18 years (yes really) since I traded my V reg 2.0 LPT saloon in for a diesel Zafira (yes really), I am finally back in another OG 9-5 - albeit for 24 hours or so whilst my car is in with Bagnalls for proper Saab service and check over :)
Although this car has had a bit of a life, it only has 77k on the clock. Given the towbar, I bet it's been towing a caravan for some of those miles. Lots of suspension knocks, wheel out of balance at motorway speeds.
Also felt quite dieselly when I first started up from cold,so suspect engine/gearbox mounts may need replacing.
But despite all that, I was reminded how good the ride is compared to my usual 2006 9-3 Aero!! And it is still has plenty of poke, despite being only the 150BHP 2.0t.
Looks like it has been in the Sahara with the headlights....
Quote from: Steve McF on 05 September 2024, 08:26:05 AM
But despite all that, I was reminded how good the ride is compared to my usual 2006 9-3 Aero!! And it is still has plenty of poke, despite being only the 150BHP 2.0t.
One of the best things I did to my old 9-3 was replace the suspension with new standard shocks all round and the eibach lowered spring kit. When I first got it the ride was horrendous crashing over bumps but the suspension upgrade transformed it. If you're keeping it I would consider doing it.
That's what we did to our 2002/3 launch model 1.8t. The difference was amazing. The original suspension was harsh. `somehow the lowered kit made the ride better.
Do you have to lower the car with that, or is there a version with standard ride height?
It's a tiny bit lower, but not much, especially as the Aero already has the sport suspension.
I'm not sure how they do it, but it's a lot more comfortable.
Picture shows it after fitting...
Quote from: Steve McF on 05 September 2024, 09:34:22 PM
Do you have to lower the car with that, or is there a version with standard ride height?
I don't think that there was any real difference between the stock Aero suspension and after having the kit fitted, maybe a few mm at most.