[yq397r]

I currently own an older C900T Sedan. I'm startng to look for an upgrade/replacement. Naturally I would like to stick with SAAB as a replacment. BMWs are way to expensive for you get, Volvos are nice, but don't do much for me. Jaguar and Mercedes are too expensive and always fitted with automatics. The car that really seems to speak to me is the 2000 9-5 Aero.
Questions I have...
-Is the turbocharged 230hp 2.3L engine available with a 5-speed manual transmission?
-Reliability issues?
-Whats the performance aftermarket support like? Are there alot of upgrades out there?
-HID headlights or halogen?
Thanks for any info.
-Ken

 

[Chris 9-5]

Questions I have...
-Is the turbocharged 230hp 2.3L engine available with a 5-speed manual transmission?

Yes!

-Reliability issues?

Get a good history and a warranty!

-Whats the performance aftermarket support like? Are there alot of upgrades out there?

Oh yes, some excellent upgrades!

-HID headlights or halogen?

Halogen!

Thanks for any info.
-Ken

Absolute pleasure

 

[Raven18940]

-Is the turbocharged 230hp 2.3L engine available with a 5-speed manual transmission?

I have one and it's much more sturdy than the c900 ones, you can beat on it a bit.

-Reliability issues?

The PCV system is a bit questionable, and with saabs 10K oil change interval there are sludge issues. Get one with documented 5K changes, avoid one with 10K changes. If you want to give it a clean bill of health you should drop the oil sump and clean the oil pickup. Other than that the crank position sensor and DI usually fail around 65K-70K and spark plugs are best gapped and/or changed often. Nothing a DIY'er can't handle really. One last thing, you really must use fully synthetic oil in these cars and they like 40 weight oil.

-Whats the performance aftermarket support like? Are there alot of upgrades out there?

Many ways to 300 ish hp, but after that you're on your own.

-HID headlights or halogen?

halogen

They're great cars, best of luck.

 

[Black Beauty]

-Is the turbocharged 230hp 2.3L engine available with a 5-speed manual transmission?
-Reliability issues?
-Whats the performance aftermarket support like? Are there alot of upgrades out there?
-HID headlights or halogen?
Thanks for any info.
-Ken

I drive a 2000 9-5 Aero, 5 speed. I've never driven a car which is so eager to go fast.

I bought mine 18 months ago, with 84,000, for $13,000. It had been totally dealer-serviced, with complete records.

I've had to replace most of the usual suspects: Direct Ignition Cassette ($400), Saab Information Display ($300), thermostat ($200), and the rear shocks ($500 or so, with labor).

The car has been very predictable. And, having replaced these items, the car still feels very fresh and new. No rattles or squeeks. I'm getting some tire noise, but that happens as high performance tires wear down -- when I put the winter tires on, the car is as quiet as a church.

The great thing about the 9-5 is that the known weak spots are pretty easy to fix. I would agree about having records of oil changes - that's always been important for Saab turbo's, and is even more important than usual for the 9-5.

I know it's a bit of a hike for you, but you should check out Tom Donney motors in Fort Dodge, Iowa - I think he's got a 2001 Aero 5-speed for sale last time I saw the website

http://donneysaab.com/TDM.htm

(and Tom's a real cool guy - I just met him at the 2005 Saab Owners' Convention in Vermont)

-- I grew up in Omaha, and whenever I go back I see so few Saabs driving around. So it's nice to see a Nebraska Saabophile.

 

[yq397r]

Thanks for the tips guys. Sounds like they are one hell of a nice car.

 

[ClemsonScout]

The reviews I have read have put the '02-'04 250HP aero's as more reliable than the 230HP ealier models. Just my 2 cents..

 

[deltabravo]

Good luck with the Aero. I have a 2004 9-5 Aero (of course it's a 5 speed-I don't think you should spend the money on such a car if the driver isn't involved in selecting the gears-might as well save your money). It goes like a fighter plane out on the highway. 31 miles/US gallon at 80 mph. Perfect machine for long distance and also a kick in the pants around town. Wonderful!

 

[Raven18940]

The reviews I have read have put the '02-'04 250HP aero's as more reliable than the 230HP ealier models. Just my 2 cents..

That is BS, they're the same. Saabs just lying less with the 250 hp version. According to my 1/4 mile trap speed, my car has abouts 270 hp, and it's stock.

 

[aeropilot]

According to my 1/4 mile trap speed,

Which is.....???

 

[Raven18940]

97 mph, and I just meet up with a buddy who has an 03 aero and we run the same on the open road so there is no difference.

