1999 SAAB 9-5 S 2.3 LPT

Summary:

Worth the money

Faults:

Power steering cooling lines rotted and started to leak... cost a lot to fix. Water pump and connector got replaced due to noise.

General Comments:

I spent 4 grand on the car (the body and interior are almost mint) and have since spent about 2 more on repairs and up-keep. Sometimes I scratch my head and wonder how they expected regular maintenance to be done without engine removal though.

Good car that can handle the highway and back roads very well... just be prepared to spend money when stuff breaks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th September, 2007

1999 SAAB 9-5 SE 2.4 turbo

Summary:

Fun car - nightmare repairs

Faults:

It's been a journey...let's see - information display conked out at 50K, two batteries died without warning, relay switch failed - drained battery, driver's seat heater failed (important in Alaska, where I live!), "mystery" problem kept switching the car off even at highway speeds - eventually found out it was a faulty overheating sensor, sunroof leaked, and now I had to have it towed into the shop this morning for what has been diagnosed as a failed throttle body - another $2500 repair.

General Comments:

The car is a joy to drive, when everything is working properly. I love the acceleration, handling, and all of the interior creature comforts.

It handles the Alaska cold weather well, and is very surefooted on snow and icy roads. The car heats up quickly inside, and the seat heaters are wonderful. Seats are really comfortable, and I like the "cockpit" feel of the driver's area.

Hate to think I may have to break down and buy a Subaru like everyone else up here, but I simply can't continue to pay for repairs or -worse- have a car that threatens to strand me in the cold.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th August, 2007

16th Aug 2007, 05:16

I would buy a Volvo AWD instead. That way you will still get that great Swedish feel (superb seats,cockpit, practicality for eg) and not the tacky feel that is in a Subaru as well as great safety!

7th Nov 2007, 10:35

I have a 99 9-5. It has been a nightmare. Here is my latest adventure.

My son lost the key. New key with a chip for a $100 and $60 to program, right, no, not with this car, they had to replace the computer in the car too. Here is what they said, "if you have another key we can do it without replacing the computer." Well if I had another key, I wouldn't need another key.

Total price for a replacement key is going to be $1,000. What idiot designed this system? A car that no one will steal needs this type of Fort Knox key system! Don't think so.

1999 SAAB 9-5 SE 2.3t

Summary:

Nice car, bad turbo

Faults:

Bought the car off a used lot, Car fax came up with no problems, got rear ended, bondo littering the ground, car repaired, drove home oil light lit up, topped off oil, 100 miles later, car sounded like a diesel truck, dealer diagnosed as a sudden turbo seal blowout. $4000 later the car ran like new, 70,000 miles later exact same thing happened, dealer baffled by this. If it was not for the turbo, which is standard on all Saab's, I would buy another one.

General Comments:

Handles well, very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th April, 2007

16th Jul 2011, 01:31

I agree. I just bought a Saab 9-5 1999 with 146,000 miles, and it runs like a well oiled machine. Just have a small head gasket leak and radiator hose leak. Other than that, she's a BEAST!!! I love Saab!!!

1999 SAAB 9-5

Summary:

Great car, expensive to maintain

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I've been driving Saabs for many years and always liked the power, the ride and the comfort. I bought my first one new, but since then have bought two used 9-5s, including the one I drive now. I wouldn't buy another new one. I think they are priced a little high. Apparently, so does the used car market, as they depreciate very rapidly, which is why I have bought the used 9-5s. All three 9-5s have been great. However, the regular maintenance visits are very expensive. After a while, I started skipping the recommended maintenance visits and just regularly changed the oil and other fluids. Seems to work fine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2006