OK Oppo, school me on the Saab 9-5 Sportcombi

"Schaef_Camaero Z/28" (schaefz28)
07/12/2019 at 14:35 • Filed to: Saab 95, Saab

There is one for sale locally that caught my eye. It’s a 2007 Aero, automatic in this awesome blue. 100k miles, priced at $5200. Tell me what you know about them! Are they reliable? What is likely to break or need replaced that’s out of the ordinary for other cars of similar age/mileage? Fun to drive? How does the auto trans behave? Are they a headache to work on? Are there areas that are prone to rust?

This would be replacing my 5 speed 2005 Saab 9-2x. I’m pretty torn, because while I do like the Saabaru, I’ve always wished it was about 6" wider and a foot longer. I know the 9-5 is considerably larger than that, and that’s ok as it’ll be on baby hauling duty here very soon. Based on a quick power to weight estimation, both cars should be similarly quick.. I think I could live with the auto, unless it’s just terrible.

In my brief research, I haven’t came across anything too scary. I’m hoping someone on here has some experience with these cars they’d like to share. When in doubt, ask the experts right?

DISCUSSION (31)

Your boy, BJR > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 14:49

Be weary of the autos, they fail in them. Also personal preference but due to all of the “ orphaned brand” issues I’d be hard pressed to pay more than $4k for any Saab.

Schaef_Camaero Z/28 > Your boy, BJR
07/12/2019 at 15:25

Thanks, I’ll see what more I can find about the transmissions..

A saab wagon wasn’t really on my radar, but this blue one really has me thinking about it . For the price and performance, there’s not much out there in wagon form.

punkgoose17 > Your boy, BJR
07/12/2019 at 15:29

After the bankruptcy Saab parts bought, parts, tooling, etc so it should be exceptionally easy to get parts for them. They have more incentive to provide you with parts for a 15 year old car than any current manufacturer.

punkgoose17 > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 15:37

Honestly I want a 9-5 too, and I think they are one of the ugly Saabs.

dogisbadob > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 20:31

I can’t be worse than a Subaru in terms of reliability/easy to work on

Lazyboyfrankie > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 20:41

I’m a SAAB fan. Live in Silicon Valley. When I had my 97 2.0turbo convertible, never wanted to sell it. Lost my job at NUMMI . And bye.

Saab-O-Rama in Santa Cruz is the best repair shop here.

Rancho Cordova in the Sacramento area has a yard of parts. frnkbadillo@gmail.com if you need more information.

Buy it.

VTlee > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 21:16

I own a 9-5 wagon with a 5 speed manual. Biggest concerns are the ignition cassette going bad (car stops running, no codes set), before total death, car will run rich and smoke the CATs. Fuel pump is prone to an early death (but readily accessible under the rear seat), and the throttle body can go bad and cause some running/no start issues.

uplatewithjeff > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 21:33

I’ve owned more than 30 cars and had three Saabs, my sister two. Despite some interweb folk being quick to dis them, all of ours have been exceptionally reliable even when 10 + years old. None have needed major repairs and parts are easily available and average costs. We still have 1 each, both over 150k miles and drive them anywhere without reservation. If its been taken care of it can be a great companion.

Schaef_Camaero Z/28 > VTlee
07/12/2019 at 22:57

Good info, thanks. None of these sound like deal breakers and seem like fairly easy fixes.

GreyElf > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/12/2019 at 23:58

The baffles in the gas tank are also prone to separate, leading to funky fuel gauge readings. The exhaust manifold bolts WILL break. The seat heater switches will cause your rear end to burn off. The turbo will go out some time after 150k...the list goes on

orange57 > VTlee
07/13/2019 at 01:00

I think on the 06+ you lose the access to the fuel pump under the rear seat and need to either drop the tank, or cut a hole in the floor.

JJx > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 02:42

I’m more of a subaru guy but m y parents h ave an 05 aero wagon auto, and I highly recommend. Very comfortable seats, interior is nice for the price point, and handling is nearly comparable to an sti for the first 95% ... Though we have bilsteins on it.

Power wise definitely feels quicker than it is on paper. Auto tranny isn’t great but it doesn’t ruin the car , paddle shifters are slow compared to modern cars.

Has been quite reliable and I enjoy working on it. P arts are easy to come by Lots of factory anti-seize. Cassete packs go so keep a working spare in the trunk, though there typically is a large warning period before total failure in my experience . Only buy oem for those.

Jason Wooding > Your boy, BJR
07/13/2019 at 03:27

Not the case. The autos are actually quite bulletproof. Ive never seen one with a bad auto. And ive been around them long time.

