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September 3, 2009
Also, when test driving a 9-5, have a look at the information display (SID in Saab-speak) in the dash for burned-out pixels, which can make it difficult to read the display. If you feel like messing with delicate electronics (yay!), see this informative DIY SID thread at Saab9-5.com.
Consumer Reports also notes issues with the car’s electrical system, power accessories and climate controls. You’ll find some useful information on the 9-5′s common problems in this thread at TheCarLounge.net.
   Top to bottom: 2002, 2005 and 2009 models. Click image to enlarge |
For details on how to troubleshoot climate control problems, check this page at Saab9-5.com. One of the known issues with the climate control system has to do with the “blend door,” which controls the temperature of air delivered into the cabin. This thread at SaabCentral.com is a detailed guide to repairing the problem. Here’s a useful troubleshooting tool: simultaneously pressing the “off” and “auto” buttons on the climate control system activates the system’s diagnostic function.
See this how-to at Saab9-5.com if your car has a sticky ignition switch.
As with many cars, Saab enthusiasts insist that the 9-5′s “quirks” are more than made up for by the four-cylinder engine’s great torque, the car’s comfortable seats and its great highway cruising ability. For the driver simply looking for a comfortable daily driver, the potential for frequent and expensive repairs will be a major source of frustration.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tested the 9-5 from 2002 and up and gave it five stars each for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side impacts, the car earned five and four stars respectively for front and rear seat occupant protection. Much of the credit can be given to the side airbags that have been standard equipment on the 9-5 since its arrival on our shores in 1999. Dual front airbags were standard too, of course, as well as ABS and traction control. Stability control was available but wasn’t made standard until 2008, and side curtain airbags were never offered.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, 2002-and-newer 9-5s earned “good” ratings in frontal offset crash testing, and improvement over 1999-2001 models that is credited to structural improvements aimed at improving frontal crash safety. All 1999-2009 9-5s earned an “acceptable” rating in side impact tests, due to “marginal” rear passenger head protection and safety cage performance.
Used 9-5 values, according to Canadian Black Book, range from $4,225 for a 1999 base model, to $31,925 for a 2008 SportCombi. Note that the 2008 model was worth $47,000 when it was new, so it’s clear that depreciation is not kind to the 9-5. A 2005 model, which has the redesigned PCV system and should be immune to engine sludging issues, is worth between $13,050 and $18,950, depending on trim. Pricing for 2009 models wasn’t available at the time of this writing.
The 9-5′s low prices on used car lots will be very attractive to drivers aspiring to own a comfortable and competent car. Sadly, though, unless you really love fixing your car (or paying someone else to), the 9-5 is best avoided as a used car.
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Pricing
Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) September 2009:
Online resources
Recalls
2000-2003: Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) within the Ignition Discharge Module (IDM) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most often at engine start-up but may also occur while the engine is running. When the IDM fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted. When the IDM fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders. The check engine light will flash. If the driver continues, unburned fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter. The engine may stall and not restart. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the IDM.Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002247 Units affected: 2,868 1999-2003: On certain vehicles, when changing back and forth between alloy and steel wheels (as for winter tires), rust and other contaminates may build up on the mating surface of the wheel hubs. If this surface is not cleaned between wheel changes, uneven torque forces may cause wheel bolts to fracture. Although this is most likely to happen during wheel change service, it is possible that the bolts may break later while the vehicle is being driven. Correction: Dealer will clean the hub and reinstall the wheel with improved bolts and attached washers that will eliminate the clamping force reduction. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002003 Units affected: 145 2002: Certain passenger vehicles. The steering knuckle castings may have been contaminated during the casting process. These knuckles can break resulting in possible loss of steering control. Correction: dealers will inspect the steering knuckle for the casting bunch number. If the knuckle belongs to the defective batch, the steering knuckle will be replaced.
Crash test results
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
Related posts:
- Used Vehicle Review: Saab 9-5, 1999-2005
- Used Vehicle Review: Saab 9-3, 1999-2002
- Used Vehicle Review: Infiniti G20, 1999-2002
- Used Vehicle Review: Hyundai Sonata 1999-2005
- Used Vehicle Review: Acura 3.2TL, 1999-2003
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