9-3 2.2 TiD questions

[clonmult]

In the continual hunt for a "family" car, a local garage has a 9-3 SE TiD.

Its got a fair mileage on it (150k), but its claimed to have a full service history.

Do these really go on forever as the legends say?

And is there much on tuning for these? I've seen a few ads for tuning boxes that take it up to around 150bhp - are these reliable?

Ta.

[siwil1]

As a family car you cannot go wrong with the 95 large comfy etc etc.

Cant help with the engine tho as have a petrol version!

someone else will be along soon tho

HTH

[Sparks]

Hi,

Depends on many things. The later 125bhp version is better (late 2000 'X' onward). It is a heavily modified Izuzu van engine, I believe. I have the original 115bhp version, and it is a long way off VAG diesel standards. Lots of common stuff, air flow meters fail, fuel return pipes perish (difficult starting) diesel pumps fail (damn expensive). I have also had gearbox problems.
Mine (2000 'W' hatch, which I bought at 3 years old, 71K miles) has done 125k miles, and has had one air flow meter (under warranty) and the fuel return pipes done. Overall I like it. It is comfortable, has good equipment and a huge boot.
If you do consider it, go take a look over at saabscene.co.uk. Good bunch, lots of info.

HTH

Sparks