Looking at Saab at potential next car.

[Davie_GLA]

Hi all,

Can someone help? i am looking at a car this weekend and need some advice on it. I've pasted the details below and would appreciate any feedback. Car is advertised for £3295 and showing 69k.

Saab 9-3 1.9TID VECTOR SPORT [150] 4DR
Year/Reg:2004 (54)Mileage:69,000Engine size:1.9LFuel type:DieselGearbox:ManualBody style:SaloonColour:Silver

4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Diesel, 69,000 miles, Metallic silver, MOT-11-2012. in lovely condition throughout,FULL LEATHER INTERIOR, good serv history , Heated front seat, Body kit, Telephone, Alloy wheels, Air conditioning, Cd Player, Remote central locking, Electric door mirrors, Cruise control, Immobiliser, Sports seats, Alarm, Body coloured bumpers, Front fog lights, Reverse parking aid, Trip computer, Rear electric windows, Drivers airbag, Heated door mirrors, Service indicator, Space saver spare wheel, Front electric windows, PAS, Front head restraints, Isofix child seat anchor points, Solid Paint, Steering wheel rake adjustment, 3x3 point rear seat belts, Steering wheel reach adjustment. Insurance Group:12.

[philmots]

I'd stay away from the diesels myself...

but, if you really want it, budget for cambelt and waterpump straight away, and then every 30 to 40k after that... also budget for a few alternators, egr valves and DPF's...

You'd be much better off buying a petrol !

[Davie_GLA]

Hmm, the reason i'm buying this or something similar is for economy. i'm doing 600 miles a week just for work so not sure how a petrol would work?

[loko]

you shouldnt have any real probs with that engine, its the same one thats been put into hundreds of thousands of vectra,s without massive problems

[philmots]

I'd probably run a diesel too with that mileage.

As long as you budget for the above you'll have no worries.

Check the honest John website about failiures on the Saabs and Vectras etc.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/saab/9-3-2002...

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/vauxhall/vect...

But you could have one and it'd run forever with no problems. Just keep your eyes open.

[DavidY]

I bought a 55 9-3 TiD (150) with 75k on the clock, two years later it's showing 113k on the clock, only non-service items have been a set of front springs (one broke, common) and an alternator. I paid £4500 two years ago.

Your potential car is due a belt change (make sure they change the waterpump at the same time), but other than that looks ok.

[Davie_GLA]

As luck would have it i missed the car by about half an hour! The search continues