I am currently in the market to replace my recently stolen (sigh) 1995 Maxima. I have narrowed my choices to a 2001 Maxima SE fully loaded for 18,000 and a 2000 Saab 9-5 SE for 20,000. Both have about 30,000 miles.

I am obviously very familiar with the Nissan, which I loved (140,000 miles and not one problem) but know very little about the Saab. Any insight about the following issues would be very helpful:

My two biggest concerns are reliability and cost. I have been told numerous stories about Saab electrical problems, but Consumers Reports (which I trust) states that the car has improved from average to above average reliability. It seems the problems are less prevelant after 1999.
The dealer told me the Saab would come with a pre-certified warranty that is bumper to bumper until the car hits 100,000 miles or seven years out. Is it really bumper to bumper (besides normal items like brakes and tires?) That's an amazing warranty.

Also, I know the car takes premium gas (another added expense with the mileage I put on), but someone else said you use special oil that is more expensive as well and there are different intervals with the Saab. Is this true?

With the exception of the frustrating lack of storage space, I really did like this car. It will come in at about $60 more a month (including the higher gas purchases) which is another factor b/c we I have a second child on the way and money is getting tighter by the day! :) However, the extended warranty means I don't have to worry about higher costs for possible replacement items for about four years, which is a nice incentive.

How have the 2000's held up? I could also look at a 2001 for about 21k, but I don't know if there was any difference between those two cars.

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

posted by 63.109.17...

• Considering a certified 2000 9-5 SE, Scott, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 11:30:06 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Considering a certified 2000 9-5 SE, Duke, Mon, 16 Jun 2003 13:55:31
  • Thanks for the quick responses, Scott, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 12:31:22
  • Re: Considering a certified 2000 9-5 SE, 2000 SE Wagon, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 06:50:16
  • type of driving, hdm, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 05:36:22
    • Re: type of driving, Scott, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 12:16:07
  • Don't forget, saabrob , Thu, 12 Jun 2003 23:20:23
  • Consider the 4cyl wagon, and a lower purchase price., EricG, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 20:06:55
    • Re: Consider the 4cyl wagon, and a lower purchase price., Scott, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 12:25:57
  • Re: Considering a certified 2000 9-5 SE, jokikeke, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 17:29:45
  • wow, lots of us ex-Max owners out there, Bret, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 16:46:37
  • Re: Maxima owner once removed....., Ed NC, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 14:44:56
  • Another former Max owner, Pete Saab 9-5, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 13:42:15
  • easy choice, dip, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 12:47:57
    • You're right about the insurance, Scott, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 12:33:46
    • Re: easy choice, Steve in Toronto, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 19:44:30
    • Gas..., Andrew in DE, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 16:40:35
      • didn't I use the word "recommended"? n/m, dip, Thu, 12 Jun 2003 19:06:15
        • Re: I own both cars this is a no brainer!!, AASaab, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 09:13:45

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