Jason Wooding > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 03:38

Biggest 2 things to watch out for in a 9-5. 1 v6 turbo have a hugh issues with blowing headgaskets no matter what some will say they are a ticking time bomb. 2nd the pvc vents on the 98-2000 were defective and cause sludge in the oil pan resulting in catastrophic failure. Aeros tend to be free of this due to it being requiring full synthetic oil. If a non aero had been using full synthetic oil then it would be ok. 2001 saab updated the vent system and the problem was resolved. In my combi I lucked out the bent was updated and the owner only ised full synthetic. Automatics are bulletproof never seen one dead and the electrics have always been spot on. Outside of worn out rear bushings causing my rear tires to prematurely wear out and other general maintenance these vehicles can go north of 300k without any serious problems. Also these have timing chains no belts to worry about.

Sportcombi > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 04:32

Motor mounts at this mileage usually go if they haven’t been replaced already. Cps, throttle body, DIC are weak points. This year and newer fuel pump can’t be accessed under rear seats. Requires fuel tank drop.

With all that said it's an easy diy car to work on with a lot of space in engine bay. Parts are relatively cheap for a European car and readily accessible online. Super comfortable seats and tons of cargo space. Easy to get power out of with a ecu tune.

Slammo > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 07:28

Buy it. I’ ve owned this exact car for the last 2 years. Mine has 160,000 miles on it and I’ve had no significant issues.

Also, ordering new OEM parts is no longer as difficult as people say. As an example, I replaced a broken rear wiper arm and oil dipstick cap which were made in the new factory in China, and those parts were perfect matches.

I've never owned a Saab before and I just love this car. Who knew a station wagon could be so much fun to drive?

The9-5Guy > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 08:10

My handle doesn’t refer to time... I’ve had lots of these. Things you need to be mindful of.

Direct Ignition Cassette (DIC) is the the coil pack for the car. You should only be buying genuine SEM (Saab) or NGK branded units. No proparts Sweden or anything else like that. They are a complicated electrical until inside and third party manufacturers have never had a good track record with them. Make sure you keep a spare unit in the car. Generally new ones last 100k plus but don’t want to get stranded.

Use only NGK Laser Platinum plugs. No Iridium, No anything else.

Oil should be either Rotella T6 or some kind of 0-40 synthetic. I prefer Mobil 1 0-40. Change this in the 3000-5000 mile range. Lower the better.

The automatic transmissions had an issue with the valve body solenoids in 02-early 04. Your proposed car is fine.

Good cars. Very safe. Comfortable. Lots of room. Good performance for what it is. I still drive them willingly. Because I can’t justify the spending 60-70k on the same level of space, performance and safety when I have a couple of these that check all the boxes.

G ood luck with your purchase

RT > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 09:25

Looking at a bunch of reviews and ownership stories, here’s what I found:

Pros:

+ Very comfortable seats.

+ High safety rating for its time.

+ Parts available here: www.saabusaparts.com.

Cons:

- The 2.3 engine has major oil sludge problems , so maintain it carefully .

- Critcised for poor handling (lurch understeer); slightly corrected later on.

- Based on a Vauxhall Vectra . :)

Most of its major reliability faults were corrected in the post-2004 models, but I gather it’s less ‘fun to drive’ and more of a comfortable cruiser. If that fits your bill, go for it. Still, listen out for timing chain rattle - and be sure to check the oil.

John > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 09:56

I had a 2001 9-5 wagon which I regrettably sold last year. The DIC went bad around 100k but threw codes, lit the engine light, didn’t leAve me stranded. Simple replacement via ebay. Replaced a bad wheel bearing, some other front end parts. And i changed the oil religiously with full syn. The manual trans is supposedly better for the sludge problem but I don’t know about 2007. It’s not a sporty shifter, pretty rubbery actually. Might be better off w auto. Easy to work on. Huge. You can carry anything in it.

Your boy, BJR > Jason Wooding
07/13/2019 at 10:05

I mean, I was trying to get an aero V6 for awhile but the two I looked at slammed when I put it in reverse and had a leaking transmission.

Dmclaude > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 10:28

Not to be a smartass but have you considered a v70r? I have the worst year (04 auto) but they have amazing seats, AWD and 300hp. The issue I have with the Saabs of this era are that they are basically just GMs and don’t drive great . I had a 9-2x previously as well, which was slightly better in practical terms because the entire drivetrain was Subaru and it drove light years better than the GM Saabs.

