1999 SAAB 9-5 from North America

Summary:

It's a great car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Both my Saabs were economical, dependable, trouble-free and a delight to own/drive. I don't know what these other people expected, but the car is exceptionally agile, good on fuel, fast and easy to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2009

6th May 2009, 14:07

I own a 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible. I've had a similar experience. My Saab is quiet, comfortable, reliable, and gets excellent fuel mileage. (31 mpg on a recent 750 mile trip).

I couldn't ask for a better car.

1999 SAAB 9-5 SE Estate 2.3t petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A realistically priced luxury alternative to BMW / Mercedes that has been a pleasure to own

Faults:

We had to replace the badges on the bonnet and rear tail gate due to flaking paint.

The central locking does not work on occasion, but I am unsure if this is the car or the remote.

General Comments:

The car is fairly fast when the pedal is pushed hard, but the handling is not the best in corners due to its size.

Petrol consumption is an issue, however on long journeys it returns 34mpg, not bad for a 10 year old car!!

The interior is spacious with easy to use controls and extremely comfortable seats. The boot is large and easy for loading.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2009

30th Jun 2009, 04:29

Update on my original review:

The car recently started losing water through a faulty heater bypass valve. I replaced with an aftermarket Vauxhall part at a cost of £16, and all is good again.

1999 SAAB 9-5 SE V6 turbo from North America

Summary:

Don't buy it just cause it has a sunroof and leather seats

Faults:

I bought the car 4 months ago off of craigslist. It was my first car, I'm 16. It took me a year to save 3500.00 for my first car. I was so happy I bought this car.

Then the first week I had it the fill coolant light came on, so we filled it up and then 2 days later it happened again. My dad looked under the hood and I had a major radiator leak. I had to replace that for 600.00.

While the car was there, my mechanic told me my pistons were going bad and I would probably have to eventually get a new engine. Then about 3 weeks later, one cold morning my car wouldn't start. Fuel pump 400.00.

Then about a month later, it was starting weird and my check engine light was on. Spark plugs 60.00.

Then just two days ago, I was driving to work and I was coming to a light, and I went to stop and a strange noise came from my car, then it was really hard to use the brakes. My emergency warning lights came on and I turned off the car, worried I would ruin the engine. I have it towed to the shop to find out the engine blew. They quoted me 5,000 for a new engine.

I'm just a 16 year old girl with horrible luck?

Or I just picked the wrong car?

My older sister has a '95 Saab 9000 with 200,000 miles on it and it's ran to this day with no problems.

Don't BUY A 99 SAAB 95!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th March, 2009

15th Mar 2009, 11:21

Don't blame Saab. You shouldn't buy a car with 130,000 miles on it without having it checked out first.

15th Mar 2009, 16:23

I think your title should be, Don't buy a car from craigslist. Seriously, did you not take it to a mechanic before you bought it??? A 99' 9-5 bought privately for $3,500 must have a lot a lot of miles on it to begin with. Next time, do more research on the vehicle before you buy it, and not just because it has leather, a sunroof, and a sister with an older model. The 99' model is even better than the '95.

1999 SAAB 9-5 SE from North America

Faults:

Head gasket at 104k.

Headlight module around 102k.

Driver's side window around 100k.

Seats have worn badly (but wow are they comfortable).

Some other engine related module (modules are pricey, it appears).

Security system has started going hay-wire at 100k.

General Comments:

Like many others making posts on this list who have owned Saab's -- it's a love/hate relationship. I drive my car and all I think is, wow, I just love driving this car. But, since July 08, and after this head gasket fix (if I decide to do it), I will have spent $490/month on repairs on a car with a trade-in value of around 2k (according to Edmunds). I could be driving a brand new car.

Today, in the news, GM is saying they are selling Saab. Saab is saying they may have to file for bankruptcy - and I grow increasingly sad. My 9-5 was my second Saab; and Saab's, as I've proclaimed many times until this summer, would be the type of car I would own for all my driving days.

No more. I love them, but the repair bills are monsters. I am reading these comments to see if I should trade her in or spend the 1600$ for a new head gasket. My head says get rid of her. My hearts says NOOOOOOO. Any advice out there???

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th February, 2009

22nd Feb 2009, 06:36

Don't permit the BK of SAAB to cloud your decision of keep/no keep. I own a 1999 V6 with 103000, and feel it to be a good value for the $$$. You may consider DIY on the head gasket - consult saabnet.com or a WIS for procedures. Good luck with your decision - these are the most comfortable seats in any current model car.