Thinking of buying a Saab 93 Convertible - advice please !
Discussion
It's a long story but I've just woken up to the fact that - now I have the choice - I will be substantially better of financially if I don't have a new company car now I don't have to.
Unfortunately, I am required by my company to run a 'suitable vehicle' if I pass on a new company car - and my Boxster S doesn't count (has to have 4 seats - but can be a convertible and doesn't have to be new). This car just has to get me to and from work and the airport reliably when I don't (or can't) use the Boxster.
I have always fancied a Saab 9-3 convertible and a 2000-2001 car is top of my list (I refuse to fork out for something newer AND run the Boxster - and there is NO WAY that I am selling the Boxster short of financial meltdown).
So - what are the good points and bad points about the 9-3 convertible ?
Many thanks
Unfortunately, I am required by my company to run a 'suitable vehicle' if I pass on a new company car - and my Boxster S doesn't count (has to have 4 seats - but can be a convertible and doesn't have to be new). This car just has to get me to and from work and the airport reliably when I don't (or can't) use the Boxster.
I have always fancied a Saab 9-3 convertible and a 2000-2001 car is top of my list (I refuse to fork out for something newer AND run the Boxster - and there is NO WAY that I am selling the Boxster short of financial meltdown).
So - what are the good points and bad points about the 9-3 convertible ?
Many thanks
that would be the old shape?
Dynamically it's a bit compromised, some scuttle shake, but an awful lot better than the gm900 (94-98). They're nice to drive and the turbos have a lot of oomph. Handling can be tidied up with judicious use of steering clamps / bushes and they can be quite entertaining. Nice interior, very comfortable, convertible should have all the toys. I nearly bought a tintop a couple of years back. Very accomplished and with the Boxster for thrills I think you would be set
Have a word with raf_dug, he has one.
Dynamically it's a bit compromised, some scuttle shake, but an awful lot better than the gm900 (94-98). They're nice to drive and the turbos have a lot of oomph. Handling can be tidied up with judicious use of steering clamps / bushes and they can be quite entertaining. Nice interior, very comfortable, convertible should have all the toys. I nearly bought a tintop a couple of years back. Very accomplished and with the Boxster for thrills I think you would be set
Have a word with raf_dug, he has one.
I have run a 1999 9-3 se conv for 3yrs now and have nothing but praise for the car. Its comfortable, plenty big enough for four adults to travel in comfort and has been very reliable.
I dont have the full blown turbo, I have the 2.0lpt which although ony 150 odd bhp performs adequately.
Understeer is the main bug bear but if you are keeping the boxster i assume this will not be your hooning car! That said the handling once mastered is ok.
Running costs over the last 3 yrs have been servicing and consumables only so not bad. I've given up using maindealers now as had poor service from 2. I use a friend of mine who has his own garage and he seems to do a better job than i ever had at the dealers and he charges mates rates!
This is my first Saab and will definately not be my last. For those of you who remember i did test drive and nearly buy a new one but business issues and a bit of common sense stopped me spending another 15k when i have a perfectly decent car.
av 28mpg combined since had car but on a run high 30's are easily acheived. It never uses any oil.
I would definately recommend one and if you need any further info let me know
Simon
I dont have the full blown turbo, I have the 2.0lpt which although ony 150 odd bhp performs adequately.
Understeer is the main bug bear but if you are keeping the boxster i assume this will not be your hooning car! That said the handling once mastered is ok.
Running costs over the last 3 yrs have been servicing and consumables only so not bad. I've given up using maindealers now as had poor service from 2. I use a friend of mine who has his own garage and he seems to do a better job than i ever had at the dealers and he charges mates rates!
This is my first Saab and will definately not be my last. For those of you who remember i did test drive and nearly buy a new one but business issues and a bit of common sense stopped me spending another 15k when i have a perfectly decent car.
av 28mpg combined since had car but on a run high 30's are easily acheived. It never uses any oil.
I would definately recommend one and if you need any further info let me know
Simon
I have an 02 model 9-3 (old shape) convertible. This had a number of things which were previously optional as standard.
Mine is the Aero HOT (205bhp) model. It is auto, and has traction control, top level Saab sound system, four airbags (two front, two sides), 17 inch alloys etc etc.
I agree there is a fair bit of scuttle shake, but nothing like as bad as I was led to beleive it would be, and much less than most other four seat convertibles I've been in.
Peformance, especially overtaking acceleration, is wonderful. If you are used to FWD it's a great car.
I prefer it to the new shape because:
it's more Saabish
it's lighter than the new 210bhp model and actually quicker (Saab dealer holds this view a s well)
things like heated seats which are standard on mine are now options on the new models.
it's a REAL four seater - the new shape IMHO isn't
Prof Beard
Mine is the Aero HOT (205bhp) model. It is auto, and has traction control, top level Saab sound system, four airbags (two front, two sides), 17 inch alloys etc etc.
