. More Saabs with louvers please.
|
Khalbali
> PorkchoPlissken
04/06/2016 at 17:14 |
|
My other favorite.
TFSIVTEC drivesavolvo
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 19:41 |
|
As a 9-3 owner I'd say go for the 9000, it's got more potential like you noted and it possesses far more style and presence than a 9-5
|
Slant6
> Khalbali
04/06/2016 at 23:38 |
|
I had the LPT. Pretty fun, but I’ve never driven an Aero.
Aero
> Khalbali
04/07/2016 at 01:49 |
|
I’ve owned a bunch of 9-5s, mostly Aeros. If you have to have an auto then get an ‘02 or newer. They came with the 5-speed Aisin-Warner trans that can handle a little over 300hp and have much better shift feel and acceleration over the earlier cars. With a Stage 3 or 4 tune it would be a blast and still be reliable.
My current DD is an ‘01 Aero with a manual trans and a Stage 4 tune from JZW. It’s ridiculously fun and hasn’t had any issues in the 10k miles since I installed all of the goodies (3" turbo-back, intake, intercooler, tune). In ‘02 the Aero got a bunch of interior/exterior changes that make for a nicer DD including self leveling HIDs, better bolstered seats, back-up sensors, etc.
The sludge issue was due to poor service intervals and a badly designed PCV system, with proper intervals and synthetic oil it’s usually not a problem. Just make sure the previous owners actually took care of the car and had the PCV system updated.
|
Khalbali
> Aero
04/07/2016 at 01:54 |
|
Awesome, good to hear. What kind of power did you get from the tune?
|
Aero
> Khalbali
04/07/2016 at 02:13 |
|
It’s around 310hp and 340lb/ft tq at the crank. I’m currently at the limit of the pistons, but once they’re changed I’m shooting for ~375hp. With a modified TD04 you can get decent power and still have quick spool.