9-3 1.9 tdi auto

9-3 1.9 tdi auto

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Discussion

scrwright

Original Poster:

2,730 posts

197 months

Monday 17th October 2011
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Off to look at a 150bhp diesel auto in a day or so, is there anything to look out for on a test drive? Anything fail on these cars?

cheers

Saabthinking

64 posts

173 months

Wednesday 25th January 2012
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the auto gearbox is a problem..... run a mile if its an auto you want. A manual is totally fine though...

bakerstreet

4,822 posts

172 months

Wednesday 25th January 2012
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Saabthinking said:
the auto gearbox is a problem..... run a mile if its an auto you want. A manual is totally fine though...
Quite poor advice really...

One could assume the OP is talking about a 93 1.9TID (150)?

Even if its a manual or auto, check the following:

If its done over 100k check that the cambelt and the water pump have been done.
Check and see if the alternator has been replaced? (Common failure)
Check that the wipers work ok.
Check that all the electrics work.
See if you can get underneath it and check the intercooler. They can be known to fail at anything past 100k.

Let us know if you get one and post up some pics if you do smile


Saabthinking

64 posts

173 months

Thursday 26th January 2012
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I was only giving advice from my experience... which is.. every time I am at various Saab specialist garages getting my car serviced, one of the same conversations comes up... what’s that on the ground over there in the corner, not another auto box... the answer is always, yep sure is... another one that has gone bang....

You are right with your list of other niggles to look out for, as I have changed all of them, but so far the electrics on mine have been ok, except for the alternator (which is a common problem as well). Also I would get the EGR cleaned and swirl valves looked at before you finally take hold of the keys... it’s always a gutting feeling when the engine light comes on, after a few days of ownership and the cars struggles with acceleration...

Other than that, the Saab 93 TiD 150 is an exceptionally good looking wagon and can be fun to drive. I will advise to have a Hirsch or Maptun ECU remap though, it makes the car feel alive and increases the MPG, albeit only a little but it all helps...

Saabthinking

64 posts

173 months

Thursday 26th January 2012
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Mine has done 117k and I drop the oil out every 10k. I do 25k miles p.a.

The front spring broke a few days ago, that’s another common problem, just replaced the lot with Maptun springs which are 35 mm lower :-)

I am now waiting for the turbo to give up, as this is meant to go bang around the 100-150k mark, if not before... ho hum...

PS you won't do any better with any of the BMW or VAG diesel stuff, loads of common faults with those engines, and friends have experienced them all... Mercedes seem to be a bit stronger, but not in the 1997-2008 model years, while those yanks at Chrysler owned them... have you seen the rust bubbling up on many models of Mercedes built in this period, it’s shocking !

bakerstreet

4,822 posts

172 months

Thursday 26th January 2012
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Saabthinking said:
I was only giving advice from my experience... which is.. every time I am at various Saab specialist garages getting my car serviced, one of the same conversations comes up... what’s that on the ground over there in the corner, not another auto box... the answer is always, yep sure is... another one that has gone bang....

You are right with your list of other niggles to look out for, as I have changed all of them, but so far the electrics on mine have been ok, except for the alternator (which is a common problem as well). Also I would get the EGR cleaned and swirl valves looked at before you finally take hold of the keys... it’s always a gutting feeling when the engine light comes on, after a few days of ownership and the cars struggles with acceleration...

Other than that, the Saab 93 TiD 150 is an exceptionally good looking wagon and can be fun to drive. I will advise to have a Hirsch or Maptun ECU remap though, it makes the car feel alive and increases the MPG, albeit only a little but it all helps...
They are very good looking cars. They have a very muscular stance and I like how the front slopes down. People often describe them as a Vectra in posh frock. Its certainly a nice looking frock and better looking than a Vectra!

Mine is on 134k and I am also waiting for the turbo to go bang. I'f I've still got it at 150k, I might just get it replaced. Think they cost about £800 all in at an independant.

I probably won't tune my car, but I'm temped to polybush the car to try and tighten the steering up.

I haven't serviced mine myself yet. It's due an oil change in August and I'd like to have a go myself. I'm just a bit worried about how difficult the undertray is to remove, especially when I can only get the car about a foot off the ground.

Seeker UK

1,443 posts

165 months

Thursday 26th January 2012
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Saabthinking said:
PS you won't do any better with any of the BMW or VAG diesel stuff, loads of common faults with those engines, and friends have experienced them all..
Yup - I've just sacked off an 02 2.5TDI A4 - I sank 2k into it and it still wasn't right. The Saab that replaced it, whilst not as well built is a far better drive and if it goes wrong won't bankrupt me like the Audi.

MrCippo

590 posts

202 months

Saturday 7th April 2012
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Hmmmh, thats a bit worrying now, just put a depoit down on 57 plate 9-3 tid auto, the facelifted one. Hopefully the dealers warranty that i paid for will cover any possible gearbox problems.