Saab 9-5 Saloon Aero 2.3 Hot

And I say this with sadness rather than anger as I'm a Huge fan of the marque pre-GM takeover.

Saab you have to remember was always a small specialist car maker trying to compete in world of mass-market big boys. This meant that while they had very fine engineers they just didn't have the R&D resources i.e. money, to throw at their designs. This means that major design faults were allowed onto the forecourt. The classic 900's dire auto gearbox and weak manual one, the later 900's steering/bulkhead mounting failure. This woeful tale continued under GM who starved the company of money and then tried to sell its cars at BMW and Merc prices. This is how we ended up with abominations like the 9-5 and 9-3.

My 9-5 was a dog of a car. It entered my care with a timing chain that belonged to the ghost of Hamlets father (fatal) and soon after was diagnosed with a cracked piston. End of engine. New engine from Neo Brothers (5 stars) and back on the road. Lovely. Quick but not very quiet (the B engines are some of the least inspiring sounding engines around – if you like the sound of a decent Italian twin cam you’ll be sorely disappointed). 1 year later, 2 melted pistons, diagnosis, hi speed pre-detonation. Car sold for scrap.

I should mention that this was a car heavily modded by Abbott in Essex. Charming and expensive, but it seems that their electronics are unable to detect fatal ignition faults. In fact neither they nor the other 2 specialists who had the car in that time and plugged it in to their diagnostics spotted this terminal fault.

If I ever buy another turbo charged petrol car again, it will be fitted with water injection to protect the engine from the catastrophic effects of pre-ignition. It would seem £250-£350 well spent.

Other observations on ownership. The car is nowhere near German build quality of cars this age. I have an e36 Beemer that is 3 years older and is a better quality car in almost every respect, fittings, knobs and switches, electronics, interior and much better from a corrosion point of view. Yes, Swedish cars do rust, shock, horror! In fact in my experience of both Volvo and Saab over the years they are poorer than average for corrosion (about equal with US made Mercs i.e. not quite as bad as an 80’s Lancia, Fiat, Alpha etc.

Running costs are well above average. Fuel economy is pretty dire on all models inc diesels in my limited experience with these. I had the misfortune of borrowing two 9-3 courtesy cars and less inspiring cars you could not imagine. Tinny sounding, crashing unsophisticated suspension leading to a horrid ride, nasty engines, thirsty, faulty electronics.

My other half had a 9-3 diesel new for 3 years and to watch it deteriorate in that short time was frightening – even the paint started to ‘wash off’ it was so thin.

Saabs have all the running costs of a big six pot without any of the pleasure or advantages. In fact many V8s are cheaper to run. Expect mid to upper 20s on petrols and upper 30's on diesels.

There are some well documented faults on the B engines, the worst of which is the sump, filter, breather, oil type one (loads on internet forums)

My only advice, if you are nutty enough to want one and there are those who swear by them, buy cheap and by that I mean there are no 9-5s that are worth over a couple of thou’, not even a recent one. I’ve seen 2008 ones scrapped because of early engine failure and a recent one is as likely to do it as an older one. Do not repair, take the hit and bin it if it goes wrong, they can be and are an absolute money-pit. Ask any Saab specialist how many Saabs he has round the back with no engines. They are a real problem despite what others say.

If you really must have one then it must have a full service book or the owner should be prepared to drop the sump and show you inside. It really is that essential. Expect to have to re-bush the entire suspension system at around 100k (6-800 quid), the turbo can be had fairly cheaply and they can last well but don't bank on it if its had the wrong oil in.

Good luck, you’ll need plenty of it and yes I am expecting brick-bats from the enthusiasts - I'll hide behind Mr Clarkson (who also dislikes Saabs) he is bigger and better paid than me!

Having left a review on my 03 plate Hot Aero and having owned a classic 900 since I have now purchased a 07 plate Hot Aero.

I was rather surprised as I was not keen on the Dame Edna Crome but it's grown on me !!! So let's get down to the bras tacks, it's rather good it still has that SAAB feel to it but the com sense layout for the da sh is excellent with no SID unit to go belly up now all lit in green LEDs. The turbo is quicker that my old 95 and it still has all the refinments a 95 driver is used too. Again check the service book and that the oils been changed every 7k with Mobile One or another fully synthetic oil. I love the fact that you don't see one every 5 min and it will still scre the wits outof BMW and Merc boy racers the acceleration from 40 to 100 is totally of the chart. I paid 3k for her and worth every penny for this top of the range saloon, take some advice buy one you will not be dissapointed. Shame they don't make em any more!!

Let me start by saying the only thing that lets this car down is that it's just too damn fast!

Ok so this car is not a one to take on hot hatches at lights but the mid-range torque of the turbo is unbelievable, I have lost track of the amount of M3 drivers that have had the shock of their lives as this unassuming looking Saab 95 estate leaves their pride and joy in its wake on the motorway.

And that's the problem with this fantastic motor. I am a middle aged dad who left his boy racer days about 20 years ago, but in this car you just can't help yourself.

Whilst owning it I have had no mechanical faults and the fuel consumption has been pretty good, even with the odd blast it's no worse than any normally aspirated 2.0 litre petrol car I have driven.

I have the estate version which is very practical for my family and the cabin has every conceivable extra as well as full leather interior.

All in all this is the best value car I've ever owned, its so much fun and I intend to run it forever!

had mine for five years,never once let me down, bit thirsty but what the hell you only live once. Fifty mm lower than the norm add an extra ten horses makes all the difference, took on an audi r6 the other day it didn't stand a chance. all in all this is a fantastic car, if you haven't got one yet, go get one.

