16th Mar 2009, 10:35

Next time stick with honda.

The trouble with the 95 is there is a lot of crap GM parts in it, which lets the Saab build down a lot.

Sorry to hear of your problems.

16th Mar 2009, 13:05

In response to 16th Mar 2009, 10:35 -

Please don't even attempt to compare a Honda to a Saab.

Yes Honda builds some very nice and very reliable vehicles, but a Saab is a premium automobile. Yes Saabs may be quirky, and buying one this old isn't the best idea, but just because Saab is now owned by GM doesn't make them bad vehicles.

They are comfortable, luxurious and quite sporting.

I suspect that if you ever actually drove a late model Saab, you wouldn't look at your Honda quite the same again.

17th Mar 2009, 08:19

Car is a machinery, it will break or work depending on the user. If the user followed the servicing plan, replaced the parts on time (many if you add it up over the years) even if still look OK or good, your car will run good like my 1995 9000 CSE is still running 120+ mph in 2009!!! (large(st) hatchback around).

If you put in a new engine and some new parts, your Saab 95 can run for many years.

You can buy a small car like a Honda, but I would rather drive a old Saab in big open country, no fear of not enough power, no fear of not enough protection, and most of all the fun of driving everywhere you go, the damn leather seats are good, even at 18+ years old. In long run you save money and the car still looks great.

18th Mar 2009, 20:34

You bought an abused car - clearly. I have a 1999 SAAB 9-5 with 410,000 miles on it and it still runs perfectly. Sure, I changed my fuel pump and a few other things but I'm not sour about it at all.

9th Apr 2009, 02:10

I'm currently looking at a 99' Saab SE 95 with 4 cylinder turbo. It has 91,000 miles. It has regular service records, replacements and maintenance records every 2,000-4,000 miles. This was a private lease vehicle for 10 years. Only 1 owner.

There was a minor/moderate accident reported... only physical damages which include scratches, and a minor dent on the corner or the lid of the trunk.

Engine was inspected and appeared to be fine except for a possible sensor for the fuel-to-oxygen ratio to be lean on the fuel burning.

A new water pump was installed at the beginning of 2007 and all the drive belts replaced mid 2007.

Interior is in perfect condition, and they are asking $5,500. Is this a good idea to buy?

5th May 2009, 10:44

I work on Saabs for a living. The reason your engine failed is a clogged pick-up screen. The pickup screen in the oil pan gets clogged and can't pickup oil. If you had brought it to someone who knows Saabs, you would still be driving around. The pickup screen should be cleaned every 80 k to be safe. That is the first thing I tell my new customers. I also sell used Saabs, and the first thing I do is clean the pickup screen in the oil pan.

19th Sep 2009, 13:53

If you see a Saab (or any luxury car) for a low price, the first question should always be "what's wrong with it?"

Buying from a private seller is usually a poor choice, especially if you do not have engine repair experience. You cannot blame Saab. Buying a car off craigslist is never a good idea unless you are willing to spend thousands in repairs.

The smart way to buy a car is through a reputable dealer, with a 30-90 day warranty. Spending money to get it looked at by a mechanic first can save thousands on repairs. Always get a carfax before buying.

15th Jun 2010, 17:07

I have a 99 9-5 3.0 SE, and I bought it in perfect condition, with blown heads for 500.00. The heads cost 500 more, timing belt kit another 250. I'm driving a great car for around 1300.00. Where is your dad? A radiator only costs 120 at Advance Auto not 600. I'm not trying to beat you up. If you don't have someone who knows cars and can help you out, then stick with a Honda or Toyota. Sorry you're having so many problems.

19th Aug 2010, 02:29

I bought a Saab 9-5 SE V6 when I was seventeen. It had 79,000 miles on it. I had a mechanic look at it first, but it didn't matter. Within months it was one problem after the next. First anything the coolant touched seem to go, starting with the overflow, then a few hoses and finishing with the radiator.

Then the fuel pump within the next few months, which is understandable having about 89,000 miles, it had to go at some point.

Since then I've had numerous problems with the car and I have put more than double what I paid for into the car in fixing small problems. I've owned a few used cars before this one and can say this has been the highest maintenance and most expensive.

Bottom line: I would never recommend this car to anyone.