Item: Used Saab 9-5 1997 - 2010
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

The five in the 9-5’s name signified that it was aimed directly at the BMW 5 Series, but this was always streets ahead of the Saab in terms of handling. The 5 Series does suffer from some reliability issues, though, especially versions fitted with the 2.2-litre straight-six petrol engine and the later N47 2.0-litre diesel.

The Mercedes E-Class is another obvious Saab 9-5 rival, but you have to buy with great care because the version that was sold between 2002 and 2009 suffered from no end of electrical problems.

A more reliable alternative is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>. The first proper example of this was introduced in the same year as the 9-5 (the previous A6 was simply a facelifted and rebadged Audi 100) and is sturdy, roomy and attractive. Sadly, it was never as good to drive as the 5 Series.

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What is it like?

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Advice for buyers

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Although the Saab 9-5 was designed before many electrical gadgets became commonplace, it’s still quite a complex car, so don’t be surprised if it throws a few electrical gremlins your way.

In particular, check to make sure that all the buttons and switches (and there are a lot of these on higher-spec cars) work properly.

Early in its life, the Saab 9-5 developed a reputation for unreliability. This was because its 2.2-litre diesel engine had the bad habit of developing terminal problems, usually associated with the engine management system or the turbocharger.

As for the other engines, the petrol versions are reasonably robust, but listen for misfires at idle (which signify a broken throttle housing) and rattling timing chains.

Also, watch for white smoke from the exhaust, because this indicates a blown turbo. Oil leaks near the timing chain mean a full engine-out repair, while problems with leaking power steering fluid and the direct multi-cylinder ignition system aren't uncommon.

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Saloon

Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.

The firm was declared bankrupt in 2012, so any used models on the market are now generally old and at the budget end of the spectrum.

Barring collectors’ curiosities, you’ll find the 9-3 and larger 9-5 filling the classifieds, in saloon, estate and convertible variants. Petrol and diesel options are available, and the brand’s long-time link-up with parent firm General Motors means that they were generally well equipped.

Prices vary significantly according to age, mileage and condition, but there are certainly some bargains to be had if you compare what your money will buy you against that of comparable rivals.

SAAB

The Saab 9-5 is a car that stayed in production longer than most, but that was more out of economic necessity than brilliance.

Used Saab 9-5 1997 - 2010

As with the smaller <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/saab/9-3/saloon/used-review/n597">Saab 9-3</a>, the car’s relationship to the Vauxhall Vectra fools some into thinking that it's possible to run a 9-5 with more affordable Vauxhall parts and servicing, but in fact much of the 9-5, bar the basic structure of the body and engines, is unique to Saab, and some parts are becoming tricky to source.

As far as the engines are concerned, the lowest running costs are to be found with the post-2005 1.9-litre TiD diesel. A CO2 emissions figure of 174g/km doesn’t look too clever now, but it’s still better than the 204g/km of the 2.0t petrol, and the 44mpg official fuel economy figure is pretty realistic.

Saabs are notorious for chewing up front tyres quickly, and cars fitted with automatic gearboxes are prone to developing electrical problems, so budget for a gearbox wiring loom upgrade. It’s also worth remembering that as the oldest cars are about 20 years old now, their maintenance demands will only increase.

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The Saab 9-5 is a car that stayed in production longer than most, but that was more out of economic necessity than brilliance.

With a car that’s been around this long, you can pretty much find one that’s within budget, no matter how little you have to spend.

Examples that have failed their MOT cost from less than £200. In fact, we found a 185bhp 2.3-litre turbo car that was road legal advertised for just £395. Sure, you’d be taking a chance, but you’d be only slightly out of pocket if all it did was get you to the end of the road.

Even less risky versions are hardly going to break the bank. Post-2005 facelift cars, with the desirable 1.9-litre TiD engine and an MoT certificate still cost from only around £1,000, while the very best - with low mileage, full service history and lots of equipment - cost between £5000 and £6000.

As with all Saabs, the engine line-up is comprised entirely of turbocharged engines, and these include some rather spirited models such as the 2.3-litre HOT turbo with 256bhp and the 3.0-litre V6 turbo. Those are going to be expensive to run, though, and their high power outputs overwhelm the 9-5’s front wheels when you put your foot down, causing them to spin uncontrollably.

Therefore, it’s better to stick to the smaller engines. The 147bhp 2.0-litre light-pressure turbo petrol engine is a firm favourite. It’s reasonably reliable, frugal compared with its contemporaries, and has sufficient kick to make the car enjoyable to drive.

The hugely unreliable 2.2-litre diesel is best avoided. Post-2005 models had the much better 1.9-litre TiD diesel engine, which it shared with the smaller 9-3, and it's impressively economical for such an old engine.

Saab 9-5s were generally better equipped as standard than most German rivals, but it’s worth tracking down a well specified example, because this helps to lift the ambience of the somewhat plasticky interior. Heated leather seats are a must, so try to find a Turbo Edition model: this was built to pay tribute to Saab’s turbocharged heritage and came with more standard equipment.

Our favourite used Saab 9-5: 2.0t Turbo Edition

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Although far from the most reliable car of all time, the Saab 9-5 was certainly built well enough in terms of its body strength. Even with its aged underpinnings, it gained a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2003, and there are no reports of any areas on the body that are vulnerable to rust.

Sadly, the interior isn’t quite so tough. Wear and tear can really show, and items such as the green-backlit LED display become difficult to read with age (and are expensive to replace).

With such a long production run, many 9-5s will have fallen into the hands of those who have tried to run them on a shoestring, so don’t accept any car that doesn’t have a comprehensive service history.

The Saab 9-5 first went on sale in 1997, but its lineage actually stretches back even further than that, to the 1995 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vectra/hatchback/used-review/n701">Vauxhall Vectra</a>.

Saab was owned by the US car giant General Motors at the time, so it was decreed that the cars should share a common platform. However, while <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/vauxhall">Vauxhall</a> had replaced that platform by 2002, Saab stuck with it until 2010.

As a result, the 9-5 lacks the handling sharpness and precision of major rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>, but it in some other respects it isn't as far off the pace as you might reasonably expect, especially if you go for a post-2002 model.

The 9-5 received a mild exterior facelifted during that year and also gained electronic stability control for the first time in order to improve safety.

Space was always a strong point, as was seat comfort. The 9-5's boot is bigger than those of most contemporary rivals, with plenty of space for large suitcases.

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Used Saab 9-5 1997 - 2010 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Saab 9-5 saloon?