I agree there is a fair bit of scuttle shake, but nothing like as bad as I was led to beleive it would be, and much less than most other four seat convertibles I've been in.
Peformance, especially overtaking acceleration, is wonderful. If you are used to FWD it's a great car.
I prefer it to the new shape because:
it's more Saabish
it's lighter than the new 210bhp model and actually quicker (Saab dealer holds this view a s well)
things like heated seats which are standard on mine are now options on the new models.
it's a REAL four seater - the new shape IMHO isn't
Prof Beard
Went for a test drive in a 2000 93 2000t today. VERY VERY impressed. I couldn't find the scuttle shake despite driving on a winding back road - must have to be a cart track to show this up as far as I can see. As nice or nicer to drive than my A6 company car, which wasn't a bad old barge. Bags of power with 150 BHP (compared to A6).
Hoping to view a two owner car with low miles (49,000) tomorrow. If this is as nice as it sounds, think I'll be on the phone to the fleet manager on Monday . . . .
Hoping to view a two owner car with low miles (49,000) tomorrow. If this is as nice as it sounds, think I'll be on the phone to the fleet manager on Monday . . . .
Good call! Remember, a few hundred quid gets you a power hike to 225bhp+
Another few hundred gets you a Viggen Rescue Kit which will tidy up the handling if you find it wanting too! WMSS website said:
Saab 9-3 2.0t M98-00 (154bhp/219Nm)
Stage One upgrade (+73bhp/+127Nm) T5
£poa
Stage Two upgrade (+75bhp/+135Nm) T5
£poa
Stage Three upgrade (+91bhp/+139Nm)
£poa
>> Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Sunday 18th September 01:09
NCOT you seem up on this upgrading lark!
If I or anyone were to upgrade to the stage 1 version what else would have to be done, I would assume the brakes would also need upgrading?
I have an auto box on mine would this also need some work~? ( I know it should be manual for a pher but i have dodgy knees!)I must say though that when switching into sport the box is very responsive on kickdown etc and does hold on until the red line
Cheers
Simon
If I or anyone were to upgrade to the stage 1 version what else would have to be done, I would assume the brakes would also need upgrading?
I have an auto box on mine would this also need some work~? ( I know it should be manual for a pher but i have dodgy knees!)I must say though that when switching into sport the box is very responsive on kickdown etc and does hold on until the red line
Cheers
Simon
As far as I know, the stage 1 is just an ECU chip. It'll take you up to 225bhp or so, which is not more more than the top cars (Aero or earlier SE Sport) had (210bhp iirc), so brake upgrades &c would be done at your discretion.
It would be worth talking to one of the tuners about your specific requirements - maybe ring John @ WMSS and have a chat with him as he really knows his stuff.
Don't really know about the auto 'box but I would imagine it would be no different from those in the higher powered models so it should be OK.
We really need Ylee or somebody else who has a more modern Saab than me only reason I know anything about this is because I nearly bought a 9-3 3 or so years ago!
It would be worth talking to one of the tuners about your specific requirements - maybe ring John @ WMSS and have a chat with him as he really knows his stuff.
Don't really know about the auto 'box but I would imagine it would be no different from those in the higher powered models so it should be OK.
We really need Ylee or somebody else who has a more modern Saab than me
only reason I know anything about this is because I nearly bought a 9-3 3 or so years ago!NiceCupOfTea said:
As far as I know, the stage 1 is just an ECU chip. It'll take you up to 225bhp or so, which is not more more than the top cars (Aero or earlier SE Sport) had (210bhp iirc), so brake upgrades &c would be done at your discretion.
It would be worth talking to one of the tuners about your specific requirements - maybe ring John @ WMSS and have a chat with him as he really knows his stuff.
Don't really know about the auto 'box but I would imagine it would be no different from those in the higher powered models so it should be OK.
We really need Ylee or somebody else who has a more modern Saab than me
I think the Aeros/Viggens had bigger discs, certainly on the front - mine has chuffing great ventilated things.
I think the gearbox is the same across models - most of tuners don't recommend super high upgrades but 270+ seems OK. I've seen others with enormous power through the auto box, but the owners say that provided you don't do "power starts" from standstill, the boxes cope - I can't verify that however
Prof Beard
As I said before I'm no longer looking to change my car currently but do expect to have to spend some money on the car in the future. What I am planning to do is upgrade/rate these things as reqd.
Starting with my bloody wheels which i have been changeing for the last 3yrs!!
Anyone got any tips for sourcing any?
225bhp does sound tempting though!
Starting with my bloody wheels which i have been changeing for the last 3yrs!!
Anyone got any tips for sourcing any?
225bhp does sound tempting though!
