I've owned a 2000 9-5 aero sedan, and I loved it. Incredibly comfortable to drive. With a 19t and a 5 spd manual trans on a factory tune I was able to get 36mpg highway.

I would definitely drive one of those cars again.

 

My wife had an 08 9-3 aero combi for 5 years, and I drove it for another 8 months after that. 2.8 pulls great, surprisingly reliable. Auto trans was ok for what it was, I'd see 30 on long highway trips but generally it sat around 23-24 with a 50/50 commute. Suspension was way too crashy/stiff for what it was, but it did handle well. Seats were nice, dash was eh. Good room with the back seats folded down but yea, back seat itself really only suitable for people under 5'8". They can be had for pretty cheap with around 70-80k.

I'd probably spend some time looking for a 9-5, trying to find a lower mileage unicorn would be tough, maybe in the meantime a cheap 9-3 drops into your lap.

 

I'm on my second 9-5 wagon now, the first Aero. B235R FTW! I never had a Viggen, but I had a 9-3 base. You get a lot more car in a 9-5 in terms of handling, polish, build quality, etc.

I have next to no experience with sport sedans/combis, but the little experience I do have puts me off. Compared to a 9-5, or any other older Saab for that matter, they feel cheap to me. I don't like the stupid electronic key, or really anything else about the interior. Also quite small inside.

I think 9-5 build quality took a pretty sharp nosedive once they switched to the crazy-eyed front end.

For my money, the sweet spot would be a unicorn 04-05 Aero with vented seats and factory nav. That'll probably be the last Saab I buy as a daily, unless the Aero I have now is already it.

 

I think 9-5 build quality took a pretty sharp nosedive once they switched to the crazy-eyed front end.

I have had both 9-5s. This line against the '06-09 I hear a lot.

It is true, there are a couple of places that feel cheaper than early cars, the most notable is the inner door panel pulls. BUT big picture, is there are places where the newer ones are far better built. For example, the dog legs are far less prone to rust, the front ends are built beefier and allow for more wheel and tire stock and aftermarket. The dash looks much more modern with the updated gauges and audio, the contrast stitching on the seats etc. They ride like a dream.

Mine has been silly reliable and looks nearly new at 160k. I have owned about 10 Saabs now and my '06 has been the best of them ALL.

 

What 9Kwrecker said, 1000%

Nothing (no other SAAB anyway) offers the smooth comfort and overall satisfaction of a well-sorted 9-5. I fell in love with my father's '08 9-5 wagon within hours of my first trip in it. I had long been obsessed with early 9000 turbos and 9000 Aeros, thinking nothing could match them for comfort, power and build quality. I never considered owning a 9-5 or a wagon, but after one ride in my dad's, I started looking for a 2004-2005 9-5 Aero wagon.

I've had mine for about a year now and I love every aspect of it. In my opinion, the 9-5 wagon with an '04-'05 face is one of the best looking cars on the road.

I've been in a bunch of 9-3 SS and SC's and never enjoyed the experience. The ride is hard, the interior is small and when compared to the 9-5, the surfaces feel cheap.

 

9-5 Aero wagon is the best Saab in many ways. Year, well that depends on preference. The 04-05 cars may be the best, but I have fallen for the '06-09. It just feels and looks more modern and gives you some of the '08+ 9-3 but with the 9-5 build quality you want.

The '06-09 looks grow on you quickly and enjoyed with mods and painting of the chrome trim. I also fit cargo into mine that our '08 9-3 would dream of.
This is a FULL size arcade game, the second one the wagon has brought home like a champ. If the opening was .5" smaller I would be on the hook for $300 in shipping.

 

Good info guys, thanks for all the thoughtful contributions.

 

Totally called that there would be no 9-3SS love....

 

Jameson's right.
The newer ones have a cheaper feel with the pulls, especially if you rest your leg on them, like I do. it's non-stop squeak. on the other side, the seats, and console are awesome. the suspension is great. hell, I'm even impressed by the brakes of this bone-stock aero sedan. B234 is a B234. The 5-speed is actually a great trans. I thought I'd hate it, but it does what I want, when I want.

That said, my old '00 Wagon was an absolute tank. It never felt like I was dragging around an aquarium, or floating along like a minivan. If There were low-mileage early wagons around, I'd have picked one up in a second. The newer aero seats and bumper covers are cool, but there's something about 99-01 9-5s that just stand out to me.


If I could have found my 08 sedan in an Aero, I would have pounced, but I'm super-happy to have this sedan.

 

10-0 9-5! Not surprised.

I disagree about the looks, i dont really like a ass end of the 9-3 combis at all.

9-5s also feel a bit more saabey to me.

 

I find the only factor that changes the amount of dogleg rust a 9-5 gets is the previous owner.

 

And location of the car, none that I see in PA or more south