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I'll throw a few more things out there.
The nice Aero seats that were mentioned started in 2002. The 2000 and 2001 models had the same flat-ish seats as the rest of the trim levels. I have a 2000 and wish I had the newer Aero seats, but the ones I have are still very nice. They still have thicker bolsters than the ones in my 1997 900. The Aeros also didn't get the sportier-looking silver dashboard until 2002. Earlier years had the same wood dashboard as the other trim levels.
There were also front subframe bushing issues from 2002-2005. Earlier models had solid bushings that lasted at least 150,000 miles. In 2002 Saab switched to ones with voids so that the subframe could shear off in a crash. They failed prematurely and they went back to solid ones in 2006.
There are a couple of cool options you should also look for. Ventilated seats are great in the summer, and there was a sliding load floor that can come in handy, but it's very rare. I ran across one in a junkyard and retrofitted it to my 2000 Aero wagon.
If you look at Aeros, you'll find that almost none of the survivors from 2000-2003 still have their lip spoiler. It's at just the right height that they'll crack if you run them into a parking curb. I have two Aeros, I'm very careful not to pull too far in. 2004-2005 Aeros have a very low front bumper that looks very cool, but is just as susceptible to damage, but since it's one piece, it's more difficult to fix. The mid-range trim level in 2004 and 2005 had the same lip spoiler as the earlier Aeros, but since it rides higher, more of them are still intact.
Finally, the rear springs on the wagons are notorious for sagging, and even brand new springs can sag for some reason, so don't bother trying to replace them. Search for spring spacers if you end up getting a wagon and the back end looks low. There are also posts that list the ride height if you care to measure it.
Despite the various issues, I think all of us who have 9-5 wagons love them. There are very few cars I'd trade mine in for, even as it approaches 250,000 miles. I still continue to upgrade mine, too. I added the optional rear spoiler a couple of years ago, and I recently had the original BBS two-piece wheels refinished. Those were the ultimate option on the 2000-2001 Aeros, but they don't tend to age well due to clear-coated polished lips that corrode.
posted by 24.16.15...
, Thu, 5 Oct 2023 13:27:00
, Wed, 4 Oct 2023 15:36:30, Thu, 5 Oct 2023 18:09:50, Wed, 4 Oct 2023 13:06:15, Thu, 5 Oct 2023 07:43:23, Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:35:15
, Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:53:13
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