Tim > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 13:33

I run a Saab specialist shop. I’ve owned 7 Saabs and am responsible for the maintenance of hundreds of 9-5s over the last decade. They are great cars with a few weak links. Transmissions not as bad as a previous commenter may have indicated. Occasional failures at most, if maintained remotely well . Ignition cassettes are chronic, throttle bodies are common, rust behind the rear doors is chronic and a real killer. The rest is manageable but look closely for rust if it’s been in the salt belt ever. Also check the rear fram e/unibody where the suspension cradle bolts in. Nearly impossible to repair and seems to be a lot more common lately.

Rear suspension bushings tend to separate which causes tire wear. Somewhat of a project to replace them but will be beneficial, long term. Expect them, with 100k on the ( likely) originals.

Also, body parts and lights are extremely expensive so DO NOT CRASH IT. Insurance companies will often total a 9-5 that is totally repairable based on the cost of the parts.

I miss mine. Was very reliable, most are.

For a good price they're a great car to drive that is really easy to fall in love with and no worse to own than any other Euro car.

Ladeefy > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 13:53

I would go for a 2008 9-3 Combi, much better modern car, the 9-5 is about 10 years old in 2007.

orange57 > RT
07/13/2019 at 14:01

The sludge issue was more a problem on the non-Aero versions. In particular when not using synthetic and going for long change intervals. I do 4-5k intervals with M1, and last time I dropped the pan it was clean. That was on an 03. 04+ didn't have the sludge problem, or if they did, was much less of an issue.

RT > orange57
07/13/2019 at 14:20

Thanks for the new information. I did say of its major reliability faults were corrected in the post-2004 models. The rest of the horror stories I heard were about the diesels - and those don’t seem to be around in the US anyway .

May your Saab live long and prosper.

BornfromSAABjets > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 15:14

I drive an auto 2007 9 -5 Arc (and a ‘89 900 SPG) and so far my 9-5 has gone only 104 ,000 miles. I have friends who own a SAAB shop here in CLT and they’ve had multiple people go at least 250,000 miles with no problems (auto or manual) and one guy with 650,000 and climbing. The only thing I’ve had a problem with was the Ignition Cassette (which needs to be replaced with an OEM - not a Chinese ripoff) and the crankshaft position sensor which nearly all fail cause of heat eventually. Oil changes, transmission fluid changes, a nd spark plugs are the only other stuff but that’s standard. A fuel pump soon I guess for preventative maintenance. Great car with decent power and quirky interior stuff. Mine’s worth about $7k and it’s nearly pristine so that price you’re looking at is reasonable.

BornfromSAABjets > punkgoose17
07/13/2019 at 15:16

I agree, p arts are still being made and are easy to find, and lots of stuff is Bosch and GM parts.

DyingWithSaab > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/13/2019 at 20:12

As a actual saab technician at the last offical certified shop in my state. I would say the transmission is fine, depends on prior owners. Most see turbo then beat on the car like a race car. The 9-5 is actually very stout and closest to what saab enthuastists would call a true saab. Most still hold that for the classic 900. Keep up with the work it needs basic services etc. Expect parts cost to be comparable to a bmw 3 series. So yes the car initially is cheap to own but doesnt mean the upkeep is like a honda. My 05 9-3 cvt m5 in the last 50k miles at 130mi now has only needed regular services and the front coils/struts which is very common on 9440 models. The 9-5 i would ask for records of service. May need a ccv or vcg at that mileage. But the manual will be much more enjoyable youve had one this long may as well keep doing it, the last automatic i had within a year wished for a manual. But in my personal experience annual upkeep max is around 1000 avg and if its paid off blows the hell out of new car or any payment for that matter. Dont shy from saabs just be extra detective and feel and drive the car.

95and9-5 > VTlee
07/13/2019 at 23:10

I w ish this were true, but alas, with later model cars it is not. In 2006 the 9-5s changed fuel pump designs so that it’s impossible to remove through the hole in the rear. Y ou have to drop the entire friggin tank. Ask me how I know! Please don’t let this misconception spread; my boss (long tim e saab me chanic) refused to believe it until I showed him. What’s more, the only replacement units are insanely expensive, so I ended up throwing a used part in! What an awful evening.

None of this is to scare you away from the car; the fuel pump problems had been largely fixed by 07.

Cris > Schaef_Camaero Z/28
07/14/2019 at 10:26

I have an 08 Saab 9-5 wagon automatic currently at 188k purchased two years ago , I do an average of 15-20 thousandsl miles per year. it’s really fun to drive and working on the car is easy.. Although replacing the alternator was a challenge still no regrets. I recently replaced 3 motor mounts and subframe bushings are next, considering the amount of power output I can’t complain much. Lastly esaabparts dot Com that’s all the parts you might need

Schaef_Camaero Z/28 > Cris
07/15/2019 at 08:56

That’s good to hear. I drive a similar number of miles/year.