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Heya.. I know you're all die hard Saab fans but I kinda have to get this off my chest and get a few opinions. I bought a June 2001 9-5 2.0LPT with an ECU upgrade to 185bhp done by the official dealer. The car's stylish, safe and zippy and for the longest time, I wondered why there weren't more on the road. Perhaps its true that only educated college grads(there was a survey done and percentage wise, there are more Saab owners who have graduated from college than any other brand) and "unique" individuals could truly appreciate such an enigmatic machine. Then again maybe not.
The bottom line here is quality and these are my gripes.
A)The interior finish of the car especially the fabric on the doors and the plastics on the dash are cheap stuff. The turn indicator and light switch are flimsy and lack the purposeful and solid feel of German makes.
B) Lousy air-con. The blower lacks power and it makes fluttering sounds when on internal circulation.
C)Poor seating position. I'm a 6-footer and the steering wheel doesnt come out far enough for me to adopt a comfortable posture. Refer to Mercedes design for how it should be done.
D) Noise insulation. Too much wind and road noise comes in. I dont feel cocooned.. I feel like i'm wrapped in clingfoil.
E) Vibration. When in D and at a stop, I get a back massage and a rub on my bottom. Even the brake pedal vibrates so my toes dont miss out on the action.
F)Whats with the glove compartment? Its so deep that i need tongs to get my stuff!
G)Boot. Can't fit golf clubs in easily. have to slide them in at an angle.
H)Rumbling at low rpms. When accelerating the car sounds hoarse and again vibrates up to 1800rpm
I)Power windows are horrendously slow
With regards to the vibration i had it sent in to the dealer and he told me that one of my engine mountings had actually cracked with less than a year on it. The cars been classified as A-okay but I have my doubts.
To put things simply, cars like the S80, E240, 520I are more solid and have more bang for your buck. Theyre smooth, refined, quiet and I'm sure will give their owners much more piece of mind.
Do tell me what you think of your Saab and of the 9-5 especially when compared with the cars I've named above. You might be wondering why I bought my 9-5 in the first place and all I'll say is that the novelty of a new birthday present only lasts that long.On paper the car seems amazing yes but its let down by simple even rudimentary faults.TCS, EBD,ABS,cruise-control,leather seats,sports rims,auto-dimming mirror and copious amounts of torque seem so far away when the Honda Accord beside you is so much quieter and smooth.
Thanks for reading and once again,I value your feedback
posted by 203.124....
, Thu, 12 Sep 2002 18:05:51
, Thu, 12 Sep 2002 16:18:07, Thu, 12 Sep 2002 13:26:35
, Thu, 12 Sep 2002 14:38:40
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