24th May 2010, 18:20
I just purchased my 4th Saab. This one I got from a neighbor who couldn't trade the car in to the dealership with all that was wrong with it. All the ABS lights were on, the speedometer didn't work, the heater and air conditioner didn't work right, and all digital displays on the SID were out.
I paid $1000 for a 2000 9-5SE, and the owner was happy to have it gone. I had the ABS module rebuilt, the SID rebuilt, and put a new blender door/arm on the climate control. All together about $450, and needing slim technical knowledge as all material related to the repairs were readily available.
I thank God there are people intimidated by Saab ownership. I'll just smile as I go down the road, knowing I got a hell of a deal at $1000.
2nd Feb 2011, 16:26
I own a 2000 Saab 95 Wagon. Wish I didn't. All repairs seem to be in the thousands, and at least one a year.
Same as above. Water pump, muffler, any number of computer-related mystery repairs, now head gasket leaks. 107,000 miles and well maintained, including the thousand plus dollar 60K tune-up. What can you say when you take it to the garage and they inform you of the next $1,500.00 mystery repair??? This time I am saying no. Love the power and ride, but will have paid dearly for it... Buy these new and ride out the warranty. Don't buy used! I have never written in on anything, but felt compelled reading this thread.
3rd Feb 2011, 16:10
If you buy these cars new, you will bear a very sharp depreciation curve that's more like a vertical cliff face.
Overall, these cars are great conceptually, but seem to suffer very varying degrees of quality.
Get a good one and you're in automotive nirvana. However, there seem to be too many rogue ones around, so it's really a case of you pays your money and takes your chances...
14th Nov 2011, 09:42
I have had 4 Saabs. They have all lost emblems, or the paint has come off the emblems.
16th Nov 2011, 06:30
I think the emblems are basically "stickers" on a metal base. You can purchase clear plastic protectors, much like cell phone screen protectors, only more adhesive to protect the emblems, but be careful putting them on!
I cannot believe Saab has had this issue for years, and has not come up with a more durable emblem. IMO, this is disgraceful in a premium make, and I'm a Saab enthusiast.
18th Nov 2011, 00:39
Hello there. I can help you with the SID problem. Go on eBay site check out people who fix these units, starting at 65.00 or new units at 135.00. Also check the Internet for the same services.
I own a beautiful 2003 Convertible SE, and had mine fixed free by a great used car dealer, whom sold me the car with 89000 miles.
Hopes this helps.
Regards, Carolee Defreitas!!
28th Mar 2012, 19:14
I have a 2000 9-5. I also replace light bulbs often. I have to get my throttle reset to original settings sometimes... the stuttering usually starts after the gas has gotten low... less than 100 miles. If I start the car and let it warm up for a couple of minutes, the throttle seems to reset itself... and no problems with the stuttering.
22nd Nov 2009, 03:00
Own a Saab 95 2001 model. It has cost me dearly. It has so far blown the turbo, lots of smoke and dollars.
Belts are continually being replaced, theft alarm is haunted and goes off at any time.
It reverses by itself and I have had to have the brakes fixed.
It needs a major oil leak fixed and the timing chain replaced.
It is incredibly beautiful to drive when it is running and I love the leather seats... however it is costing me more and more to maintain. I believe from all other blogs that it's a beautiful looking lemon and I am surprised a class action has not been taken against GM.
I am considering dismantling it and selling the parts on ebay because I know I would have many customers for the bits and pieces such as new turbo, side mirrors, etc. What do you think?