Having gone through the Saab family taking in the GM offspring was like adopting a kid from the bad estate... as much as you hope for the best you somehow know that the bad habits are likely to surface under pressure.

Three years on and it just shows how prejudice and affect perceptions. The car has been an absolute joy (I fear saying it because, at 90,000 miles, I know it is getting close to needing a new clutch. At times I've driven it like the hooligan from the estate - those of you who take the opportunity (a clear road late at night) will recognise the bedevilment that pushes man and car beyond the limits... well beyond.

I've driven some truly terrible cars so I tend to adjust my driving to compensate. There may be cars that corner better - my old Lotus Elan was right up there with the best, and the lift off oversteer was about as much fun as you can have on four wheels. I find the 9-5 predictable and easy to manage - without any of the Elan drama.

It eats the miles without leaving you thinking about booking in for a back treatment so those long runs (for us) to Cornwall are stress free - out of the traffic jams. But when you do get space to over-take you think, okay, one or two cars and in the gap... foot down and four cars later you pull in. It is so quick in that vital over-taking range that it often surprises.

Reliable? No problems at all - manual gearbox, regular oil and filter change, treated it to new discs and pads (because I value stopping) and that is about it.

Fantastic car - a good one to end on.

I have owned three 9-5s ( two HOT 250 Aeros manual and Autonow and only due to an extremely long commute and price of petrol have I been moving mine and my wifes Aero on. I took all the performance extras,large intercooler , big brakes, DTM 18" wheels, bilsteins, springs,polybushings, 3" downpipe, sports cat, Abbott exhaust, forge wastegate and recirculating valve uprated fuel pressure reg,Stainless large bore intake and turbo intake , remapped by Abbott racing etc. onto my wifes car cut to the chase: The bilsteins and polybushing plus new subframe bushes will sort out all the handling woes. Bigger or red stuff pads and grooved discs sort the brakes. An engine rebuild new turbo Mobil 1/Millers every 6000 will keep you OK. Engine is leaky naturally and not a run and forget. There are common faults to look for. What lies behind all this though is a car that I love and I have had a good few 300hp ones at this stage. She is a good 300hp, docile when required, can get 30mpg, can rip past unbelievable lines of traffic, is as comfy as hell, has a great sound system and is built like a tank. It has been the only car I haven't rushed to change and only the diesel price mpg has me changing

Truly amazing. My first SAAB, won't be the last! Performance awesome, great comfort, and the estates' capacity made a house move seem easy. Still gives the 'big grin'factor when I floor it! Live in the country..poor roads, short straights...this has to be the safest machine for fast, safe overtaking I've ever driven. Even fuel consumption not too bad...@ 32mpg on long trip to Scotland, nearer 27-28 on local runs. Compared to prices for equivalent BMW/Audi what a bargain. Grab one and enjoy!

I wrote a previous review having owned the car for a month so I thought I would update you on the car.

SAAB 95 Hot AERO 03 plate - Well having had the wheels referbished and the scrapes resprayed and now having driven the car for 6 months I can only say that every time I drive it IT BLOWS MY SOCKS OFF !!! I love the fact that I know it will eat most other cars for breakfast. I love the seats soooo comfortable but the performance is a real ace in the hole. I had the AERO up to 152mph and it was still pulling. If you want to give the BMWs & Merc's a fright put it in 2nd on the manual mode ( I have an Auto ) then put your foot hard down - Bye Bye GTI. Change the oil every 7k without fail and make sure you have a good set of tyres on ( I use AVONs )other than that make sure you have the car looked at by a good mechanic and make sure the oils been changed as they are good cars but when things go wrong it will be expensive. If you live in West Sussex use MTEC in Worthing or Man Woodland in Hove both have second to none knowledge on SAABs.

Overall this is a great car, blistering performance which makes you feel safer in a perverse sort of way. Downside I guess is the handling and the bid to take it out of 'shopping trolley' territory into 'exec saloon' has created a slight imbalance between accelleration and handling.

It really needed to be a little stiffer and being soggy at the front it has a tendancy to lose traction on roundabouts etc.. Straight line performance is unreal with smooth revving and feeling that this car does not need to be on the boil to provide quality motoring.

Be warned though, playing with the turbo needle will cost you and the almost instant re-calibration of the 'remaning fuel' computer tends to keep you honest.

The roof to C pillar joints have cracked due to what I think is undue body flexing but at 5 years old this is a great used car. Have to say I laughed seeing a cassette player in it, the CD changer has been damaged by some muppet jamming cds into it but at £495 from Saab to replace it I'll do without.

This car looks good, it looks unassuming and creates a few surprised looks as it roars off into the distance...

Very nice interior built around the driver, comfy multi position front seats with 3 memory settings, cup holders are a little sparse but both hands on the wheel please.. this car has attitude !!!!

I bought my SAAB 9-5 2.3t HOT AERO saloon a month ago (53 Reg). I do love the looks, I smile every time the TURBO reaches the red line but the under steer is an issue, mainly on roundabouts. I had a C-Class Esprit before and it was better cornering than this one. I have one thing to say, the manual gear box is hard and the reverse gear difficult to engage sometimes, compared to the smooth gearbox of the Mercedes. Building quality is not as good as the Merc but the seats are unbelievably comfortable and very ergonomic. It feels safe inside the car and you have all you need very close to your finger tips. I love the car, I really do and I hope that everyone that has the possibility to by the Aero HOT enjoys it as much as I am doing so far. The torque is just immense, and it is a pleasure to look from the rear mirror and see how quickly you disappear in the carriageway :) it is a wolf in a sheep skin...no doubts!!!