Faults:

The Saab 9-5 series began production in 1997 and is soon to be replaced.

Over this time there has been very little changes to the car, and most of them cosmetic.

Balance chains, turbos, timing covers and SID displays are common faults.

General Comments:

In my experience in selling Saab's for over ten years, the 9-5 still remains one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven.

The ergonomics are first class and very intuitive.

The seats are outstanding for long drives.

The turbo engines are outstanding with the 184 kw engine being a highlight.

Safety is unsurpassed and not compromised.

Not the best handling sedan when pushed hard.

Can be expensive to maintain; purchase an extended warranty if buying from a dealer.

Faults:

Driver's electric Seat failed - Fixed under warranty.

Alloy wheel cracked.

Water pump failed.

Car sounding like a diesel. Was told to change oil to free up oil pressure valve.

Turbo failed after driving off after oil change.

Timing chain tensioner broke.

General Comments:

This was my second Saab, and I thought that I would have a repeat of my last wonderful experience of the brand.

I was well disappointed.

I purchased the car from the guys that serviced my 9000 for 5 years, thinking it would live up to the reliability and solid build quality. I was wrong.

The timing chain coming off was the last straw for me.

One thing though. When it was running, it was the nicest, smoothest and quickest car I have ever had the privilege of owning.

Were it not for the high running costs and the amount of problems, I would still have it now.

It looked good, drove nice, but let me down once too many times.

Faults:

This list does not capture even half of what I've done to the car - just the things I can think of off the top of my head.

Head gasket blew at 98000 miles

Transmission failed at 97000 miles

Some sensor - I can't remember the name, but the car stopped working altogether because this sensor went out and it cost almost $1000 to fix everything at the dealer

Battery failed at 80,000 miles

SID doesn't work

Tie rods replaced.

General Comments:

I love this car and I hate it. I feel like I've been slowly replacing every singly component of the car since I got it. I spend at least $1500/year on the car on repairs, except for when the transmission blew - that cost me an additional $3500 (and I got a fantastic deal from a transmission repair shop - the dealer was going to charge me $6000).

I've dreamt of selling it many times, though I haven't because I'm still paying off the car loan. I only have 2 more years though and then I can sell it if I want to.

When it runs well it is a pleasure to own and a luxury to drive, especially long distances. The only downside is that it so often needs such costly repairs.

Faults:

Pixels on SID (System Information Display), top one pixels on ac control unit. I did fix the top unit myself; just google how to fix sid pixel display saab 95.

An engine breather pipe on rear of engine that attaches to the cam shaft cover at the front left (when looking at engine standing in front of grille). A new one costs A$68.00, but I just used some coolant pipe at a cost of A$10.00.

The most major problem we have had was not long after picking up the vehicle from the second hand dealer.

1. The cam shaft balance chain was rattling and making excessive noise... SAAB recommended replacing the chain.

2. The rear passenger (RH rear) door lock was not responding with electronic locking means.

Because the car was less than 10 years old and had less than 150,000kms on the clock, the State of Victoria has a statutory 3 month warranty, and as such both items were fixed free of charge; the latter of the two was simply replaced with a second hand unit whilst the first was sent to SAAB in South Melbourne, where the balance chain was replaced; normally a A$2500.00 job that involves the removal of major components etc.

Have not had a problem since the work was done. The only thing wrong with the car now is a dented rim from a pot hole, and I'm still waiting for the insurance to get a new one for me; SAAB are getting one from shipped in from overseas.

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable for long drives.

Dual climate and heated seats are great features.

Not the fastest car, but it's a pleasure to drive hard if you know how to handle a front wheel drive vehicle.

Economical on those long trips, returning around 7.5 to 7.8 litres per 100kms (about 29 to 33 MPG, I think that's imperial MPG though, someone check for me LOL).

Interior is crammed full of storage, and the leather seats are great with the kids; just wipe up the mess, and I use leather cleaner and nourishing spray at least once a month.

Love the car, and just have to wonder about the level of service you guys get in the US from SAAB. Is GM the same with their cars, remembering that GM own 100% of SAAB?

To not buy a SAAB 95 based on the feedback here is probably a little rash in my book; I would like to know how many of these lemons are one pre-owner vehicles that had a full service history with Saab prior to having these problems; I guess it wouldn't be many?

I bought mine because of its' service history and the fact it was a one owner vehicle.

And if you buying or thinking of buying a 9-5, do the research; check the service history etc etc, and if anything is amiss, then move to the next vehicle or even better buy certified SAAB cars only.

Cheers guys and enjoy your drive/ride.