[Robdog08]

Considering a 2000 9-5 Aero Sedan Automatic with 90k miles(3.2k,) 1996 900 SE 4D Automatic with 123k miles(2.6k) and 2006 9-3 2.0 Wagon Manual with 93k miles($4k.)

The 9-5 and 900 would be purchased from individuals, but the 9-3 would be from a Lexus dealer. Supposedly the 9-3 would get a full inspection before being sold, but how much can I rely on that? Anything I should keep my eye out for?

I’m having mixed feelings all around as to which may be best for me. All three have been well cared for, supposedly clear titles, paint jobs have held up, and I’m seen good reviews for all three. I have a company truck, so this car would be mainly for the weekends. Mostly do road trips from GA to FL, drives up to the mountains for hiking, and errands around Atlanta.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[EdT]

It's getting hard to find 900 parts. The price being asked is way too high. A mint convertible may be worth that much, but not a four door auto. An inspection from a Lexus dealer doesn't add any value in my opinion. They may be diligent, but they won't be Saab specialists.

The 9-5 is from the sludge era. Unless you know that the PCV system was updated and only synthetic oil was run, the engine could be a ticking time bomb. On the other hand, it's hard to fault the build quality of the early 9-5s, and they are great highway cars. But this car is still overpriced in my opinion. (I don't know the SE USA market that well.)

The 9-3 wagon, if a 210 HP/six speed would probably have the best combination of performance and fuel economy. The load-carrying factor of a wagon beats the 9-5, and even the versatile 900. But the interior quality is pretty minimal, and the plethora of modules means troubleshooting requires a Tech II and a lot of patience.

I think the 9-3 wagon is your best bet, and the price is probably negotiable. The 900 might be a fun fling for under $1k, but it's 2.6 times that, and I'm not sure you'd want to drive a fun fling cheap car up into the mountains, unless you're prepared to hike back. The 9-5 has the engine issue, though if the service history checks out it's less of a concern, and I'd say it's too expensive.

Still, if you haven't, you should go out and drive each of them. They are different enough from each other that something might tip the balance into definitely yes or definitely no territory.

 

[Robdog08]

It's getting hard to find 900 parts. The price being asked is way too high. A mint convertible may be worth that much, but not a four door auto. An inspection from a Lexus dealer doesn't add any value in my opinion. They may be diligent, but they won't be Saab specialists.

The 9-5 is from the sludge era. Unless you know that the PCV system was updated and only synthetic oil was run, the engine could be a ticking time bomb. On the other hand, it's hard to fault the build quality of the early 9-5s, and they are great highway cars. But this car is still overpriced in my opinion. (I don't know the SE USA market that well.)

The 9-3 wagon, if a 210 HP/six speed would probably have the best combination of performance and fuel economy. The load-carrying factor of a wagon beats the 9-5, and even the versatile 900. But the interior quality is pretty minimal, and the plethora of modules means troubleshooting requires a Tech II and a lot of patience.

I think the 9-3 wagon is your best bet, and the price is probably negotiable. The 900 might be a fun fling for under $1k, but it's 2.6 times that, and I'm not sure you'd want to drive a fun fling cheap car up into the mountains, unless you're prepared to hike back. The 9-5 has the engine issue, though if the service history checks out it's less of a concern, and I'd say it's too expensive.

Still, if you haven't, you should go out and drive each of them. They are different enough from each other that something might tip the balance into definitely yes or definitely no territory.

I think you are right, judging from the Kelley assessments they are all over priced. I’d have to ask for some proof from the 9-5 and maybe I can haggle more with the 9-3 wagon.

 

[steve12955]

I'm really surprised the Lexus dealer hasn't already wholesaled the '06 9-3 to an auction house - it's going on 14 years old. I doubt they will offer any sort of warranty. .

I agree with EdT's points but it's also the newest so it will have less corrosion, rubber seals will be in better shape and some of the parts come right from the GM parts bin.

If they wholesaled it, they'd be lucky to get $1000. By keeping it, they'll also incur costs to recondition (i.e. clean it, change fluids, maybe replace tires, etc.). I'd offer them a really lowball number - like $2000 or even less. They'll want to play the game of getting the OK from the Sales Manager, etc. but for them this transaction will be more of a nuisance given its relative value and the time involved. They'll also try to make up some profit by arranging for the title transfer, getting tags, etc. and whatever else is required in GA - tell them you'll do all the paperwork and running around.

Make an offer, tell them that's your final offer, and be prepared to walk away.

 

[Jeremy R.]

The 9-3 is the newest, but also the most poorly built of the lot. The leather seats crack and fall apart, especially the two-tone ones, and the markings on the climate controls and radio wear off, leaving you with white plastic buttons with no markings. Personally, I'd try to find a newer 9-5. The 1999-2001 models are the best looking, IMHO, short of the 2004-2005 Aeros, but the later ones add more features, and the 2002+ Aeros have the best front seats of most any Saab. I couldn't recommend a NG900 at this point, unless like previous mentioned, it was really cheap. They're nice cars, but they're getting long in the tooth. I have a 1997 900 SE turbo, which I love, but it's requiring more and more work these days. I don't have any issues with parts availability, though.

 

[bob3000]

and I'm not sure you'd want to drive a fun fling cheap car up into the mountains, unless you're prepared to hike back.

A classic EdT truth.

 

[EdT]

I'm really surprised the Lexus dealer hasn't already wholesaled the '06 9-3 to an auction house - it's going on 14 years old. I doubt they will offer any sort of warranty.

Oops, I misread the OP as the NG900 is at the Lexus dealer. That would go a bit of the way to explaining the 900's price. Still seemed kind of weird, but I didn't go back and read more carefully.

The 9-3 is the newest, but also the most poorly built of the lot.

My sample size of 1 9-5 2.3/manual and 1 9-3 2.0/six speed manual has convinced me that the 9-3 B207 is a much nicer drivetrain, and the chassis may be better as well. Agreed about the build quality; I'm trying to figure out how to fix/redesign the low beam (H7) wiring and retainers, because they are appallingly bad and break/fail regularly. You'd think something as basic as headlight bulb wiring and retention was a solved problem, but noooo, the 9-3 headlights unsolved it nicely.

 

[hunt.dogshome]

They are high prices. 95 is best built and least likely to rot. At that age several things will need fixing on all three. 900NG most likely to rot. The 9-3 is still an OLD car for that money. If the 9-5 has had a load of servicing, bushes all replaced and love then probably that. It's the best handling of the three if in good nick. Surely there are lower cost Saabs of that age around?