Faults:

Rear suspension bushes.

Climate control stepper door.

Alloy wheel rims cracked (previous owner liked kerbs).

General Comments:

My car is a very rare edition of the 9-5 Aero, with the factory 'Saab Performance By Hirsch' 305BHP conversion, with upgraded ECU, intake, turbo, intercooler, brakes, interior, suspension, wheels, and stainless steel exhaust (all Hirsch items).

Mid-range acceleration is akin to being launched into hyperspace, yet the car still returns an average of 8.2 litres per 100km; V8 performance with four pot fuel economy.

The heated and cooled leather seats are so amazing and comfortable that I'm worried I might doze off on the motorway one day, but with that Millenium Falcon-like acceleration just a blip of the right foot away, staying awake isn't too difficult.

The all black paintwork with black alloys gives the Hirsch a look which strikes just the right balance between elegant and sinister.

If you have a 9-5 Aero and are considering a Hirsch conversion, I have two words for you. Do it.

Faults:

The Saab 9-5 series began production in 1997 and is soon to be replaced.

Over this time there has been very little changes to the car, and most of them cosmetic.

Balance chains, turbos, timing covers and SID displays are common faults.

General Comments:

In my experience in selling Saab's for over ten years, the 9-5 still remains one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven.

The ergonomics are first class and very intuitive.

The seats are outstanding for long drives.

The turbo engines are outstanding with the 184 kw engine being a highlight.

Safety is unsurpassed and not compromised.

Not the best handling sedan when pushed hard.

Can be expensive to maintain; purchase an extended warranty if buying from a dealer.

Faults:

Pixels on SID (System Information Display), top one pixels on ac control unit. I did fix the top unit myself; just google how to fix sid pixel display saab 95.

An engine breather pipe on rear of engine that attaches to the cam shaft cover at the front left (when looking at engine standing in front of grille). A new one costs A$68.00, but I just used some coolant pipe at a cost of A$10.00.

The most major problem we have had was not long after picking up the vehicle from the second hand dealer.

1. The cam shaft balance chain was rattling and making excessive noise... SAAB recommended replacing the chain.

2. The rear passenger (RH rear) door lock was not responding with electronic locking means.

Because the car was less than 10 years old and had less than 150,000kms on the clock, the State of Victoria has a statutory 3 month warranty, and as such both items were fixed free of charge; the latter of the two was simply replaced with a second hand unit whilst the first was sent to SAAB in South Melbourne, where the balance chain was replaced; normally a A$2500.00 job that involves the removal of major components etc.

Have not had a problem since the work was done. The only thing wrong with the car now is a dented rim from a pot hole, and I'm still waiting for the insurance to get a new one for me; SAAB are getting one from shipped in from overseas.

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable for long drives.

Dual climate and heated seats are great features.

Not the fastest car, but it's a pleasure to drive hard if you know how to handle a front wheel drive vehicle.

Economical on those long trips, returning around 7.5 to 7.8 litres per 100kms (about 29 to 33 MPG, I think that's imperial MPG though, someone check for me LOL).

Interior is crammed full of storage, and the leather seats are great with the kids; just wipe up the mess, and I use leather cleaner and nourishing spray at least once a month.

Love the car, and just have to wonder about the level of service you guys get in the US from SAAB. Is GM the same with their cars, remembering that GM own 100% of SAAB?

To not buy a SAAB 95 based on the feedback here is probably a little rash in my book; I would like to know how many of these lemons are one pre-owner vehicles that had a full service history with Saab prior to having these problems; I guess it wouldn't be many?

I bought mine because of its' service history and the fact it was a one owner vehicle.

And if you buying or thinking of buying a 9-5, do the research; check the service history etc etc, and if anything is amiss, then move to the next vehicle or even better buy certified SAAB cars only.

Cheers guys and enjoy your drive/ride.

Faults:

Twice the turbo blew.

Front passenger window failed.

Some paint blemishes.

Good note on all SAAB's, their badges peel, I can guarantee always if left outdoors.

General Comments:

The car is deceptively quick, when you drive straight. You're always going 30km/h faster than you think you are.

The interior is sensible and long distances are too easy to accomplish in this car as a driver or passenger.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car as yet.

I hit the front spoiler going up a drive way and damaged it.

General Comments:

Beautiful car to look at and is deceivingly fast.

Handles well and has great take off power.

Great on long trips and very comfortable seats.

Excellent economy for its level of performance.