Used Saab 9-5 cars for sale

It’s one of the few that provides a proper load area, and, as such, it’s more than just a ‘lifestyle’ load-carrier. The cabin is roomy, comfortable and well built, too. However, it can’t match its German rivals for quality or class. True, it isn’t as sharp to drive as the equivalent BMW or Mercedes, but that doesn’t stop it being very capable in its own right. The handling is perfectly acceptable, the ride is terrific and refinement is up there with the best in the class. Its biggest strength, though, is value for money. The 9-5 is a good deal cheaper to buy than its German competition, and it won’t cost the earth to run.

Running Costs
Just as the 9-5 saloon is one of the cheaper executive cars, the estate is one of the more inexpensive premium wagons. It was less to buy from new than its BMW and Mercedes rivals, and it didn’t hold its value as well, so the earliest used examples can be had for next to nothing. Insurance costs shouldn’t be too bad, either. All variants except the HOT Aero range from groups 13-15 for insurance, with our favourite 2.3-litre engine sitting in group 14. The HOT 9-5 estate is in group 17, which is yet another reason to give it a miss. The engine is among the most frugal in the range of petrol-powered 9-5s it’s only 0.4mpg behind the leanest 2.0-litre. Whichever powerplant you choose, though, your fuel costs will be broadly similar to the equivalent E-Class or 5 Series. The same goes for servicing costs, because all three companies charge similar rates for maintenance work.

Saloon
The 9-5 often gets criticised for not being as sharp or as fun to drive as the equivalent BMW, Mercedes or Audi. And, while this is true, it doesn't stop the Saab being a very decent car in its own right. The handling is perfectly acceptable, if not hugely involving, but its strength lies in other areas. Most importantly, the ride is great, and refinement is up there with the best in the class. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, too. And, while it can't match its German rivals on quality or class, everything feels well screwed together. The dash has an interesting, driver-orientated design, and there's plenty of equipment, as well as a big boot, too. One of the 9-5's biggest strengths, though, is its value for money. The Saab may not be quite as good its German rivals, but it's a good deal cheaper to buy, and it won't cost the earth to run.

Running Costs
As executive cars go, the 9-5 is one of the cheaper ones. Not only was it cheaper to buy from new than its German rivals, it didn't hold its value as well. All this means that you'll be able to pick a used example up significantly cheaper than a 5 Series or E-Class of the same age. Insurance costs shouldn't be too bad, either. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is the cheapest to insure, sitting in group 13, and all of the rest (apart from one) sit in either group 14 or 15. The exception is the HOT Aero version, which is group 17 - another reason to leave it alone. Sticking to the 2.0-litre petrol engine will also give you the best fuel economy that a petrol-powered 9-5 has to offer, and your fuel costs will prove broadly similar to the equivalent Mercedes or BMW. The same goes for servicing costs, as all three companies charge similar rates for maintenance work.