9-3 and 9-5 Parts, Costs and Feasibility

[NEW01]

Hi everyone,

I'll soon be heading out on placement so I need to buy a relatively cheap car, but I don't really want the default choice of a Golf or Focus.

I'm considering buying a first gen 9-3 or 9-5 2.2 TiD. Insurance is reasonable on both, but what are the costs of replacement parts like compared to say a Golf or Focus of the same age? I've also heard both can be really reliable if you get a decent one.

Much less street cred, but Rover 75 CDTs are also ridiculously good value for money at the moment - I imagine parts would be similar cost-wise?

And what do you think, in general, about getting any of these cars for a reasonable mileage placement year job? A good choice?

Thanks in advance, really appreciate any help I can get with this.

[CB2152]

Hi

It depends how far you're travelling. Anything fairly long distance, the 9-5 is your best bet. (Although the 9-3 will also be pretty good). As for parts, they seem to be fairly available at the moment, no worries if its a short term car as far as I know.

For older models, get the oil sump dropped and cleaned, as that can be a problem, not sure exactly which models suffer from this, someone with more knowledge will be along soon I'm sure...

If they're well looked after though, they'll go for ages and ages with no issue.

HTH

Chris

[Mr E]

2.2 oil burner is not well liked.
Later 1.9 fiat lump is much preferred.

[NEW01]

Thanks for the replies. I had worried slightly about the availability of parts, but that's reassuring. Are they expensive as parts go? I know Saabs are reasonably upmarket, but the first 9-3 and 9-5s are well over 10 years old now, so they can't be that complicated, I assume?

Have also heard the stereo is very good in the 9-5. They do seem like very nice cars.

[Steve93]

CB2152 said:

Hi

It depends how far you're travelling. Anything fairly long distance, the 9-5 is your best bet. (Although the 9-3 will also be pretty good). As for parts, they seem to be fairly available at the moment, no worries if its a short term car as far as I know.

For older models, get the oil sump dropped and cleaned, as that can be a problem, not sure exactly which models suffer from this, someone with more knowledge will be along soon I'm sure...

If they're well looked after though, they'll go for ages and ages with no issue.

HTH

Chris

B235 engines 2000-2003

Plenty of bits on the shelf at my work for Saabs.