Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 19:02:26 -0500 From: Steve Crowe <scrowenospamink.net> Subject: Re: 1999 9-5 qustions
On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 21:15:13 GMT, Bob <uctraingNOSPAMnospamanet.com> wrote: >On 20 Mar 2004 04:34:50 GMT, fredisgnospamcom (Fredisg) wrote: > >>Hi, >> >>I've never owned a Saab before. My sister in Atlanta has a 1999 9-5 with a >>6cyl. enginge that she wants to sell. It has 70,000 miles on it and if you saw >>it you would think it is a new car. >> >>My questions are: >> >>If I buy this from her, are there any problems that are typical on these cars >>as they get up in mileage? I understand that the timing belts have to be >>changed a lot, like every 30K. Why is that and how much does it cost to do? > >It's a "GM" motor, not a "Saab" motor. After the timing belts starting >disintegrating at 40K, GM started suggesting replacement at 35K :-). >Actually, it's 35, 65, 95. They will pay for the changes below 100K >miles but some dealers force you to buy the corresponding 35/65/95 >service for about $500. I don't know how much it is to replace it if >you pay for it - call a dealer in your area and find out. Belt change interval was true on 1994-1996 900/9000, every 30K starting at 35K, 1997 900/9000 the belt change interval is 60K starting at 65K. 1998 V-6 was not offered. The 99-03 9-5 V-6 the timing belt is changed every 60K starting at 60K. Saab warranty will cover the cause of the belt at the scheduled intervals under 100K. They will not cover the timing belt tensioners and labor to install them. I would recomend replacement of them at every timing belt replacement. Better to spend a $300.00-$400.00 now then $5000.00 and up later. 2004 models no longer have the V-6 as an option. > >I don't know of any recurring problem on the 9~5. There might be an >issue with the "SID" (dash display) wearing out. A $400 part of a >DIY custom repair AFAIR. Easy in/out, little installation labor. >Other things will wear out on any car with 70K - clutch, if >applicable, in the next 30-40K miles, brakes, tires, etc. > >>As I said I have never owned a Saab but my beautiful $40K Volvo Turbo was a >>constant mainatinance problem. Are Saabs the same? My sister's car certainly >>looks great! She is buying an SUV for her real estate business. > >First, this should be a NA V6, not a turbo... although the Saab turbo The 94-97 V-6 was not a turbo engine. The 99-03 9-5 V-6 does have a turbo. It is assymeterically turbocharged. The front bank on the engine has turbo that is part of the exhaust mainfold. Yep, you have to replace the whole exhaust mainfold to get a turbo.The turbo then feed both banks. >is probably a better engine. It is a European car, which means parts >tend to cost a little more IME. Labor is about the same as any upper >level car. You should find a local *Saab* mechanic who has a good >reputation if you plan to own a Saab unless you DIY. > >>Thanks for your advice. > >Probably a good buy. Certainly your sister will let you know about >any problems she's had. As long as you don't pay a premium for it >because it's a family deal (it's not right to chisel down your sister) >then I'd go for it. Steve Crowe, Saab Master Tech, who represents himself and no one else, Harpers Ferry, WV
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