2001/2002 Saab 9-3 buyers guide

[Wadeski]

Hi guys,

Im looking at buying a Y-reg Saab 9-3 SE (lpt turbo) this week, and was wondering if you guys know of any good "what to look out for" buyers guides?

i have searched this forum and saabscenes but not turned up a "hitlist" of what i should keep my eyes peeled for.

any advice from from the Trollhatten-turbo fanatics here?

thanks

[Mr Beckerman]

Welcome to potential Saab ownership!

For me it was basics such as body condition, interior, how 'clean' bits were (bull5h1tted up or just good work clean) and specifics such as;

SID display (all the lines present or how many are missing)

Oil condition (any evidence of sludging or crappy oil)

Smoke on startup.

Smooth idele and pulls strong and clean with no rattles, especially with the bonnet up and air con on.

If it's got a good raft of bills, check whats been done, look for stuff liek the DI cassette, throttle body, turbos, air con compressor.

My 9-3 is the most comfortable and relaxing car I've ever owned.

[NiceCupOfTea]

There's a buyer's guide on SaabCentral I think.

[viggen114]

and do this

engine off, bonnet up, steering lock off
turn steering wheel left and right from central position by about quarter turn
listen for knocking/creaking/low groan sound

This is a simple ckeck that the bulkhead mount for the steering rack has not sheared it's spot welds and started to fall off.
Any knocking sound/movement when turning hard when on the move.

[Wadeski]

Will do...going to check out what looks like a beauty tomorrow night.

silver 2002 9-3 SE full pressure turbo with leather and a tint

[Mr Beckerman]

Wadeski said:

Will do...going to check out what looks like a beauty tomorrow night.

silver 2002 9-3 SE full pressure turbo with leather and a tint

Ah, welcome to torque steer

Might be wise to budget for some steering clamps and some bushes if you planning on being a little 'spirited' in your progress!

[Aerofoil]

Mr Beckerman said:

Wadeski said:

Will do...going to check out what looks like a beauty tomorrow night.

silver 2002 9-3 SE full pressure turbo with leather and a tint

Ah, welcome to torque steer

Might be wise to budget for some steering clamps and some bushes if you planning on being a little 'spirited' in your progress!

I've found turning off the traction control greatly reduces torque steer.

[ledger]

Aerofoil said:

Mr Beckerman said:

Wadeski said:

Will do...going to check out what looks like a beauty tomorrow night.

silver 2002 9-3 SE full pressure turbo with leather and a tint

Ah, welcome to torque steer

Might be wise to budget for some steering clamps and some bushes if you planning on being a little 'spirited' in your progress!

I've found turning off the traction control greatly reduces torque steer.

what is torque steer ?.

[Mr Beckerman]

ledger said:

what is torque steer ?.

Plant right foot and the car decides where it would like to go before asking for your input from the steering wheel.

To be fair, it's not that bad and with a few simple mods it's not even a slight problem. I did notice that the FPT I drove the other day does have a worse case of it than my LPT (with stiffer ARB) but it's still not in the silly territory that was the RS Focus when it first came out (that was mainly the fancy diff though).

Decent bushes, some Abbott steering rack clamps etc and you'll be fine, jobs a goodun. My SE doesn't have traction control (apart from the one that travels with me from every car to car)

Any pics of the proposed purchase, Wadeski?

[wadeski]

After i decide whether i want it, ya gazumper

was planning to check oil, smoke, suspension crashing, brakes etc but the steering is a good tip - ta!

Wadeski

[Mr Beckerman]

wadeski said:

After i decide whether i want it, ya gazumper
........

Wadeski

Check my profile, got a LPT SE!

[Wadeski]

I bought it

(its the first car ive ever bought and i am on right now.

185bhp of late late model Saab 93 SE is mine!

Wadeski

[nicecupoftea]

Piccies?

It's the law you know!

Easily chipped for a few more horses when you get bored, but first stop would be the Viggen Rescue Kit (bushes, steering clamp, and ARB). Find yourself a decent independant garage too (I use WMSS in Birmingham).

[Wadeski]

anyone got a fotango account who can host?

[nicecupoftea]

You can host them at www.saabphotos.com

Don't forget to join www.uksaabs.co.uk / www.saabcentral.com / www.saabscene.com

[Wadeski]

lets try this...linking from dealers website (might be red X's)





this work for people, or just me cos I have them cached?

[Mr Beckerman]

I can see them. Very nice.

Same wheels as me. Still not sure whether I like them or not.

Edited by Mr Beckerman on Thursday 27th July 08:45

[nicecupoftea]

Very tidy - like the airflow kit

Wheels are OK, better than the viking ones

[Wadeski]

yep, cos its an early "02" model (sept 2001) it has the Airflow kit, "Turbo" stitched leather seating etc all standard. Sort of an "anniversary"-style load-it-all-on special.

I'd be interested to put it on a dyno at some point, i wonder what it makes at the wheels and what the hp/tq curves look like now that the car is well run in (50k miles).

[NiceCupOfTea]

If you're in the Midlands there's a mobile rolling road at the SOC National Meet in Stafford this weekend