Re-acquaintance

[Steve McF]

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.

[welshwizard]

Looks like it has been in the Sahara with the headlights....

[Audax]

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.

[sgould]

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.

[Steve McF]

Do you have to lower the car with that, or is there a version with standard ride height?

[sgould]

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...

[Audax]

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.