Considering 9-5 Aero - few q's

Considering 9-5 Aero - few q's

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itguy

Original Poster:

10 posts

175 months

Tuesday 28th August 2012
quotequote all
Hi everyone

I've done quite a bit of research over the last few weeks into the 9-5 aero estate as I'm seriously considering buying one shortly.

I've had various cars before including an 850 T5 (manual) and a V70 T5 (auto). I've never owned a Saab.

We've currently got a new shape mini clubman diesel which we're finding too small and far too noisy on long trips, which we're starting to make more and more - so back into a bigger car.

Now, I'm not keen on the dame Edna era, or the pre-02 cars, so that leaves me with the 02-04 period (as the 05 spec cars seemed to drop in standard kit!).

I've got a few quick questions which I can't seem to find the answers to anywhere else if poss ;

1) on the 02-04 spec cars, does the auto dim rear view mirror come as standard? Rain sensor also?
2) I know that the overboost feature is on the manual cars only, and I'm not really bothered auto or manual, but there are more autos around. If I got an auto, are they noticeably slower than the manuals? Book 0-60 times are almost a second slower for the autos!?
3) any observations for me of an aero vs the t5s I've owned before?
4) how comfortable are the seats? Both my wife and I have sensitive backs and we regularly do a 5 hr trip to Cornwall. The mini is killing us at the moment!!
5) tyre/cabin noise - how quiet are the aeros? I would always run decent soft rubber (conti sport contact 3s probably) not cheap nankangs but are they a soothing cruiser?
6) is there a PDF brochure or spec sheet knocking around for these?!? Can't find one anywhere!!

I'm a decent, competent home mechanic so none of the pcv, sump off, di cassette stuff worries me. Par for the course.

Thanks

Will

Prof Beard

6,669 posts

234 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
itguy said:
Hi everyone

I've done quite a bit of research over the last few weeks into the 9-5 aero estate as I'm seriously considering buying one shortly.

I've had various cars before including an 850 T5 (manual) and a V70 T5 (auto). I've never owned a Saab.

We've currently got a new shape mini clubman diesel which we're finding too small and far too noisy on long trips, which we're starting to make more and more - so back into a bigger car.

Now, I'm not keen on the dame Edna era, or the pre-02 cars, so that leaves me with the 02-04 period (as the 05 spec cars seemed to drop in standard kit!).

I've got a few quick questions which I can't seem to find the answers to anywhere else if poss ;

1) on the 02-04 spec cars, does the auto dim rear view mirror come as standard? Rain sensor also?
2) I know that the overboost feature is on the manual cars only, and I'm not really bothered auto or manual, but there are more autos around. If I got an auto, are they noticeably slower than the manuals? Book 0-60 times are almost a second slower for the autos!?
3) any observations for me of an aero vs the t5s I've owned before?
4) how comfortable are the seats? Both my wife and I have sensitive backs and we regularly do a 5 hr trip to Cornwall. The mini is killing us at the moment!!
5) tyre/cabin noise - how quiet are the aeros? I would always run decent soft rubber (conti sport contact 3s probably) not cheap nankangs but are they a soothing cruiser?
6) is there a PDF brochure or spec sheet knocking around for these?!? Can't find one anywhere!!
Ive had a fair bit of Saab experience (we've owned three) but our Estate is a 2001 9-5 SE and not an Aero so I'll just answer the questions I'm confident on:

2) Saab autos are slower 0-60 but you wont notice any real difference where it matters - mid-range/overtaking acceleration - an Aero will be faster than most cars here, auto or manual.
4) Saab seats are VERY good - get the electric ones if you can for maximum adjustment
5) Tyre noise should not be an issue. Cabin noise should be low unless someone has fitted an aftermarket exhaust


chasdad

276 posts

151 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
Hi I've had my 9-5 aero for roughly 5 months.never having one before I was surprised how quick it is.mines an auto.
After having loads of cars,last 2 being e39 5 series I,m disappointed with the overall build quality and road noise.
Fuel economy is pretty bad averaging mid 20's round town and about 37 on a run.
For the money you get a lot of car with loads of toys.mmines a 2 owner full Saab history on 115k on an 02 and cost me £1600
I wouldn't buy another which is a shame . I'll be going back to bmw unfortunately.hope this helps a bit

chasdad

276 posts

151 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
Hi I've had my 9-5 aero for roughly 5 months.never having one before I was surprised how quick it is.mines an auto.
After having loads of cars,last 2 being e39 5 series I,m disappointed with the overall build quality and road noise.
Fuel economy is pretty bad averaging mid 20's round town and about 37 on a run.
For the money you get a lot of car with loads of toys.mmines a 2 owner full Saab history on 115k on an 02 and cost me £1600
I wouldn't buy another which is a shame . I'll be going back to bmw unfortunately.hope this helps a bit

Allblackdup

3,312 posts

215 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
I've owned my manual 9-5 Aero estate since Feburary so hopefully i can answer your questions. Mine will be up for sale shortly as i've now moved house to within a few miles so its not getting used anymore but forgetting about that i've given my honest views on your questions below.

