Saab 9-5 Saloon 2.3t SE 4d Auto (1997/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I paid £3500 for a 100,000 miler with FSH. Seemed pretty good value at the time (but see Reliability below).
Costs
Fuel consumption not too bad, with 28 mpg round town and up to 36 mpg on motorway runs. Servicing what you would expect - extortionate from main dealer, reasonable from trusted back street garage. Parts can be expensive.
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On the road
Driving
Nice arrangement of controls, relaxing to drive.
Performance
No sports car but not too sluggish. Pulls nicely from low RPM. Engine management chips available that boost power and torque by 40% apparently, but I don't want to sacrifice the fuel economy.
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Living with it
Reliability
Rattly cam and balancer shaft chains (known problem on high milers). Both digital displays and throttle position sensor failed (also known problem), and gearbox and diff self destructed (almost unheard of problem!) Previous abuse maybe? All OK now ...
Image
Subtle, mature, impressive. Grows on you!
Comfort
Seats excellent, loads of leg room and head room (important for lanky six footers like me). I do get backache on long drives though.
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Security and Service
Security
Among best I've seen. The gearbox is locked into Park until the ignition key is used. What a great idea!
Service
Franchised dealers only ever offer you the most expensive option. Find a trustworthy non franchised specialist, like Two Strokes to Turbos of Royston
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Cam chain and balancer shaft chain premature wear, throttle position sensor.
Other
Digital displays faulty, heater flap failed.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes