Saab 9-3 Convertible. 2006-2007 Which??
Discussion
Currently chasing 9-3 drop top 2006 onwards. Budget is about £2000.
Prices are all over the shop. Some are as low as £1300 . Average being £1800-£2000.
Would prefer the auto but have no real know-how of the SAAB.
Is the auto box cvt like the terrible audi box?
Liking the look of the normal 9-3 Aero 5 door too, but focus is on a 9-3 drop top.
Any current/past owners who can share their views?
Saab forums are a little silent.
Many thanks
Prices are all over the shop. Some are as low as £1300 . Average being £1800-£2000.
Would prefer the auto but have no real know-how of the SAAB.
Is the auto box cvt like the terrible audi box?
Liking the look of the normal 9-3 Aero 5 door too, but focus is on a 9-3 drop top.
Any current/past owners who can share their views?
Saab forums are a little silent.
Many thanks
Hi. im looking too and will be watching this thread. Things I would like to know, as well as the above questions are :-
Firewall cracks, does this model suffer from it ?
common issues ? i read about the key / ignition barrell
What Vauxhall parts are used so i have source from Vauxhall ?
What is the auto gearbox like for reliability ?
How long does the turbo last for ?
Common issues ?
2.0 aero vs the 2.8 turbo - Which is better ? more reliable ?
issues with the Tid model ?
SBk
Firewall cracks, does this model suffer from it ?
common issues ? i read about the key / ignition barrell
What Vauxhall parts are used so i have source from Vauxhall ?
What is the auto gearbox like for reliability ?
How long does the turbo last for ?
Common issues ?
2.0 aero vs the 2.8 turbo - Which is better ? more reliable ?
issues with the Tid model ?
SBk
I haven't had the convertible but on my third 9-3 aero, a 2.0T auto) having had two 9-3 aero autos of the 2.0T variety and one manual of the 2.8T variety.
The 9-3 mk2's i.e. the vintage you are looking at don't suffer with cracked firewalls!
Not too sure about cross over parts with Vauxhall as I've not really needed much but there are plenty of places supplying Saab parts (Neo brothers etc).
The auto gearbox is actually very reliable. It's not everyones cup of tea though as whilst nice and smooth it can be a little slugish to down shift and if using it in manual mode you need to press the +paddle a second or two before you want to shift as it takes its time. Having said all that, I still really like the ease of use and ability to play in manual mode if I want. Bear in mind that you have to put the gear lever across into manual mode before the paddles work.
Snapped springs are common as bush bush wear but neither is too expensive.
The 2.8T is a lovely engine, although not hugely more powerful than the 2.0T as it has a relatively small turbo and there have been time chain issues due to stretching.
The bigger thing to bear in mind with the 2.8T is that after March 2006 it is in the higher tax bracket (manual or auto) and the 2.0T auto after March 2006 is also in the higher tax bracket - look for one late 2005 or very early 2006!
The 9-3 mk2's i.e. the vintage you are looking at don't suffer with cracked firewalls!
Not too sure about cross over parts with Vauxhall as I've not really needed much but there are plenty of places supplying Saab parts (Neo brothers etc).
The auto gearbox is actually very reliable. It's not everyones cup of tea though as whilst nice and smooth it can be a little slugish to down shift and if using it in manual mode you need to press the +paddle a second or two before you want to shift as it takes its time. Having said all that, I still really like the ease of use and ability to play in manual mode if I want. Bear in mind that you have to put the gear lever across into manual mode before the paddles work.
Snapped springs are common as bush bush wear but neither is too expensive.
The 2.8T is a lovely engine, although not hugely more powerful than the 2.0T as it has a relatively small turbo and there have been time chain issues due to stretching.
The bigger thing to bear in mind with the 2.8T is that after March 2006 it is in the higher tax bracket (manual or auto) and the 2.0T auto after March 2006 is also in the higher tax bracket - look for one late 2005 or very early 2006!
Just remember that if you are looking at a 2.0 Aero with the auto box, then anything registered after 03/2006 will come in at £540 p/a road tax. Manuals fall back into the £315 bracket. Silly, I know.
I’ve had two Aero Cabs out of 4 Saab’s, and there really isn’t too much to go wrong. Check the rear cover around the edges for corrosion (my last one had this) and the wheel arches, but otherwise good.
I’ve had two Aero Cabs out of 4 Saab’s, and there really isn’t too much to go wrong. Check the rear cover around the edges for corrosion (my last one had this) and the wheel arches, but otherwise good.
I've run a few Saabs, an my current is a 55 plate 9-3. It's not convertible, but my mate has the convertible. Nothing major to report in 3 years each. Rear brakes and bearings on both. Front springs and bearings on mine.
Lovely sweet engine (2.0t), and surprisingly econoical.
Both of ours are the manual box - the gear linkage going stiff is a common issue it seems.
Lovely sweet engine (2.0t), and surprisingly econoical.
Both of ours are the manual box - the gear linkage going stiff is a common issue it seems.
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