Faults:

The turbo went at 48,000 just before the warranty expired.

There have been several problems with SID display, but there is a repair that you can find/buy on eBay that really works.

At 106k miles the transmission started leaking, and we had several gaskets replaced - $800.

For various reasons that car would not start, and each time it went to the dealer for a several 100 dollar repair.

Now the dealer tells me that the head gaskets are going and (can this be true?) that is a $2000 repair.

General Comments:

We have thoroughly enjoyed this car most of the time.

Handling and performance is wonderful, and the car is a joy to drive.

At 9 years old, it still handles and performs great.

The reliability and cost to repair is getting tiresome.

I describe it as we love it 364 days a year, then the other day it's on a flatbed going to the dealer for an expensive repair.

We are on the fence about keeping it or not, and these other posts have me leaning toward replacing it.

That's sad because I would think that we could go 200k on this car, but that would be too expensive?

Faults:

Front pads and rotors.

Belt tensioner.

Rear and main muffler.

DI cassette, radiator.

A/C compressor.

One warped rim.

General Comments:

Outstanding; comfort, power and handling are all great.

Service can be simple, most I did myself. As a nearly 10 yr. old car - it still impresses me. I feel safe and not overwhelmed by gadgets.

This is the most intelligent car of its era. I loved it, as I do all my SAABs, since the 1964 Monte Carlo. I still drive a 68, 73, 74 Sonnett as well as a new 9-3. The 9-5 is great, and I will get a new 9-5 as soon as they are here!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Previously had a Saab 9-5 SE, which was smooth & comfortable, but moving house, so needed a sports estate. Spent ages looking for the right spec Saab 9-5 in later 2001+ spec that also had... electric heated leather sports seats, sun roof, metallic blue.

What a great car. 35 + mpg on a run, but poorer 23mpg in town.

Faults:

Catalytic converter replaced.

Timing belt replaced.

Windows come out of frames, can't roll them up/down.

Headlights every few months.

Brake or tail lights every few months.

Ignition.

Front seat frame broken.

Digital screen for radio/temperature/time etc; can't read messages.

There is very little that has not gone wrong with this car. I paid it off in the first year, but have been paying a fortune to maintain it ever since.

General Comments:

Do not buy one!!!

General Comments:

I bought my 2001 9-5 2.3t SE 3 months ago with full Saab service history, and it has only had about £1000 spent on it in its lifetime, (apart from tyres, oil, etc). Maybe I'm just lucky. It still drives like a new car now with 129000 miles on the clock, and is an absolute thrill to drive.

I would just like to say that, in my opinion, I believe Saab's reliability has seriously deteriorated since GM got their hands on them, and I welcomed the news a couple of weeks ago that Saab had bought back the motor vehicle division from GM.

Perhaps Saab's will now be what they once were?

Let's hope!