Should I buy a Saab?

"THShorn92 - Left his car in America" (thshorn92)
06/18/2015 at 17:16 • Filed to: None

As the title suggests. Should I buy a Saab? To be more specific a black 2009 9-5 Aero Wagon with the sport package. One of my girlfriend’s friends is selling hers. Has 116,000 miles and she wants around $8000 for it. That a fair price? Do these things have any known issues? I am in the process of selling my truck because the job I am about to take is going to have a 30min commute each way and I need something more fuel efficient, but I still want some space. I have always loved the Saab wagons and always wanted an Aero. Only downside is I’m not a huge fan of black. I could get over it......

Here is a picture of one similar, with the roof racks and all.

So Oppo, should I?

DISCUSSION (12)

bob and john > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:22

8 grand seems high...might saab go sub 8, with the majority under 5.

saab engines were fairly reliable. its the GM electronics that can cause a bit of a head ache.

If you could get it for 5.5, id do it.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:23

You should. Sure, every car have something “wrong” with it.. but hey.. it’s a Saab man.. Buy now.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:24

Which engine does the US spec Aero have? 260PS turbo four banger?

bob and john > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
06/18/2015 at 17:29

I believe so. 2.3L

punkgoose17 > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
06/18/2015 at 17:29

Yes you are exactly right, the 2.3L Turbo 260 hp 4 cylinder.

punkgoose17 > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:33

It sounds like a good car. Since it is the last full year of this version 9-5, it should be the most reliable. The price sounds high. Check kbb Saab prices have dropped an insane amount recently.

Amoore100 > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:35

Of course! Well, everything will break at least once and then it’ll cost you a whole lot but Saab! (I have never owned one so it’s all speculation at this point...my mom forbids them after someone she knew apparently had a “brake failure” in a Saab though it was probably more user error...)

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > punkgoose17
06/18/2015 at 17:35

‘sa good motor.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 17:39

Really cool cars but anything over $6500 seems like a bit much honestly

PRBot II > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 19:32

Whether you pull the trigger is all on you of course. But I will say this though, Saabs have been unfairly given a stigma for being unreliable. These are excellent machines, and my 9-3 is still going strong at 280k miles.

pip bip - choose Corrour > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
06/18/2015 at 21:10

yes!

KSTN > THShorn92 - Left his car in America
08/09/2016 at 10:00

I had a black 2006 9-5 Aero wagon and I loved it. (just like in the picture, but no roof racks) Mine was automatic with 161,000 miles (211,000 when sold [because new job is so close I don’t need a daily driver and I only got one parking slot). The air flow sensor was the only thing that broke down while I had it. Awesome car to drive and the night panel actually really helps when driving in the night. I pissed off a lot of BMW guys and ricers on the road (floor it from ~40mph/3rd gear and you’ll notice). 116,000miles is barely broken in yet.

Issues to look out:

-Manual: 1st&2nd gears (Automatic: the gear changer)

-Rust starts from the rear arches

-The wiring links in the tailgate

-Rear shocks and bushings (originals are shit..well, good, but wears out rather quickly)

-Turbo (because it is a weak spot and will eventually start whining in every car that has one.) If you hear it while the car is idling: -take it to your local turbo-head to change the bearings or change the whole thing. Otherwise it’ll blow up after 1-9 months and it will do it somewhere not close to your home/work.

...and to answer the one true question: YES, DO IT. (I would.)