Personally I think that Saabs are one of those marques where manufacturers wheels look best. Saab have done some really nice alloys over the years. You need 5-stud ones for the ng900 / og9-3 / 9-5. On a 'vert I wouldn't want to go bigger than 16" as I think it would make a mess of the ride, although I have to admit to absolutely loving the 17" double 3 spoke (ALU36) :
Have a browse here and decide which ones you like
www.partsforsaabs.com/default.php?cPath=69_260
I looked into the upgrade path reasonably closely when I was looking to buy a 9-3 and I think I would do this, (in this order)
- Viggen Rescue Kit or equivalent (steering clamp, replacement suspension bushes, strut brace). Really tightens up the handling and essential if you want more power (steering clamp is a must, you can see the flex in the original)
- Stage 1 (to 225bhp), with corresponding exhaust/filter to promote good breathing
- Viggen front discs and calipers with performance pads
- Springs/shocks - never got round to researching which ones!
From memory VRK & Stage 1 shouldn't cost much more than a grand and will transform the car - can't think of many few hundred quid upgrades that find an extra 50% of power!
Get on over to the 9-3 forums at SaabCentral.com and SaabScene.com where there are people who know far more than me
Have a browse here and decide which ones you like
www.partsforsaabs.com/default.php?cPath=69_260
I looked into the upgrade path reasonably closely when I was looking to buy a 9-3 and I think I would do this, (in this order)
- Viggen Rescue Kit or equivalent (steering clamp, replacement suspension bushes, strut brace). Really tightens up the handling and essential if you want more power (steering clamp is a must, you can see the flex in the original)
- Stage 1 (to 225bhp), with corresponding exhaust/filter to promote good breathing
- Viggen front discs and calipers with performance pads
- Springs/shocks - never got round to researching which ones!
From memory VRK & Stage 1 shouldn't cost much more than a grand and will transform the car - can't think of many few hundred quid upgrades that find an extra 50% of power!
Get on over to the 9-3 forums at SaabCentral.com and SaabScene.com where there are people who know far more than me
Prof Beard said:
Mrs.NCOT & I have agreed that this will be the sensible family wagon when the sprogs arrive
I managed to convince Mrs Beard a 9-3 Convertible was a "practical car".
Prof Beard
With the roof up the boot on a 9-3 isnt that bad unfortunately i dont have the roof up very often!
re wheels yes i like those ones as well !
NiceCupOfTea said:
I reckon I could get Mrs.NCOT's Corsa in the boot of my c900 (might have to put the seats down though )
I understand 4 doors are a necessity for baby seats. A little while off yet though (although I fancy the 9-5 now!)
Its a pain clambering in the back to sort the seatbelt out thats all. My youngest was 3 when I got the saab he has no probs getting in and out and his elder brother did the belt. Had a cougar prior to this and used to put a baby seat in the back no probs
I wouldnt let it put me off a 2 door car
Boxster Virgin said:
Went for a test drive in a 2000 93 2000t today. VERY VERY impressed. I couldn't find the scuttle shake despite driving on a winding back road - must have to be a cart track to show this up as far as I can see. As nice or nicer to drive than my A6 company car, which wasn't a bad old barge. Bags of power with 150 BHP (compared to A6).
Hoping to view a two owner car with low miles (49,000) tomorrow. If this is as nice as it sounds, think I'll be on the phone to the fleet manager on Monday . . . .
Just found this thread, I have a year 2000 W reg 93(HOT)convertible, I've had it nearly two years and I still haven't found the scuttleshake (urban myth)
. Mine has the aero engine with 205hp, accelleration from 30-90 in third is brilliant, other good points include, it's a better looking car than the M3 convertible for half the price and you get admiring glances and smiles from women half my age.
I prefer the alloys on mine to the ones pictured in this thread they are 16inch Viggen alloys. the only downside is expensive parts,I have had a cylinder head gasket go under warranty(free) a Turbo£1200 A clutch £600 fitted and two tyres(205 50 16's)£300. So sometime between now and January when I sell it somebody is going to get a bloody good car that has had all the major bits that go wrong replaced.
I would love to keep it but i'm going cerby hunting
raf dug said:
Just found this thread, I have a year 2000 W reg 93(HOT)convertible, I've had it nearly two years and I still haven't found the scuttleshake (urban myth)
Mine has the aero engine with 205hp, accelleration from 30-90 in third is brilliant, other good points include, it's a better looking car than the M3 convertible for half the price and you get admiring glances and smiles from women half my age.
So sometime between now and January when I sell it somebody is going to get a bloody good car that has had all the major bits that go wrong replaced.
I would love to keep it but i'm going cerby hunting
Crikey, what mileage was your 9-3 when the turbo went ? I plan to get a warranty, although I don't trust them (small print that lets them get off making restitution for ludicrous reasons etc.) but I thought that the 9-3 was pretty reliable up to large miles so was reckoning on having a low risk of getting hit with large bills ?
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