Saab 9-5 Estate (1998 - To Date)
3t SE, 3.0 V6t, 3.0 V6t SE, 3.0V6t Griffin, Aero, Airflow, Arc, Vector, Vector Sport, Linear, Linear Sport]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
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Sit in a 9-5 Estate 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.
In terms of cabin space, youll find a decent amount of elbow room and a decent 416-litre boot which grows to 890 litres with the rear seats folded. Thanks to the sloping rear tailgate, included to avoid the Volvo's boxy look, that's not quite as much as its Swedish competitor. However, a range of clever design ideas more than compensate. Take the issue of strapping things down a doddle in this case thanks to a couple of aircraft style aluminium cargo tracks concealed beneath plastic strips in the estate compartment. You simply clip a securing metal eye to one of these and, using spring-loaded straps, secure your load as necessary.
For a little extra, you can also enjoy the benefit of a couple of even neater ideas. First, there's a sliding panel in the boot floor which glides out half a metre beyond the back of the car, either to make loading and unloading easier or simply (since it takes up to 200kg) to act as an impromptu picnic seat. Those with animals will also want to specify the sturdy metal divider which fits into the boot area to keep your furry friend separate from your luggage.
The great thing about picking up a used Saab 9-5 Estate is that whatever the mileage, you just know theres plenty more left in the tank. Whats more, buying this famed durability neednt cost the earth. Prices kick off at around £5,050 for a 1999 S registered 9-5 2.0t Eco, with the desirable2.
3T HOT Aero still only requiring £6,150 on a 99 V plate. Opt for a newer car and you could find yourself paying £9,825 for an 01 Y plated 2.3t Arc or £10,250 for a 2.2TiD Linear Estate.
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 Estate 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.
The estate models are a good deal more refined than many estate conversions and theres really not much penalty at all in terms of fuel economy. Once potential customers drive a 9-5 Estate, 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 are well thought out and easily accessible.
If you want an estate thats not only good for the long term but also looks a little sleeker than the usual saloon being mounted by a conservatory, the 9-5 Estate is one of the best bets around. Affordable yet durable, the 9-5 Estate is very specification dependent. Opt for one with decent alloys, a healthy trim level and metallic paint and youll have a car that still cuts quite a dash. Well worth seeking out.
