Quick Tips List for Buying a 9-3 TiD
Discussion
If you are looking for a 9-3 and chances are it will be a diesel, then here are a few quick tips I learnt for decision making...
- Avoid the entry level Linear version (cloth trim, basic stereo and castors for alloys)
- Check that every single electrical device works
- 2.2 TiD is the more bullet proof unit, uses a chain (not cambelt) and can do 200K+ miles no worries
- Pre-2006 cars do not have a DPF (diesel particulate filter), need to check this on a 55-reg
- No DPF is a good thing! DPF's are prone to clogging up and need regeneration or opt for a deletion
- Ensure the Water Pump is replaced, as the bearings are prone to rusting up and seizing
- Saab Specialists normally advise cambelt change around 60K miles / 4-5 years (1.9 TiD)
- Speak to your local Independent for proper advice on this!
- If you don't want this cambelt change hassle, go for the 2.2 TiD (brilliant unit, lots of power too)
If you need a spare key, you can get a new fob and blade from Buckingham & Stanley Saab in Cambs for about £70.00 complete and this will need to be coded to your car with the original keys (all that you have) - takes about 10 mins and not normally charged for at a Specialist.
All parts are pretty low cost, as GM platform and can be sourced from GSF Car Parts and Euro Car Parts are very good sources. E.g. I replaced all x4 discs and pads (Eicher) for £96.00 total parts cost and my local garage charged me 2.5 hours labour, including new brake fluid.
Your local garage can easily maintain these cars, unless it requires a "Tech 2" plug in, then you need a Specialist or Dealer.
As its using GM engines and other platform parts, and you want a Main Dealer Service for little money, then you can take them to your local Vauxhall Dealer and have them serviced on their Fixed Price Menu: Bronze / Silver / Gold options. I think they start from £69 to £200 and the latter includes an Air-Con Re-gas and sanitizer.
Other things to look at during inspection:-
- EGR Valve
- Turbo Intercooler and connecting pipe work
- Washer Jet Pumps
These are prone to failure around 100K, so have a good check over or history to see if its been done.
Prices are about £200 (EGR), £100 (Intercooler), £39 (Washer Pumps) - ball park prices, just have a hunt around online to check price / parts.
Overall, these are excellent cars and are seriously comfortable on the long haul. It's worth looking at their Euro NCAP safety video, very impressive for peace of mind etc.
Anyway, hope this little summary helps anyone who is the process of buying a 9-3.
I'm sure there are other things too, but these are some key points I looked into when buying my 2003, 2.2TiD Sport Vector.
- Avoid the entry level Linear version (cloth trim, basic stereo and castors for alloys)
- Check that every single electrical device works
- 2.2 TiD is the more bullet proof unit, uses a chain (not cambelt) and can do 200K+ miles no worries
- Pre-2006 cars do not have a DPF (diesel particulate filter), need to check this on a 55-reg
- No DPF is a good thing! DPF's are prone to clogging up and need regeneration or opt for a deletion
- Ensure the Water Pump is replaced, as the bearings are prone to rusting up and seizing
- Saab Specialists normally advise cambelt change around 60K miles / 4-5 years (1.9 TiD)
- Speak to your local Independent for proper advice on this!
- If you don't want this cambelt change hassle, go for the 2.2 TiD (brilliant unit, lots of power too)
If you need a spare key, you can get a new fob and blade from Buckingham & Stanley Saab in Cambs for about £70.00 complete and this will need to be coded to your car with the original keys (all that you have) - takes about 10 mins and not normally charged for at a Specialist.
All parts are pretty low cost, as GM platform and can be sourced from GSF Car Parts and Euro Car Parts are very good sources. E.g. I replaced all x4 discs and pads (Eicher) for £96.00 total parts cost and my local garage charged me 2.5 hours labour, including new brake fluid.
Your local garage can easily maintain these cars, unless it requires a "Tech 2" plug in, then you need a Specialist or Dealer.
As its using GM engines and other platform parts, and you want a Main Dealer Service for little money, then you can take them to your local Vauxhall Dealer and have them serviced on their Fixed Price Menu: Bronze / Silver / Gold options. I think they start from £69 to £200 and the latter includes an Air-Con Re-gas and sanitizer.
Other things to look at during inspection:-
- EGR Valve
- Turbo Intercooler and connecting pipe work
- Washer Jet Pumps
These are prone to failure around 100K, so have a good check over or history to see if its been done.
Prices are about £200 (EGR), £100 (Intercooler), £39 (Washer Pumps) - ball park prices, just have a hunt around online to check price / parts.
Overall, these are excellent cars and are seriously comfortable on the long haul. It's worth looking at their Euro NCAP safety video, very impressive for peace of mind etc.
Anyway, hope this little summary helps anyone who is the process of buying a 9-3.
I'm sure there are other things too, but these are some key points I looked into when buying my 2003, 2.2TiD Sport Vector.
An excellent guide that hopefully can be added to, thank you.
I am seriously considering a 9-3 at present, but NI does not have a great selection on the market.
Specifically, i am looking for a SportCombi, has to be Vector Sport (or an Anniversary would be brilliant) in a metallic black or grey, manual as well.
Seems a trip to the mainland is the only option.
I am seriously considering a 9-3 at present, but NI does not have a great selection on the market.
Specifically, i am looking for a SportCombi, has to be Vector Sport (or an Anniversary would be brilliant) in a metallic black or grey, manual as well.
Seems a trip to the mainland is the only option.
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