Should I buy a 1999 9-5 Saab V6?

Question

I am looking into purchasing a 1999 Saab with 161k miles. It is the V6 turbo version engine and is a 9-5. The price is $3500 and I was wondering if anyone can offer input on these cars and any problems they might have. I do not know if it is wise to purchase a car with such high mileage. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Ignore the above poster's bitter comments. From a much more qualified perspective, I would suggest you find something else for the cash. While I swear by my Saab, I wouldn't recommend the 9-5 from that year. It really didn't get its kinks worked out until about 2003/2004. Even still, it is a great niche car. It can take patience but if you're really ready for a Saab, it'll be your favorite car.

That is also a pretty high mileage car and may start to get really expensive to fix. It can certainly last a long time but at what cost? Saabs are relatively expensive to fuel (premium only), fix, and maintain. I just had a routine service that cost $650 and my car is only 3 years old.

Find a qualified Saab mechanic and have him go over it before you purchase. Check for any sludge problems (even though the V6 was less susceptible than the I4), all belts, connections, etc. There were a lot of recalls for that year so make sure everything has been done. You can search online for the recalls and go over them with the owner or mechanic.

Answer 2

No. Not at all. There is a reason why it is so cheap. Saab is said to be an acronym for Something Almost Always Broken. It will drain your bank account. You will spend many $3500 to keep it going. And if you want to get rid of it, nobody would be interested in buying it. Do you know anyone who is interested in buying even a new Saab, let alone a 1999 with 161 K miles.

If budget is an issue, buy a small car such as Corolla or Civic. If you can spend 3-4K more, go for a 1999 Accord or Camry.  

Answer 3

I agree with posters not the best year. found this out the hardway.  Love to drive them engine has had no problems but under 100,000 miles and ive done the fuel pump radatior and still have electrical issues.1994 saab 900se 2.5 V6 Moves good when running!!

Plus gets about 30 highway MPG for a v6!!!

Answer 4

I have a 99 saab 9-5 it has over 200k miles with only a few problems, it has a five speed and is a four cylinder, the six is a little more problematic,

Repair at a dealer is ridiculously high, but if you can do your own minor repairs , I say go for it.

Answer 5

I like K's answer very much and do agree. The 9-5 is a really great car, but the 1999 model year is just not something you want to be involved with. I bought a 2001 9-5 V6 two years ago with 160k miles on it also. I paid $5k for it and in the 19k miles I've driven it I have spent $5,300 keeping it road-worthy, and YES it's been maintained and babied it's whole life at the dealer or a certified Saab shop. Big ticket items were the turbo (rebuilt for $1500) and the timing belt ($1200 with a couple extra things in there). The rest has been stupid little things like suspension stuff, PCV, emissions things, etc... It still blows blue smoke every time I start it so it must be piston rings or valve stem rings failing as I've replaced everything else that could possibly cause this. You get a lot of car for $3500 but it comes with a lot of baggage. If you don't think you'll be able to maintain this 9-5, get something cheap but more reliable and keep Saab in mind in a few years when you can afford a 2004+ 9-5. Those things are just about bullet-proof. Good luck.

Answer 6

Kellybluebook.com (KBB.com) Rates this car at



  

Excellent

  $4,730  



Good

  $4,220  



Fair

  $3,625  

This is without any luxary items... Just plain stock.

I own a saab 900 se 4Cyl 2.0 Turbo

As Previously Stated 2.0L turbos are much more reliable than the 3.0L V6 Turbo.

Im well over 225k Miles... and I havent had a problem since 120k...

3.5k For the car isnt a bad deal.. but try to talkem down to 3,300, With any luck youll get it... and thats a deal.

I reccomend any Saab, They are very reliable great cars!, just change your oil Frequently To Extend the Longevity of your Saab.

PS. You dont have to fuel up on Premium, Ive always fueled up on Regular, The Only Thing the Premium does is prevent Knocks, but you shouldnt have to worry about it, the extra 25 Cents a gallon isnt worth it, look at it this way

13 Gallon Tank @ 4.00 Per Gallon = 52.00 Dollars

A Conservative 1 Fill up per week (More like 1.5 per week) @ 2 year. = 5,408 Dollars

1 Fill up per week On Premium  = 55.25 = 5,746 Dollars

5,746

- 5,408

= 338 Dollars, Thats money you can use on your next car,

Tho if you buy a new car, i Suggest filling it with Premium if the manual calls for it to extend the longevity of the engine.

But h**l, if your throwing 3.5k Into a car.... why throw an extra 338 Dollars into it.... thats like 1/10th of the cars value in non needed "premium Higher octane gas"

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question90.... (octane ratings explained)

Yes, ITs better, but its not worth 338 dollars more per 2 years in a used car... IMHO.

But Long story short... Buy the saab :-) they are nice.