2002 SAAB 9-5 Linear review from North America
"It is an overrated, overly expensive, poorly built toy"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
We bought this car used because we wanted something smaller and sportier, and had heard that SAABs were safe and reliable. One month after we got it the turbocharger impeller fractured. Fortunately, the used car warranty covered it or it would have been a $4000 repair.
The car needed a thermostat replacement soon after, and the bill exceeded $250 to replace a $14 part.
A water pump failure soon followed with a $500 bill to go with it.
We have replaced at least 8 headlight bulbs during this two year period, half the dash lights are out, and the radio has so much static on "AM" that you can't listen to it. It is obviously an electrical problem because by pushing in on the radio, the sound improves.
General comments?
This is the most overrated automobile I have ever owned. I am aghast that anyone would buy this new at $38,000 and justify the purchase.
I cannot wait to trade it in on an American car and be done with the experiment. Oh yes ---- one more comment. The service is so expensive that whenever it goes in for its regular service intervals, I call it the $500 car wash. It comes out running just like it did when it went in, except that it is clean.
Recommended reviews
| It is the best of times, the worst of times |
|
| Can't be beat for the price, and that's not a fair way of looking at this gem |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 106000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Grand Caravan |
| Date of Entry | 18th February, 2007 |