Used Saab 9-5

What to know before buying: Saab 9-5

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners of a 2001 Aero and a 2003 2.0 automatic praise the seats, comfort and motorway stability.[4][2]
• Owners describe the 2.0 petrol versions as comfortable and dependable, with especially enjoyable turbo performance.[4][2]
• Aero owners highlight the strong engine, sharp handling and long-distance comfort.[4][2]
• Owners of 2002 diesel and 2006 petrol estates praise the quiet, durable cabin; the older car's interior remained in very good condition after 17 years.[2]one source

Typical faults

• On 1998–2003 turbo cars, verify the upgraded crankcase ventilation: faults cause oil consumption and leaks and may damage the turbo or engine. One-way valves can fail on 2004 cars.[1]one source

  1998–2004 · turbo

• Brake cylinders can seize on 2.2 TiD versions; the source specifically advises checking them.[2]one source

  2.2 TiD

• The turbo on a 2.2 TiD may begin giving trouble after roughly 300,000 km.[2]one source

  300 000+ km · 2.2 TiD

• The 2.2 TiD can suffer pump trouble; the source also links difficult cold starts to a typical return-hose fault near the pump.[2]one source

  2.2 TiD

• An owner of a 2006 estate reported that the exterior auto-dimming mirrors had darkened with age.[2]one source

  2006–2006

• In one 2006 2.3 Aero case, intermittent stalling and loss of ECU communication were traced to a corroded wire at the ignition-cassette connector.[3]one source

  2006–2006 · 2.3 Aero

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.3 petrol Aero: one owner recommends it after seven years, while others praise its power, handling and long-distance comfort.[2][4]
• The 2.0 petrol versions receive positive owner reports for comfort, reliability, turbo performance and road stability.[2][4]

What to check at the inspection

• On 1998–2003 turbo cars, check the crankcase-vent upgrade, hoses, one-way valve and cover passages. Oil around the filler, vapour or emulsion indicate trouble.[1]one source
• Check for oil consumption, blue smoke after standing, emulsion on the dipstick and leaks at the valve cover—reported signs of a faulty ventilation valve.[1]one source
• Start a 2.2 TiD from fully cold. If it struggles, inspect the pump and the fuel-return hose connected to it.[2]one source
• On a 2.2 TiD, check for dragging brakes and assess turbo operation on high-mileage cars.[2]one source
• Check the exterior auto-dimming mirrors in daylight and darkness; a 2006 owner reported permanent darkening with age.[2]one source
• During the test drive, watch for stalling, a falling tachometer and ABS or engine lamps. With multiple unrelated codes, the source advises Tech 2 diagnostics plus ground, wiring and connector checks.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]saabclub.by — комплексные проблемы мотор saab 9.5 (Страница 1) · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — SAAB 9-5 atsauksmes | jautajums.lv · forum
3. [3]foorumi.saabclub.fi — Saab 9-5 aero v.2006 sammuilee "mysteeri" vika · press
4. [4]autozine.nl — Forum Saab 9-5 (1 / 2) · press

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