Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:28:59 GMT From: nospamnospame.rr.com (Kevin Rhodes) Subject: Re: 2001 95 V6 Wagon beware
In article <1137604066.934541.71170nospam2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, "Should I" <walter.ritchinospamatico.ca> wrote: >I'm considering purchasing this vehicle with 188,000 Km what should I >look out for mechanically? At that mileage, it is coming due for its second timing belt change soon, that will cost $600 or so to do properly with the tensioner at a good independant shop. Saab only pays for the first one at 60K miles. Otherwise, a quite bulletproof engine. Very much immune to the oil sludge problems afflicting 4cyl 9-5s.Otherwise, look out for the same things as for any car this age - oil leaks, brake wear, that sort of thing. There is an endemic issue with a part breaking in the heating system that the dealer will want $2000 to fix that you can fix yourself for pennies. See www.saabnet.com and do a search for "code 08". At that age and mileage it is likely to go through the typical European car "midlife crisis" where you will spend all sorts of money on various things, then it will be good to go for another 100K miles. The 01 is subject to the DIC recall, so that is one thing you won't have to worry about. 9-5s are great cars, and since they depreciate like a bulldozer falling off a cliff they are even better as a used car. Just don't forget that when all is said and done, it is a $35-$40K car, and will be still be a $35-$40K car to fix, even if you only paid $5K for it.The more you can do yourself the more you will like it. Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, Maine '00 9-5 V6 Wagon 59.5K miles - timing belt next week >