 

[aeropilot]

97 mph

Which is only a couple of mph more than a standard 225hp 9000 Aero, which you'd expect with the slightly better aerodynamics of the 9-5 and 5hp more...

 

[Raven18940]

But I just out ran a 300 hp WRX STI from a roll, this ain't not 230 hp car.

 

[dangie]

Saab 95 Aero latest model

Hi there,

I would recommend that you go for the latest model (from 02->). It offers much improved suspension set up and gives the car a better road handling feeling. It also has a number of improvements/upgrades compared to the later model. Such as 30 extra bhp for instance. It is probably worth the extra cash!
I have one myself and like it a lot. Had a few smaller issues with it, but nothing major.
Good luck with finding one! (I know that the manuals are sometimes rare to find...)

Cheers
D

 

[aeropilot]

But I just out ran a 300 hp WRX STI from a roll, this ain't not 230 hp car.

That's the result of better torque from lower revs with a flatter torque curve, not horsepower....

 

[Raven18940]

Hi there,

I would recommend that you go for the latest model (from 02->). It offers much improved suspension set up and gives the car a better road handling feeling. It also has a number of improvements/upgrades compared to the later model. Such as 30 extra bhp for instance. It is probably worth the extra cash!
I have one myself and like it a lot. Had a few smaller issues with it, but nothing major.
Good luck with finding one! (I know that the manuals are sometimes rare to find...)

Cheers
D

Just so we get this straight, the newer aeros don't have more power, they're the same. My friend and I ran side by side and our cars pulled the same. The suspension setup is the same except for a slightly (1 mm) thicker roll bar up front. There are reasons I'd opt for the newer models though.

1. The stiffer steering hub, don't know how much of a difference, but it couldn't hurt.
2. Sport seats, the newer aeros got a much better seat design with a lot more side bolstering. I just sat in them once and I really really want them.
3. ESP, it's proven to work to correct an unrecoverable slide. I've never spun my car, but it's nice to know the computer's get my back.

That's the result of better torque from lower revs with a flatter torque curve, not horsepower....

From 4000 rpms in 3rd? Flatter torque curve my butt, he's got 40 lb-ft and 70 hp on me. Have you ever driven a 230 hp that torque steered this much? He said after our run "dude, your car is fast as @#$%."

 

[aeropilot]

Just so we get this straight, the newer aeros don't have more power, they're the same.

If you want to believe that, fine......

Where's Dr.Boost when you need him....:roll:

 

[Thedriver]

Just so we get this straight, the newer aeros don't have more power, they're the same. My friend and I ran side by side and our cars pulled the same. The suspension setup is the same except for a slightly (1 mm) thicker roll bar up front. There are reasons I'd opt for the newer models though.

1. The stiffer steering hub, don't know how much of a difference, but it couldn't hurt.
2. Sport seats, the newer aeros got a much better seat design with a lot more side bolstering. I just sat in them once and I really really want them.
3. ESP, it's proven to work to correct an unrecoverable slide. I've never spun my car, but it's nice to know the computer's get my back.


From 4000 rpms in 3rd? Flatter torque curve my butt, he's got 40 lb-ft and 70 hp on me. Have you ever driven a 230 hp that torque steered this much? He said after our run "dude, your car is fast as @#$%."

Hi Raven, is your 01 aero totally stock set-up ?
If so, this is interesting that you were keeping side by side with the 03 aero.
i mean im very happy to hear that, as my 00 aero goes like a bat out of hell, and when ive taken people for a ride in it, they were very impressed by the third gear pick up.........

 

[Raven18940]

Other than the intake filter and the spark plugs it's totally stock. I want to get it dynoed, maybe I just have a factory freak.

 

[ASCIO]

That is BS, they're the same. Saabs just lying less with the 250 hp version. According to my 1/4 mile trap speed, my car has abouts 270 hp, and it's stock.

Your stock (if it is) isn't 270BHP's and your 1/4 mile thingy... how can it be accurate? Unless your dyno your car, any estimate you do will be of the more 'hopeful' figures than real facts.

Saying that my 04 250BHP Aero is the same as the previous model with 230 is a bit of a stretch and a bold statement.

A 0-60mph race depends on the gear change and 'how well' you do it, it is not just measured in bhp's. Torque in the right place at the right time is important too. I know for the fact that if I put the pedal down (all the way), there is no way a stock 230bhp can fly off and away from me.

I am doing a 280bhp upgrade soon, anyone for a race

 

[Chris 9-5]

I am doing a 280bhp upgrade soon, anyone for a race

Yep sure