Rust/what to look for on Saab 9-3/9-5

[Sir Humphrey]

Hi, I'm thinking of making my next car a Saab, what things should I be checking for, e.g. rust?

The fuel consumption seems pretty similar for both cars (high 30s), is there a major difference between comfort and cost of servicing at a local garage between the two?

[Pablo16v]

Rust hasn't been a major issue on either of the 9-5's I've owned. My 2004 3.0tid estate had a few bubbles starting to come up on the fuel filler cap, and also on the tailgate around the drivers side light cluster. My current 2005 9-5 2.0t estate also has some rust appearing on the fuel filler cap, and there's a tiny bit starting to show on the bottom corner of the drivers side door. Apart from that she's fine.

The front wheel arches on my brothers 2007 9-3tid are starting to develop rust bubbles on both sides, but I don't know if this is a common theme with 9-3's.

What models are you looking at?

[Gorilla Boy]

The later shape 9-3's dont have any major rust issues, only ones that have been repaired by idiots.

[pewe]

In terms of fuel consumption presumably you're talking diesel?
The best I've ever had from my petrol 9-5 2.3 Eco Estate is av. 29mpg and that was a long trip on the motorway. Town driving, mainly short hops and the consumption falls to low 20's.
Having said that in terms of comfort, other running costs and driving pleasure it's hard to beat.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.

[PAUL RUN]

I own a 2006 SAAB 9-3 Aero convertible.
issues...
.
Front springs can snap. previous owner had one go...i had one snap 5months after buying the car...cost is low...Vauxhall part.
.
headlight washer motors pack up. they don;t like it when/if the windscreen fluid freezes there £30.
.
oh i also had a common problem with heater fans not switching off....even with the key removed....water can enter the cabin if the drain hole in front of the pollen filter becomes blocked with leave mulsh. Thus requiring a new controller £90 for this part.
.
i get 31.5mpg average in the 18months i've owned the 210 turbo petrol car.
grp 16 insurance costs me £304 full comp with the misses also insured and a 6k mile limit....
.
service parts are DIRTY CHEAP...again mainly vauxhall parts from Euro car parts etc..
pollen filter £6, air filter £13, spark plugs every 37k cost £29 for NGK.
.
smiles per miles...love it...
worth about £3800 with only 44,000 on the clock...was £32k new!!!!!
.
paul

[Dan_1981]

If you're looking at the diesel, i'm currently running an 08 9-3 1.9tdi

Used it pretty exclusively on a lengthy motorway commute, cruise set to 75 - my average is 54 mpgish

Get approx 680 miles to a tank.

Not had any major problems yet - although i think the dpf thingy at the front is on its way out - been told its not an expensive replacement - about £100

Comfortable place to be with leather and heated seats, nice ride. Doesn't set the world on fire but does what I require of it magnificently.

[Sir Humphrey]

Dan_1981 said:

If you're looking at the diesel, i'm currently running an 08 9-3 1.9tdi

Used it pretty exclusively on a lengthy motorway commute, cruise set to 75 - my average is 54 mpgish

Get approx 680 miles to a tank.

Not had any major problems yet - although i think the dpf thingy at the front is on its way out - been told its not an expensive replacement - about £100

Comfortable place to be with leather and heated seats, nice ride. Doesn't set the world on fire but does what I require of it magnificently.

Thanks guys

Is the DPF really that cheap? I'd heard a replacement is upwards of £1000, if its that low then I'll go for a diesel, probably end up with a 9-3. How do you tell if the DPF is gone or going?

[Sir Humphrey]

PAUL RUN said:

I own a 2006 SAAB 9-3 Aero convertible.
issues...
.
Front springs can snap. previous owner had one go...i had one snap 5months after buying the car...cost is low...Vauxhall part.
.
headlight washer motors pack up. they don;t like it when/if the windscreen fluid freezes there £30.
.
oh i also had a common problem with heater fans not switching off....even with the key removed....water can enter the cabin if the drain hole in front of the pollen filter becomes blocked with leave mulsh. Thus requiring a new controller £90 for this part.
.
i get 31.5mpg average in the 18months i've owned the 210 turbo petrol car.
grp 16 insurance costs me £304 full comp with the misses also insured and a 6k mile limit....
.
service parts are DIRTY CHEAP...again mainly vauxhall parts from Euro car parts etc..
pollen filter £6, air filter £13, spark plugs every 37k cost £29 for NGK.
.
smiles per miles...love it...
worth about £3800 with only 44,000 on the clock...was £32k new!!!!!
.
paul

What's the boot size and road noise like on it? That's a similar MPG to my MX5 is getting now, only no doubt considerably more pleasant on a long motorway run.

I'm going to miss my car when it goes but replacing it with another convertible will make it a lot easier to take.

[PAUL RUN]

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-fi...

this link to Parkers shows the boot size...
about twice that of the MX5 and bmw-MINI...

the cool thing about the boot is when the roof is UP the carpet that would cover the hood when its lowered can be lifted up to allow for more boot space...
some cars have this internal covering as a solid lump...
.
road noise...up to 75mph all quiet.... ticking along at low revs...
above 80 you start getting some wind noise from near the rear side windows.
(of course this speed was on an airfield.... officer)
at 75 its quieter than our children and dog carrier (a 2004 - V40 1.8 sport)
.
revs....at 30mph you can't use 5th...top gear is only for 40+ but hey makes it a superb cruiser...
.
i haven't checked your location but your more than welcome to have a look.
paul.

Edited by PAUL RUN on Wednesday 5th February 16:15