If i can help with anything further on the car in general, please feel free to drop me an email/message.



itguy said:
Hi everyone

I've done quite a bit of research over the last few weeks into the 9-5 aero estate as I'm seriously considering buying one shortly.

I've had various cars before including an 850 T5 (manual) and a V70 T5 (auto). I've never owned a Saab.

We've currently got a new shape mini clubman diesel which we're finding too small and far too noisy on long trips, which we're starting to make more and more - so back into a bigger car.

Now, I'm not keen on the dame Edna era, or the pre-02 cars, so that leaves me with the 02-04 period (as the 05 spec cars seemed to drop in standard kit!).

I've got a few quick questions which I can't seem to find the answers to anywhere else if poss ;

1) on the 02-04 spec cars, does the auto dim rear view mirror come as standard? Rain sensor also?

Auto dim mirror comes on automatically, brilliant feature and it works far better than the one on my old Passat. Don't think mine has the rain sensor though but i could be wrong as i've never noticed it.

2) I know that the overboost feature is on the manual cars only, and I'm not really bothered auto or manual, but there are more autos around. If I got an auto, are they noticeably slower than the manuals? Book 0-60 times are almost a second slower for the autos!?

Mine's a manual, which has quite a strong, slightly stiff change though i've read its very common on 9-5's to have worn gear linkages although you don't really notice it other than pulling off in first, but I've no idea on the overboost function?...

3) any observations for me of an aero vs the t5s I've owned before?

I owned a V70R previously and they've very similar in size, to drive and in running costs. I did find the Volvo quite expensive to look after, even at a specialists. The Saab specialists who look after my Aero are brilliant, very highly recommended which has definitely made the saab ownership a bit better i'd say. Both are great cars, very safe, very comfortable and both have the smile factor when you went through the gears biggrin

4) how comfortable are the seats? Both my wife and I have sensitive backs and we regularly do a 5 hr trip to Cornwall. The mini is killing us at the moment!!

Had a few back issues in the past too and the seats in the Saab are some of the most comfortable i've ever sat in! Long journeys driving this with no issues whatsoever.

5) tyre/cabin noise - how quiet are the aeros? I would always run decent soft rubber (conti sport contact 3s probably) not cheap nankangs but are they a soothing cruiser?

Cabin noise is fine, the tyres on mine aren't great quality thanks to the MOT station so i'd say on some roads there's a bit of tyre noise but its not something i really notice to be honest.

6) is there a PDF brochure or spec sheet knocking around for these?!? Can't find one anywhere!!

No idea, though there's a lot of kit on these things!

I'm a decent, competent home mechanic so none of the pcv, sump off, di cassette stuff worries me. Par for the course.

Thanks

Will

otolith

58,909 posts

211 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
Bought a manual 52 reg Aero estate in December.

Really happy with it. Performance is decent, heated electrically adjusted memory seats incredibly comfortable. Auto dipping mirror and rain sensing wipers present and correct. Refinement is decent, that car is quiet and comfortable. It does 26-27 mpg day to day and will get close to 40mpg on a run. It's needed rear bushes and a leaking water pump replacing. We had the sump dropped and a full main dealer service as a precaution. Everything works, nothing has fallen off or broken and the interior trim looks and feels in good nick.

PhilipAlfa

359 posts

181 months

Thursday 30th August 2012
quotequote all
I bought a 9-5 Aero Estate (a Dame Edna) 2 years ago and still have it so I guess that must say something. I can't answer all your questions but here's the answers I can give:

2) I know that the overboost feature is on the manual cars only, and I'm not really bothered auto or manual, but there are more autos around. If I got an auto, are they noticeably slower than the manuals? Book 0-60 times are almost a second slower for the autos!?
>> I have a manual but actually wish I went for the auto now - I find the box a bit notchy and I think an auto would suit the car more.

4) how comfortable are the seats? Both my wife and I have sensitive backs and we regularly do a 5 hr trip to Cornwall. The mini is killing us at the moment!!
>> It will be infinitely more comfortable than a Mini! Not as much fun, but a lot more comfortable.

