Here's a conundrum and I'm hoping that many heads are better than one. The car: 2003 manual Aero Wagon, 130K, all the toys other than roll-out floor. 17" 'double Y's. Walnut dash. It's had DIC, CPS, vent kit.
Two and a half years ago it lost the synchro on 1st while we were on holiday. Took it to a Saab indie near Norwich and asked if they could fit an exchange recon box. Said they didn't do that but they would strip and completely rebuild it, which they did for about £1,500. Although it's since baulked a bit going into 5th when cold, all went well until last week when it dropped the synchro on 2nd.
What would YOU do? - scrap it? - use it as a trade-in? - replace the box? - live with it? I'd much appreciate any considered thoughts/suggestions.
If the car is sound in body, I would go for a new box. Probably a recon. Probably from a gearbox specialist rather than a Saab place who probably farmed it out to a specialist anyway.
Ditto sgould's reply - depending on cost, what you'd get in a p/x, and what your budget/shortlist is for a replacement.
But as has been said before, the cheapest car to buy is the one you aleady own. (Or words to that effect!) Words I chose to ignore two years ago, and while I miss much about the 9-5, I don't miss the running costs.
I'd replace the box, in fact that exactly what I've just done with my MY01 Griffin. I know the rest of the car is ok or I know the bits that are likely not to be ok in the near future ! Cheaper than buying a new car.
Couple of factors I should have included: all the rear suspension bushes are shot, as are the front subframe and torque arm ones. (I'd planned to have them done in the near future.) Would that alter anyone's judgement?
And if I do replace the box, would it be possible/practical to swap it for an auto one? Presumably some collateral bits - trim, etc. - could be had from a breaker.
Quote from: idlerider on 02 November 2016, 06:06:31 PM
Couple of factors I should have included: all the rear suspension bushes are shot, as are the front subframe and torque arm ones. (I'd planned to have them done in the near future.) Would that alter anyone's judgement?
And if I do replace the box, would it be possible/practical to swap it for an auto one? Presumably some collateral bits - trim, etc. - could be had from a breaker.
It's hard to input as If I was in your position and had £100k sitting in the bank doing nothing then I'd sell it and buy a Turbo X. If I had 50p and some pocket fluff to spend then I'd be looking at selling it on ebay and buying a bicycle.
What I would do is just price up all the repairs it needs now and add what you'd sell the car for in the current broken state as this will amount to the money you have to spend and the money you have. Then just see what this amount of money would buy, if it's something significantly better then probably go that route, if it would only buy you a 2003 9-5 Aero then stick with this one.
One thing I would say is that you do not really want to contemplate changing a manual to an auto, it will cost you more than selling the broken car and buying an auto one.
If everything else is OK, keep it and get the bushes and box rebuilt correctly by a reputable SAAB specialist.
Better the devil you know......