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1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I have a 1995 9000 Aero, a recent 9-5 Aero auto (for wife) that replaced a 1992 9000S auto. The '92 9K is still with the family as it is used by our caregiver.
No question, the 9-5 is a better all around car, it is quieter, has a more rigid chassis, a much nice cruiser on the highway. The 9-5 suspension is on the soft side when you compare to ANY 9000, not just the Aero. Just to give you an idea how hard the 9K Aero suspension is, the wife's 2003 9-5 Aero rides like a Buick compare to the 9K Aero. The 9-5 suspension is more compliant while the 9K Aero is just HARD, no bounce no give over bumps, the only cushion you have is the excellent 9K Aero seats.
The question for you boils down to what your wife prefers ? If she likes a softer ride then by all means get a 9-5. I would suggest wait a bit for a 2000 9-5 instead of the 1999. More 2000 models should be off lease in a few month's time. The 2000 model can be refitted with a Saab ECU to give about 200HP instead of the 170HP. Of course you pay more to get the 2000 but I think it is something you want to consider.
As for the 9K auto Aero, the automatic transmission can be a problem, so that is something you need to factor into the price. A new tranny is around $2K to $3K installed, this is the worst case scenario, some 9K auto trannies last a long long time with proper maintainence.
The 9K Aero is a hatchback, but the Aero rear seats render the fold down feature semi workable at best. The rear seats don't fold down completely flat, you can force it but I wouldn't recommend doing that for a long period of time.
Comparing the 9K and 9-5, I still have a partial bias towards the 9K in terms of interior quality. While the 9-5 interior is nice and probably has fewer rattles, I think the 9K still has better interior parts than the 9-5.
If you can handle most of the major maintenance needs or know someone who can, I would suggest getting the Aero unless it doesn't check out mechanically.
The bottom line is still what does your wife prefer ? The 9K Aero is a unique car.
Good luck and let us know your (and your wife's) decision.
posted by 12.94.16...
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