Just test drove a 9-5, (1999 9-5 S) when she warmed up the oil light came on with a "bing!" Now I clearly don't want to buy it if there's a problem, but there's plenty of oil in it and no nasty noises, and it's going for a good price.
The dealer, (non-Saab) thinks it's just the sender and will replace it, but I'm less sure. He also warned me it would happen before the test drive.
Can anyone shed any light on this before I spend my hard earned. Would appreciate a few responses as quickly as possible,
Is that model/year subject to the "oil sludge" problem? If so, that could be making the oil warning light come on. But if replacing the sender fixes the problem, then I guess it's OK. Unless the dealer fixes the problem by removing the oil warning light bulb.
I have the letter from Saab about the sludge problem at home (our 2001 9-3 is potentially effected). I'll have a look and post the list of models/years later.
The oil sending unit could very well be the culprit. To put your mind at ease, have the mechanic test the oil pressure at idle, and at RPM to ensure that the oil pump is delivering within spec.
I've only heard of sludge being an issue in the USA. Choice of oil ?
Btw - my ex-g/f of old once had an Iranian lodger ( he was here to avoid the Iran
- Iraq war and kept failing his exams on purpose to stay here ) who bought an old Honda / Nissan whatever. One day he mentioned the oil light was on. Turned out it had been on for weeks. A quick inspection showed a lack of oil in the sump ! Literally nothing at all showing on the dipstick. It still ran though.......
Take someone with you (preferably an engineer!) who knows something about cars to give a second opinion. If nothing else that may put your mind at ease. What about the mileage, FSH, contact the previous owner, etc? If the dealer has nothing to hide you can find out these things.
Mileage is 65000, history is up to date and complete, ultimately the contract will say that he will solve the issue prior to delivery, if I go ahead with the deal.
Al the above sounds ok. If the low oil pressure light comes on after the oil warms up it is either ultra thin oil (very unlikely), worn engine (65000 miles and if you can see the service intervals in the book surely that is unlikely). That leaves only a faulty sender, it would be nice if you could see a new sender put in and then have a test drive straightaway. Bear in mind that with the new sale of goods act all second hand cars bought from a dealer come with a form of warranty. At the end of the day a lot will depend on what you think of the dealer and the price you pay. I have never bought a bad second hand car yet but I think I've always found something to worry about when parting with my money! Good luck.
If someone warned me before the test drive that the oil light was going to come I would be very suspecious of that dealer. Why would he have a car on his lot that has a problem that he has not corrected. Is that going to be his bargaining chip? Good luck papa
John, yeah he's going to fit a new sender, and I'll have my specialists check it out anyway. There is a warranty, for what it's worth. Deal is done now. The good lady liked the colour, and I was happy with the dealers attitude. He's in town, spent 12 years as a Saab sales manager and seems genuine. His place has been running as long as I've lived here, (since 2002) and he always has a few Saabs on the forecourt.
The balance of posts here, the probability that it is just a dodgy sender, good history file and a HPI check confirming mileage along with clear registers on theft, finance etc means I have done the deal.
Sorry, how would that be a bargaining chip? The only deal done on the oil light was that he would fix it, or no deal!
We had seen him the day before, and he'd got his lad to give the car a quick run before we took the test drive on the Sunday. Car was on his lot for about two weeks prior to our interest. His lad reported the fault to him, and he told me. I'd be far more suspicious of a dealer who said nothing, and then acted all surprised when I reported it back to him after the test drive, because yes the dealer should know if such problems are present.
The dealer has a signed contract to correct the issue before the deal is finalised. He has a couple of hundred quid as a deposit, the remaining several thousand will not be his until I am satisfied he has corrected the issue.
In addition there is a warranty. If all else fails I'll see him in the small claims court. I know little/nothing of US or European law, but UK contract law is pretty watertight, and the small claims court, whilst slow, does get results eventually.
I know car dealers have a bad reputation in the UK, but I have a nose for a scallywag, and he doesn't make it twitch.
Cheers
Al
By the way, any opinions on upgrading the ECU? Abbot and Speedparts offer
+40 and +65bhp? It's the wife's car so it probably won't happen but opinions would be appreciated.
Hi folks, well the dealer just gave us our deposit back. Replacing the oil sender, cleaning out the sump and feeder pipe didn't help. Having spoken to my mechanic, they were even more sceptical than Fred W! (see above)
Credit to the dealer, he agreed to refund straight away, he phoned me. However, if I hadn't had some help from my mechanic and you guys, who knows.
If the dealer had fixed the problem, my mechanic, (Aeromotive of Birstal) was going to give it the once over before I parted with the rest of my (wifes)cash. As it is we're out of the deal, and wondering what to do next 9-3 or 9-5?
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