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Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 16:26:15 +1100
From: Peter Wilkins <wilkinspnospamail.com.au>
Subject: Re: Time to update


On 19 Jan 2005 19:36:28 -0800, bunker90nospamail.com (bunker90) wrote : >Howdy guys. I've been the proud owner of a 85 900i for about the last >8 years. It's been a fantastic car and I love it dearly. However, its >getting towards the time that I'll be looking to upgrade and I'd >really like to stick with Saab. I guess I'm looking at 9-3's & 9-5's >from between 1998-2001. I was wondering if you guys had any tips on >what to look for as far as known problems go, which is the better >all-round car (9-3 or 9-5), whats the preferred engine etc.? I know a >lot of these are a matter of personal opinion but all educated >opinions and general information are much appreciated. >I know you guys must get a lot of these sort of queries and they could >be annoying but I figured this would be the best place to ask. >Thanks in advance for anything you have to offer! > >Cheers, > Hi Rob, I too am a long time Saab fanatic. I got my first Saab in 1973, a 2 door 99, and have had several flavours of 99 and 900 since, for a total (I think) of about 12. =20 At one time I had 4: two 99's and two 900's, 99's for the kids and 900's for the wife and me. I skipped the 9000 (not really a Saab) and got a 1998 9-5SE, with no plans for getting rid of it for a few years yet. I found the 9-3 too small for all the things I wanted to do (carry three grandkids and all their swim gear for one), so got the 9-5 instead, but the 9-3 is OK for a small family. I thought about the 9-5 wagon but it wasn't available for another 6 months, and the 9-5 boot (trunk) is pretty big, so got the sedan. Convertables are for idiotic poseurs. With the 9-5 I got the turbocharged 2.3 l engine. I thought the 6 had too much understeer and the 2.0 wasn't available here in the 9-5. It would be OK in the 9-3. I have had very few major problems with any of my Saabs. The 99's tended to drop their roof linings, but that was easy to have reglued. One 99 and one 900 had the automatic transmission fail at around 80,000km. My 9-5 had a turbocharger which started to blow white smoke after 2 years, but Saab replaced it for free under warranty before it failed completely. (3 yr warranty on Saabs in Oz) I would recommend a 1999 or later 9-5SE if you want luxury and space, or a 9-3 if the budget is a bit light. But remember, the more expensive and highly equipped cars are better value when bought second hand, as they depreciate more than the base models. Go for an Aero! --=20 Regards, Peter Wilkins

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