9-3 Cab questions
Discussion
Hi Saabists! After thinking about it for quite a while I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy myself a Saab 9-3 convertible, but I have a few questions - some of which can only be answered by people with experience of them.
I would be parking on the street in an area of London that James May would probably describe as, "usually burning". So what's security like with the soft-top? I remember as a kid in the 80s my dad locking himself out of his Triumph Spitfire and the AA man simply pushing back a part of the rag top and unlocking the car. He also had his stereo nicked when someone cut open his plastic rear window - I'm assuming neither of these are possible in the more modern Saabs?
I'd be looking at getting a manual petrol, probably an 04 plate or thereabouts and I've already got a short list of things to look out for, but I'd be grateful for any words of advice from you experienced users.
Thanks.
I would be parking on the street in an area of London that James May would probably describe as, "usually burning". So what's security like with the soft-top? I remember as a kid in the 80s my dad locking himself out of his Triumph Spitfire and the AA man simply pushing back a part of the rag top and unlocking the car. He also had his stereo nicked when someone cut open his plastic rear window - I'm assuming neither of these are possible in the more modern Saabs?
I'd be looking at getting a manual petrol, probably an 04 plate or thereabouts and I've already got a short list of things to look out for, but I'd be grateful for any words of advice from you experienced users.
Thanks.
Step mum has had a 1.8 manual for over 4 years and 100k, never let her down and nothing gone wrong, she loves it.
Don't worry about the roof, it's as likely to get damage as a window is to get smashed.
Imoa they are a bargain at the moment , just remember your on PH, so only an Aero will do
Don't worry about the roof, it's as likely to get damage as a window is to get smashed.
Imoa they are a bargain at the moment , just remember your on PH, so only an Aero will do
Dixie68 said:
Thanks for the replies. How about this 'bulkhead' thing and the stories about dropping the sump? Should I be worried & what would I look out for? I've seen some info about them but, like I say, day to day Saab users will probably have better info.
Some "old-shape" pre-03 9-5 cabs suffered from cracks in the bulkhead - it's not the end of the world and is safely repairable - you can read about it ad nauseam on the Saab forums...The "sump drop" thing is related to oil sludging up on cars the have been used with non-purely synthetic oil - this is more common on 9-5s than 9-3s - many people get the sump-dropped and everything cleaned as a precaution when they buy a new car. This shouldn't affect aeros as they were specced for synthetic oil...
Prof Beard said:
Some "old-shape" pre-03 9-5 cabs suffered from cracks in the bulkhead - it's not the end of the world and is safely repairable - you can read about it ad nauseam on the Saab forums...
The "sump drop" thing is related to oil sludging up on cars the have been used with non-purely synthetic oil - this is more common on 9-5s than 9-3s - many people get the sump-dropped and everything cleaned as a precaution when they buy a new car. This shouldn't affect aeros as they were specced for synthetic oil...
Latest engine breather kit also a good idea after sump drop.The "sump drop" thing is related to oil sludging up on cars the have been used with non-purely synthetic oil - this is more common on 9-5s than 9-3s - many people get the sump-dropped and everything cleaned as a precaution when they buy a new car. This shouldn't affect aeros as they were specced for synthetic oil...
Not particularly experienced, we got out '06 1.8t Vector a few months back. So far it has done everything we wanted: plenty of space, quiet, comfy. Although not particuarly fast it is just about quick enough. Not by any stretch a B road weapon, but handling isn't too bad either. Aero is no doubt better.
I suspect it creaks and rattles a bit more than a BMW or Audi of the same age, but it was much cheaper. I would consider ours an absolute bargain for what we paid.
I suspect it creaks and rattles a bit more than a BMW or Audi of the same age, but it was much cheaper. I would consider ours an absolute bargain for what we paid.
My wife purchased a 2004 2.0t convertible in 2008. The car had 50k on the clock then, 70k now. Only 1 fault in 4 years, had to replace handbrake cable for mot.. Great car for the money, one of the best looking convertibles IMHO. The 2 tone beige/black leather on hers is very stylish. Mpg pretty poor, 30ish in real life. Don't believe anyone who claims more mpg !!, they must weigh 5st & drive in slippers..
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