Saab 9-5 HOT Aero - Worth a purchase?
Discussion
I’m looking to buy a Saab 9-5 HOT Aero and was wondering if anyone could help shed some light on them? I’ve always liked them and thought they were a good alternative to German cars. The car I’ve found is a 2005 with a huge Saab specialist history and it’s been well maintained regardless of cost. It’s done 150k miles for £2600.
I've had many 9-5 Aeros and they're superb cars! Impressively comfortable, quick enough and handle 'ok'... Usually they have all the kit too.
Things to note, road tax can be eye watering - check that before you commit. The biggest mechanical issues relate to PCV system and 'sludging' in the sump - less of an issue on Aero cars as they were always spec'd for fully synthetic oil, but a potential killer of engines if not caught. It's a relatively straightforward process to drop and clean the sump and oil pick up gauze as preventative maintenance.
There are plenty of specialists around for servicing and parts are good value. Without spending a great deal of money they can be made genuinely quick, but you'll struggle to get the power down and torque steer gets interesting.
If you can afford to run one (the best I ever got out of mine was just over 30mpg) I would say go for it... an awful lot of very comfortable, quick and competent car for buttons.
Things to note, road tax can be eye watering - check that before you commit. The biggest mechanical issues relate to PCV system and 'sludging' in the sump - less of an issue on Aero cars as they were always spec'd for fully synthetic oil, but a potential killer of engines if not caught. It's a relatively straightforward process to drop and clean the sump and oil pick up gauze as preventative maintenance.
There are plenty of specialists around for servicing and parts are good value. Without spending a great deal of money they can be made genuinely quick, but you'll struggle to get the power down and torque steer gets interesting.
If you can afford to run one (the best I ever got out of mine was just over 30mpg) I would say go for it... an awful lot of very comfortable, quick and competent car for buttons.
I had a manual 9-5 Aero estate. It was a great car - not really fun, apart from the mid range acceleration, just really rational. Comfortable, safe, quick, fairly refined. Not exciting, just really good at being a car.
I had the sump dropped when I first got it. It turned out to be a bigger job than expected, seized studs on the turbo if I remember rightly. But still worth doing for peace of mind.
I had the sump dropped when I first got it. It turned out to be a bigger job than expected, seized studs on the turbo if I remember rightly. But still worth doing for peace of mind.
I really miss mine. I had an ‘03 manual Aero estate and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Had a mild remap as well, making it very quick. Not so much off the line because of the torque steer, but the mid range was amazing. Ridiculous overtaking ability and masses of torque. Handling wasn’t great, but I liked it for the midrange. Amazing seats, perhaps the only other comfy car I’ve owned (currently have a P2 V70). It felt special to me and a bit unusual, and I wish I still had it. Only sold it because I needed a car for three baby seats (Touran). I now have a D5 V70 which does the same job as the Saab, but gets 45-50mpg. Not as fast, but I’m a parent, so it suits me perfectly. Would like an Aero again though.
Edited by robertfleckney on Monday 24th October 21:13
I got rid of mine because it was getting a bit leggy and I was doing a lot of miles at the time.
The only reason I didn't replace it with another lower mileage version of the same is that I couldn't find a decent manual aero estate. It's not that I was attached to manuals, just that as above the auto is slower and more expensive to run. I ended up replacing it with an E320CDI, which needed a remap to have similar performance. The Mercedes was even more capacious, plusher inside, more refined, had a better ride, but was also a lot more nautical to drive and had inferior seats.
The only reason I didn't replace it with another lower mileage version of the same is that I couldn't find a decent manual aero estate. It's not that I was attached to manuals, just that as above the auto is slower and more expensive to run. I ended up replacing it with an E320CDI, which needed a remap to have similar performance. The Mercedes was even more capacious, plusher inside, more refined, had a better ride, but was also a lot more nautical to drive and had inferior seats.
I did try and look for a manual. But I’ve had no luck. So decided that it’s going to have to be an auto. I’ve also decided to buy on condition and how it’s been maintained. This one looks as though it’s been well cared for. I may see if they are open to offers.
There is also a Saab specialist that is local, which is handy.
There is also a Saab specialist that is local, which is handy.
Mr.Nobody said:
I will have a look.
This is the guy I used. Cost me £80 for the remap, although I imagine he’s charging a bit more now, if he’s even still doing it. Boosted power to ~275bp and torque to around 400Nm if memory serves me correctly.I used a specialist in Melton Mowbray (Carnetix). They are (assuming they’re still in business) proper enthusiasts.
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