NOOB: Need help finding a saab in my budget!

Hi everyone!

My wife and I have been saab fans for a long time. We are now in a situation to actually purchase our fist saab!
There are many choices and it can be overwhelming with all the research!

Here are some choices so far... any input - or your gut feeling on whats the best choice... please, any feed back is appreciated!


I'm in the midwest and I am willing to drive up 600 miles for a well taken care of saab.

I wanted to go and pick up this 2007!

2007 Used Saab 9-5 4dr Sdn Auto at Honda of Mentor Serving Cleveland,Akron,Mentor, OH, IID 9962907

Here is a choice i found on craigslist:

* Black Saab 9-5 Turbo - Clean, 85k, Loaded! Sell or Trade *


Any other help or tips for used saabs 8000 and under would be a life saver... either way im buying a saab... i just want to buy the right one!

In and Out Auto - 2006 Saab 9-5 Sedan 2.3T - In and Out Auto

This one is close to home.. test drove it.. felt great..

Of the three you listed so far, I would go for the 2007 at the Honda dealer. THe Carfax shows a good service history. It is also much newer than the 2001. The 2007 has 250hp vs 185hp for the 2001. The 2007 will feel a lot more modern and is not affected by the sludge problem like the 2001.

The 2006 looks nice but already has 130K miles. It does have the Sport Package (Aero version), ventilated sport seats and Visibility package though and the 2007 has less equipment.

As always, there often isn't one 'best' choice, especially when it comes to used cars. But we'll be happy to share our opinion on any used Saab. :)

Thanks for the reply. The 2007 is a leap of faith for me to go and test drive it since its 600 miles away. There was a 2007 Aero 9-5 in Tx. Had 84k - I called and they said it was taken off the market because it broke down and they cant figure out what was wrong with it. Is 2007 9-5 a reliable year?

That 07 looks pretty beat up to me and a lot of suspension parts are likely ready to be replaced. Stay away from that. I have an 08 Combi and like it a lot bit it only has 30000 miles and no problems, but I would not buy one with that miles and it just looks dirty and the wheels look pretty rough. If your budget is really 8000 you can find very nice 04 and 05's in that price range with fairly low miles. Dealers will advertise 05's for 10 but will take 8. Most of us think the 05 and 04 9 5's were the best years and the interiors are much nicer that the +06's. Just my 2 cents. Frank dumped his 2010 and went back to an 05 and I am still looking for an 05/04 Aero and will sell my 08 if I can get a good price differential. The +06's are still plenty good but the 04/05 Aero's are just awesome

What are your purpose for the vehicle? Do you want sedan/wagon? Larger car vs. smaller car? manual/Automatic? Interior color - vehicle options? Name the target and I can help you locate one from my desktop. :cheesy:


OR you could look up Marty via Iowa City Saab/Meyers garage - iowa city saab/meyer saab - iowa's newest and oldest dealerships

I recently sold my 2004 9-5 Arc Wagon with 77K miles to a private buyer for $6,300 so that will give an idea of price and what they are selling for.

Make sure to take your time and not jump on the first you see. I agree with Mike about the 04 and 05 model years but the 06+ are a bit more modern. It all depends what you prefer. I used to have a 06 but am happier with an 05 like I have now.

From all the research ive done i think the 9-5 04/05 model is what i want to drive. My wife would love a wagon.. i know those are hard to come by in good condition. It will be used as a everyday vehicle, i would love to also feel confidant enough to take it out of town. The interior color and such is not of concern as long as its in good condition - though beige interior is nice! a 9-3 is too small.. i have a car seat in the back.. need to be able to comfortably fit it back there.

I have owned my 07 for 2 years now bought it at 49k has 85k. I have replaced little window rollers and the DI cassette out of need.

I have also ugraded suspension compenents for fun.