USED Saab 9-5 Estate (97 - 11)

My car

I've had very no major problems with the 9-5. I had an engine warning light come on a couple of months ago (diagnosed as faulty EGR valve, not an uncommon problem) but it hasn't repeated itself.

I bought the 9-5 as I needed a big, comfortable, relatively cheap diesel estate as a family car. I do a lot of work and family driving and it's ideal. The boot will swallow everything I throw into it, the seats are comfortable, driving position is OK and the spec is good. There's plenty of space for two child seats in the back and the whole family's luggage.

It's not a BMW, Merc or Audi. Get over it. That's why I got money back when I PX'd my old car. It's a completely different proposition and competes in a different way. The handling is OK (comfortable rather than sporty). It's hard sometimes to place an accurate line on corners, but I find that looking ahead (with my eyes on full beam) helps to get a smooth line.

What it is about is long-distance cruising. I average high-40s mpg and it will go all day. Yes, the 2.2TiD engine is gruff and rumbly (it's a 4-cylinder diesel, they're all a bit like that) but once you're at speed you really don't notice it. Yes, it probably has its roots in an Isuzu van engine - but then all diesel engines have their roots in tractors.

The dash is an acquired taste, but once you're used to it again it makes a lot of sense.

The car is a bit dated overall - but if you want a big, comfortable, relatively cheap diesel estate as a family car...

My car

Terrible company. Eleven months of ownership and all was OK. Then three breakdowns in two weeks. The first breakdown resulted in me having to get a £50 taxi that isn't refunded even though Saab couldn't/wouldn't provide a courtesy car from the airport. This looked professional to the next recovery that took 13 phone calls and 4 hours before giving up and again using taxis to get around (£100 airport and back). The car is under warranty (08 plate and dealer serviced). Insult to injury while going through the 13 calls I was told twice by Saab Customer Care that the problem was between me and the AA!! Talk about passing the buck. Sent a detailed letter of complaint to Saab 3 weeks ago and no reply but on following up have now had three telephone calls from them that it is under investigation. Means nothing to me as I sold the car this weekend. The worst customer service I've ever come across. Saab Assistance is a joke. Spoke with the dealer and they acknowledged that this is a known problem with many customers complaining. Car was OK when it worked but you will be stuffed it fails. Never touch another Saab in my life. Never posted a comment on reviews before but so let down by this comapany that I wanted to warn you - look elsewhere - be warned.

My car

I bought an 9-5 HOT Aero Estate on a whim last year, a used car with just one owner and FSH. I fell in love with the car and the only down side was the fuel consumption. I decided to go for a diesel instead and fortunately made some money on the Aero when I sold it. I went for another one owner car, a 55 reg 2.2 diesel estate. Unfortunately it was the Linear spec, which had none of the toys the Aero came with. It drove like those agricultural diesels from the early 90s, and I was very disappointed. Fortunately I had little trouble selling it, but without a Saab to climb into every day I experienced withdrawal symptoms. I decided that the 1.9 TID 150 Vector Sport version was for me, which is probably closest to the trim level of the Aero; leather, decent stereo, roof rails etc, but with the doom and gloom of the recession I held back from parting with my hard earned. As a compromise and a stop gap I went back in time and bought a 2000 petrol 2.3 SE very cheap, and again this had just one owner and FSH. It has most of the goodies of the Aero, and I've been averaging 34 mpg and it is very quick and so comfortable. There is something to be said for manufacturers keeping a car almost unchanged for 13 years. If you need any bits there is a plentiful supply at breakers' yards, so a double passenger sun-visor cost me £3, and a full set of quality Saab tailored mats, £5. I will buy a newer diesel one eventually but I'm pleased with my SE.

My car

A shame that the car doesn't live up to the reputation.

Driving: When it is going it is fine - not exciting but capable and on a run surprisingly economical. Plus, it is really big inside and will carry loads of gear - skiing trip for five is a breeze. All the refinements are there - trip computer, heated seats - and the seats are superb.

Running: Oh dear. I bought this with 55K on it and a full Saab history, in November 06 for £4600. Six months later it needed £1700 of engine work. Two months later a new gearbox at £1400. Two months later a new Turbo at £900 and then a slew of smaller repairs such as the DI cassette at £200. I've just sold it and the best I could get after two and a half years was £1700. I reckon it has cost me over £9000 in 2 years and six months - making it overall the most expensive car per mile I have ever run by a factor of at least 2.

Overall: You get a lot of car, but the reliability and the cost of work makes it a poor bet unless you have an iron clad warranty. Shame really.