Discussion
As I am in the market for a new car and fancy something abit different from what I have owned previously I started thinking about Saabs.
Now I know absolutely nothing about them but the 9-5 aero is the model that appeals most to me. I understand that they have 250bhp? and quite a considerable amount of torque, does this cause issues with traction Considering its a FWD?
Also is there anything in particular to look out for when viewing one? Is servicing expensive, parts etc?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Now I know absolutely nothing about them but the 9-5 aero is the model that appeals most to me. I understand that they have 250bhp? and quite a considerable amount of torque, does this cause issues with traction Considering its a FWD?
Also is there anything in particular to look out for when viewing one? Is servicing expensive, parts etc?
Thanks in advance for any help.
I've got a 250bhp aero auto. No problems with traction if you're used to FWD, but a bit boring if you've come from RWD. Very comfortable on the motorway and an easy car to live with.
Earlier models had 230bhp, from 02 onwards to 06 I think it was 250, from 06 onwards it's 260bhp iirc.
My car is probably worth £5k, so it's no good taking it to a main dealer as they were after 15% of its value for a service. Found a local indy who did the same job for a couple of hundred so happy days!
Earlier models had 230bhp, from 02 onwards to 06 I think it was 250, from 06 onwards it's 260bhp iirc.
My car is probably worth £5k, so it's no good taking it to a main dealer as they were after 15% of its value for a service. Found a local indy who did the same job for a couple of hundred so happy days!
Rollie said:
I understand that they have 250bhp? and quite a considerable amount of torque, does this cause issues with traction Considering its a FWD?
Only if you drive it very agressively. The key to rapid progress with these is smooth driving style, and progresssive throttle action rather than one that use would use with a normally aspirated engine. Rollie said:
Also is there anything in particular to look out for when viewing one? Is servicing expensive, parts etc?
Plenty of buying guides, and hints and tips on the Saab specific forums links below, just hit the search button.http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/index.php?sid=aed5434...
http://www.saabscene.com/forum/?Cat=0
Heres my two pence worth.
I was in your position two months ago...I sold my civic type r (Which I loved) and was looking for something cheaper and quicker..
Got myself obsessed with 95 aero's, searched forums, reviews, stats and knew this was the car for me.
Sourced a 54 plate saloon manual version with 60k miles and went and had a look.
All I can say is that it didn't feel quick one bit, yeah it picked up and went but i was so dissappointed after my test drive and felt very diflated..
Thought this must of been a dog so off to try 95 aero number 2....ditto...it was the same. This time the test drive was from a dealer and they let me out in the car on my own (cue. drive like you stole it) and yet again i was bored...
So for me I went back out and bought another facelifted civic type r and to this day still loving it..
I still have a soft spot for the saab's but for me I think it was mind over matter...so yes we all may read incredible stories of them having devastating 30-70 mph acceleration times but for me that was nowhere to be seen.
This probably won't help much. sorry
I was in your position two months ago...I sold my civic type r (Which I loved) and was looking for something cheaper and quicker..
Got myself obsessed with 95 aero's, searched forums, reviews, stats and knew this was the car for me.
Sourced a 54 plate saloon manual version with 60k miles and went and had a look.
All I can say is that it didn't feel quick one bit, yeah it picked up and went but i was so dissappointed after my test drive and felt very diflated..
Thought this must of been a dog so off to try 95 aero number 2....ditto...it was the same. This time the test drive was from a dealer and they let me out in the car on my own (cue. drive like you stole it) and yet again i was bored...
So for me I went back out and bought another facelifted civic type r and to this day still loving it..
I still have a soft spot for the saab's but for me I think it was mind over matter...so yes we all may read incredible stories of them having devastating 30-70 mph acceleration times but for me that was nowhere to be seen.
This probably won't help much. sorry
More of a 9-3 Aero (Classic shape) myself, I would never call my cars performance lacklustre and boring.
It will suck up and spit out Type R Hondas, Its all about choice and how each of us prefers to drive.
Turbo cars take some getting used to, and thought to progress safely and rapidly, alternatively your car needs pushing hard to get its best from. At 40+ I couldnt be chewed with a high revving , manic power band , but volume mid range torque (for me) is useful to have.
My slant on 9-5 Aeros, the 250bhp model will tune to 300bhp with a software swap. With a few other modifications the handling can be improved, it comes with big brakes. And has more comfort (Im over 40) than a lot of other cars.
300bhp+ is BMW M3/ Audi RS sort of power, without all the bling.
mojjo1 said:
Heres my two pence worth.
I was in your position two months ago...I sold my civic type r (Which I loved) and was looking for something cheaper and quicker..
Got myself obsessed with 95 aero's, searched forums, reviews, stats and knew this was the car for me.
Sourced a 54 plate saloon manual version with 60k miles and went and had a look.
All I can say is that it didn't feel quick one bit, yeah it picked up and went but i was so dissappointed after my test drive and felt very diflated..
Thought this must of been a dog so off to try 95 aero number 2....ditto...it was the same. This time the test drive was from a dealer and they let me out in the car on my own (cue. drive like you stole it) and yet again i was bored...
So for me I went back out and bought another facelifted civic type r and to this day still loving it..
I still have a soft spot for the saab's but for me I think it was mind over matter...so yes we all may read incredible stories of them having devastating 30-70 mph acceleration times but for me that was nowhere to be seen.
This probably won't help much. sorry
Don't blame the car, it was likely the way you were trying to drive.I was in your position two months ago...I sold my civic type r (Which I loved) and was looking for something cheaper and quicker..
Got myself obsessed with 95 aero's, searched forums, reviews, stats and knew this was the car for me.
Sourced a 54 plate saloon manual version with 60k miles and went and had a look.
All I can say is that it didn't feel quick one bit, yeah it picked up and went but i was so dissappointed after my test drive and felt very diflated..
Thought this must of been a dog so off to try 95 aero number 2....ditto...it was the same. This time the test drive was from a dealer and they let me out in the car on my own (cue. drive like you stole it) and yet again i was bored...
So for me I went back out and bought another facelifted civic type r and to this day still loving it..
I still have a soft spot for the saab's but for me I think it was mind over matter...so yes we all may read incredible stories of them having devastating 30-70 mph acceleration times but for me that was nowhere to be seen.
This probably won't help much. sorry
If attempted to drive the 9-5 Aero in anyway similar to a Civic Type R then it's not surprising you have written what you have, you wouldn't be the first ex-Honda owner to say exactly the same thing. The Saab will not respond to that driving style.
I would say going from a Type R to a 9-5 Aero probably involves one of the biggest changes of driving style, especially understanding how to use the electronic throttle combined with the torque mapped ECU.
I felt the opposite when I borrowed my old bosses Type R to do a company journey. I absolutely hated driving it as you were constantly rowing the gearbox and having to rev the nuts off of it to get anywhere. I was drained after 15 mins driving the nasty torqueless thing.....he however, thought it was the greatest thing on the planet.
I have heard quite a few people with the same opinion as mojjo1. As I have yet to actually sit in one let alone drive one I have no idea what to expect when I finally do. Looking at some of the videos they do appear to have a rather rapid mid-range.
I have seen one which I am fairly interested in but it is quite some distance from my home, so I think some more research is required before I view one.
I have seen one which I am fairly interested in but it is quite some distance from my home, so I think some more research is required before I view one.
I've recently sold my 9-5 aero estate - 54 reg.
They are a decent car, and rapid if driven correctly. But they are not as nice to own/drive/sit in/listen to than a BMW E39 540 touring, like I have now. The BMW is 6 years older and does not rattle or squeek and the seat bolsters are still factory fresh. You couldn't say that for the saab. Also, you can't beat RWD, it just works better.
So, I'm not dissing the SAABs cos they are a very good car, I had mine the longest I've ever owned a vehicle, but I personally think an E39 is a better bet.
Oh and for info my saab was showing 23mpg average, the 540 is showing 19.5mpg average. There's not a lot in it really.
They are a decent car, and rapid if driven correctly. But they are not as nice to own/drive/sit in/listen to than a BMW E39 540 touring, like I have now. The BMW is 6 years older and does not rattle or squeek and the seat bolsters are still factory fresh. You couldn't say that for the saab. Also, you can't beat RWD, it just works better.
So, I'm not dissing the SAABs cos they are a very good car, I had mine the longest I've ever owned a vehicle, but I personally think an E39 is a better bet.
Oh and for info my saab was showing 23mpg average, the 540 is showing 19.5mpg average. There's not a lot in it really.
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