The whole range now being turbocharged, they seem to have left the smoky turbo and rattling timing chains of old Saabs behind.

First of all the basics, a full service history is king. Main dealer cars will tend to have had most faults rectified at the lease companies expense, and should need little on the next service.

When looking at a possible purchase, check that all the controls and electric's work, the display units for the Air con and side unit can lose digits, they cost about £350.00 + vat each to replace. These may come under warranty if the car is less than 3 years old and has covered less than 100k.

Also be careful to check the climate control gets cold, repairs can run into four figures if the pump and rad need replacing.

As so few 9-5's have gone past the 100k barrier, only time will tell if the 9-5 will suffer from general faults.

The best news so far is that the gearboxes, the Achilles heel of past 900-9000 are reliable, with the automatic being one of the smoothest boxes anywhere, and the manuals likewise.

Be careful to check the clutch is not biting at the top of the pedal as this is more time consuming to remove and could cost £300-4 pounds.

If you fancy cruise control, because the 9-5 is fitted with an electronic throttle (no cable!) you simply fit a new stalk from your dealer £66.00+ vat and that's it.

All service items are normally priced and a full service works out at £110-£200 depending if you go independent or main dealer.

To sum up a 9-5 is a well built car that if regularly serviced should reach high mileage with average service costs, and remember, if it look and drives good it probably is good.