5) tyre/cabin noise - how quiet are the aeros? I would always run decent soft rubber (conti sport contact 3s probably) not cheap nankangs but are they a soothing cruiser?
>> Cruising is what these cars do best. I have Conti's on mine and have no complaints. We only ever use the car for long runs and yes it's pretty soothing.

Hope that helps and good luck

Philip


kwak

210 posts

159 months

Thursday 30th August 2012
quotequote all
chasdad said:
Hi I've had my 9-5 aero for roughly 5 months.never having one before I was surprised how quick it is.mines an auto.
After having loads of cars,last 2 being e39 5 series I,m disappointed with the overall build quality and road noise.
Fuel economy is pretty bad averaging mid 20's round town and about 37 on a run.
For the money you get a lot of car with loads of toys.mmines a 2 owner full Saab history on 115k on an 02 and cost me £1600
I wouldn't buy another which is a shame . I'll be going back to bmw unfortunately.hope this helps a bit
What is it about the build quality that dissapoints you? Bits falling off?

chasdad

276 posts

151 months

Friday 31st August 2012
quotequote all
kwak said:
What is it about the build quality that dissapoints you? Bits falling off?
Nothing falling off as yet.just the quality of the plastics inside seem a bit cheap and no different to say a mondeo or vectra.
Has some nice quirky ideas which make it a

chasdad

276 posts

151 months

Friday 31st August 2012
quotequote all
chasdad said:
Nothing falling off as yet.just the quality of the plastics inside seem a bit cheap and no different to say a mondeo or vectra.
Has some nice quirky ideas which make it a
Sorry pressed wrong button!
As regarding purchasing a manual or auto if you don't mind either I,d go for the best you can of either.mines an auto and for everyday driving it's more than quick enough.if there is only a second difference to 60 I'd have an auto .not the smoothest of boxes though.
Personally I'd rather another 5 series. My 528 although nowhere near as quick felt a lot more car for not a lot more money

julianm

1,589 posts

208 months

Sunday 2nd September 2012
quotequote all
Cruising on A roads 30 miles to work & back I get 38mpg from my `95 Aero manual, find everything else very good too - certainly handles better than my old 9000`s. Poke when you need it for artic overtaking, otherwise as civilised as you could want. Keep up with the regular oil change - fully synthetic only to extend to 200k with no problems.
(Don`t do a search for saab sludge or you`ll be there for hours - not a problem with the later cars.)

Andy_sx

2,410 posts

213 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
and this is why i love this place, all the basic info I need to help me in my car buying decisions.

Now, ayone want to swap an aero estate for a vx220 and cash my way... nope, doubt it!

Mr E

22,116 posts

266 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
Andy_sx said:
and this is why i love this place, all the basic info I need to help me in my car buying decisions.

Now, ayone want to swap an aero estate for a vx220 and cash my way... nope, doubt it!
Not given that we also own something similar already, as do other posters on this thread...

itguy

Original Poster:

10 posts

175 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for all the info guys - hopefully going to take a look at a 81k mile 04 plate aero HOT estate at the weekend. Looks like its a decent one, 18" oem wheels, two tone leather, lux pack, auto etc.

Have even found a dormant insurnace policy of mine which still has 3yrs no claims on it!

No to convince the wife :-/

Andy_sx

2,410 posts

213 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
Mr E said:
Andy_sx said:
and this is why i love this place, all the basic info I need to help me in my car buying decisions.

Now, ayone want to swap an aero estate for a vx220 and cash my way... nope, doubt it!
Not given that we also own something similar already, as do other posters on this thread...
Now that is a situation I would love to be in, but currently can only do one car, and would like to free up some cash for a house deposit aswell (plus lack of parking currently)

Had an old 900 turbo and loved the midrange, but now I would prefer an estate for the dog / bike / snowboarding / windsurfing gear etc (always had a bit of a dirty thing for estates aswell, prefer them over almost all saloon varients!)

Allblackdup

3,312 posts

215 months

Sunday 9th September 2012
quotequote all
Andy_sx said:
Mr E said:
Andy_sx said:
and this is why i love this place, all the basic info I need to help me in my car buying decisions.

