Saab 9-5 (1997 - To Date)
3t SE, 3.0 V6t, 3.0 V6t SE, 3.0V6t Griffin, Aero, Airflow]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Saab likes to play up its aerospace associations. Whilst the Saab 9-5 hasnt been a soaraway success in terms of UK sales, its business class credentials make it worth a look on the used market. Often denied a take off slot by rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the 9-5 is a stylish partner for the long haul traveller. With the 9-5, Saab gained clearance to enter the big league, and the car has quietly proved itself capable of taking on the establishment.
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Sit in a 9-5 and it is still very much a Saab. Fears that the essentially quirky character of the Swedish manufacturer would be ironed out by General Motors have, thankfully, not materialised. You are still faced with a sheer wall of dashboard, the ignition key still slots home just ahead of the handbrake, and the bonnet is still of the original clam shell style. The interesting styling of Saabs not so distant past has mellowed, and the 9-5s is a far cry from the quirky 9000 shape.
Aiming to highlight the relative expense of rival offerings, Saabs have generous standard equipment. Ski flaps, heated mirrors and outside temperature gauges on all models perhaps betray the 9-5s Scandinavian origins, but thats part of the charm. The provision of wood veneer trimmed interiors and leather steering wheels reaches down to SE designated models at prices which make rival Audis and BMWs look away in embarrassment. The Griffin models have had the whole options list thrown at them, and the results are impressive.
These features include metallic paint, multi function computer, leather upholstery with ventilated front seats and a 200-watt, nine-speaker stereo system. The estate variants, whilst not rivalling the Volvo range for sheer capacity, are nonetheless worthy additions to the range. Interior space in all 9-5 models is significantly good, and theres a logic, albeit a Scandinavian logic, to the layout of the controls.
Despite Saabs reputation for longevity, used 9-5s can be purchased at surprisingly reasonable money. A 1997 R plate 9-5 2.0t saloon with 59,000 miles on the clock is, in Saab terms, barely run-in. £3,700 is a fair figure for such a vehicle, with an automatic version commanding an additional £300.
The pick of the 2.3 litre cars is definitely the Aero, and 1999 V plate models are dipping below £6.150. Opening price for V6 engined models is £4,900 for a 1998 R plate car, whilst £6,300 will net a 1999 T registered 3.
0 V6 estate. Airflow models attract a premium of around £500 over their less overtly sporting brethren.
Few other manufacturers share Saabs reputation for longevity. A well maintained 9-5 should be good for at least a quarter of a million miles, so dont be afraid of higher mileage cars. Just be sure that theyve been given regular doses of main dealer TLC. One area which is worth checking, especially on the Aero models, is front tyre wear.
As with any powerful front wheel drive car, expecting the front tyres to cope with the demands of steering such a weighty beast and transmitting all that horsepower to the ground is a serious task. A heavy right foot can see front tyres waving the white flag within 5,000 miles, dependent upon make.
(approx based on a 9-5 2.0t) Its obvious where raids from the bargain GM parts bin have taken place. Certain items are reasonably cheap. A clutch assembly is in the region of £175, and brake pads are £50 a set.
A radiator is an eminently reasonable £144, and a headlamp unit is cheaper than most major rivals at £150. As Saab specific items begin to appear, prices go up. A starter motor wont see change from £200, whilst an alternator represents the thick end of £400. Eye speed humps with suspicion, as an exhaust system, excluding catalytic converter, will be around £450.
Once potential customers drive a 9-5 they tend to buy them. A stretched Vectra with bags of power driving the front wheels isnt a purists idea of a promising start, but the 9-5 pulls it off with aplomb. Even the 2.0-litre base models will reach 60mph in less than 10 seconds, and the Aero models have a terrific lunging punch.
Show a 9-5 a tight corner and it isnt as happy as a BMW would be, but is far from the dynamic duffer some have suggested. The 9-5 is most at home when racking up motorway miles, and all the models have a loping gait which, combined with the great seats, make them a comfortable place to be. Safety is a prime concern for Saab and as well as front and side airbags, the 9-5 is equipped with anti whiplash head restraints and the Safeseat system, designed to stop passengers sliding beneath their seatbelts. Novel touches abound in the cabin and the depth of engineering is truly impressive.
Even the cup holders have a sparse beauty to their design, and the load areas in both saloon and estate are well thought out and easily accessible.
Straying from the beaten path usually means making sacrifices. With the 9-5, Saab have aimed to offer all of the benefits of the established opposition with a degree of individuality thrown in for good measure. And it has worked. The 9-5 is a slightly unusual but nonetheless dependable choice.
It will appeal to those who dont want to have to remember their number plate when visiting the executive car park. If well maintained it will cross continents without breaking a sweat and leave you fresh for the return journey. Take your time, buy the best available and a used 9-5 will still be running long after Abba have met their Waterloo.