Now, ayone want to swap an aero estate for a vx220 and cash my way... nope, doubt it!
Not given that we also own something similar already, as do other posters on this thread...
Now that is a situation I would love to be in, but currently can only do one car, and would like to free up some cash for a house deposit aswell (plus lack of parking currently)

Had an old 900 turbo and loved the midrange, but now I would prefer an estate for the dog / bike / snowboarding / windsurfing gear etc (always had a bit of a dirty thing for estates aswell, prefer them over almost all saloon varients!)
How much cash are we talking?? wink

Andy_sx

2,410 posts

213 months

Monday 10th September 2012
quotequote all
Now thats a good question indeed wink more than the dopey dealer offered me as a part ex on Saturday thats for certain!

Depends wholey on the value of the Aero in the deal I guess, am going to advertise mine for £7k but if a suitabl deal is available, figures can be manipulated (especially as I am looking to move abroad next year for a few years, so tops up my 'living away' fund)

Allblackdup

3,312 posts

215 months

Sunday 16th September 2012
quotequote all
Thanks Andy. I'm going to advertise my Aero soon so I'll get in touch if/when I decide what I'm going to replace it with.

Davie

4,985 posts

222 months

Wednesday 26th September 2012
quotequote all
Rather than start a new thread, I hope the O.P doesn't mind me jumping on board here. I've also been toying with the idea of a 9.5 Hot Aero for a while now and given the current steed (a V70 diesel) is a) dying and b) bloody tedious to drive! Like the O.P I've owned T5 and R spec Volvo but found them to be terrible on fuel and seriously hated by the good lady. Aside for that, I think they're fabulous but for the running costs alone, I doubt I'd have another.

The Saab seems like a superb all rounder and certainly economy figures seem better than the Volvo (I was barely getting mid 20's) plus they seem a little more refined in all aspects? Again, like the O.P an 02 to 04 plate car would be ideal however I've a few questions if you chaps don't mind...

The oil sludging, I'm lead to believe this is less of an issue on the Hot Aero as they were specced to run higher quality oil (fully synthetic) and I'm also lead to believe 2002 onwards, the breather systems were revised and thus, these cars generally shouldn't suffer the issues that the 2.0T and LPT cars do?

In terms of power vs reliability, again hearsay dictates the 2.3 Hot is a slightly weaker lump and thus would for example a 2.0T remapped be a better option long term? I know the 2.0 lump is tunable to rather significant levels whereas the 2.3 seems largely ignored by both Saab and Vauxhall tuners? I wouldn't want to go crazy, a 250bhp 2.3 would be fine but is a standard 2.3 better than a mapped 2.0 for example?

Economy wise, I've seen figures of 40mpg mentioned and whilst it'll never be a patch on the current diesel... it's not far off plus with diesel being dearer and my annual mileage dropping, the fuel bills wouldn't be that different however I was also told a T5 would do mid 30's on a run. None of mine ever cracked 30mpg even driving like a saint. So, high 30's in a 2.3 Hot? Really?

Finally and still on the subject of power, if I understand correctly the 2.3 LPT is circa 185bhp and the 2.3 Hot is 250bhp. Is this power difference just down to mapping and boost pressure or does the Hot have a few more upgardes under the bonnet and indeed mechaniclly over the likes of a 2.3 Vector or are they fundamentally the same car under the skin, all be it with different maps and thus, different power. Though 185bhp to 250bhp is a serious power hike, hence my asking if the 2.3 Hot was a notoriously weaker powerplant as it is running such significant power.

Best regards and thanking you in advance!



Edited by Davie on Wednesday 26th September 00:28

Mr E

22,116 posts

266 months

Wednesday 26th September 2012
quotequote all
Davie said:
The oil sludging, I'm lead to believe this is less of an issue on the Hot Aero as they were specced to run higher quality oil (fully synthetic) and I'm also lead to believe 2002 onwards, the breather systems were revised and thus, these cars generally shouldn't suffer the issues that the 2.0T and LPT cars do?
The 250bhp lump was specced to use fully synth from the start. As long as that's been done, the issue should be avoided.

I can't comment on mapping and relative engine strengths I'm afraid.

Davie said:
Economy wise, I've seen figures of 40mpg mentioned and whilst it'll never be a patch on the current diesel... it's not far off plus with diesel being dearer and my annual mileage dropping, the fuel bills wouldn't be that different however I was also told a T5 would do mid 30's on a run. None of mine ever cracked 30mpg even driving like a saint. So, high 30's in a 2.3 Hot? Really?
Ours is 10 years old, maintained but not babied and driven "normally" on superU. The computer states 35mpg on 70mph cruise. The best we've done on a tank is 516 miles with ~50miles left. I worked it out as 33-34mpg and was pretty happy with that.

I looked at the numbers this morning on the way in, our current average speed for this tank is 20mph (so lots of stop start and short runs) and she's saying 22mpg.