9-3 conv buying advice

[poorpeet]

Hi, I have looked a a few well examples. Are there any things that need to be looked for. With my budget it will be a late 90's car with 80-100K on the clock.
Any buying advice will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Pete

[Prof Beard]

poorpeet said:

Hi, I have looked a a few well examples. Are there any things that need to be looked for. With my budget it will be a late 90's car with 80-100K on the clock.
Any buying advice will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Pete

Auto or Manual - which engine spec - NA, LPT, SE, HOT? The usual things apply (service history etc), check recalls have been done too?

[poorpeet]

Not worried about engine or gearbox type, as long as it's a good 'un.
There seem to be lots about at the 140K mile mark. Is this because that the point at which the big bills start?

[Prof Beard]

Provided it's been properly cared for for/serviced etc, mileage shouldn't be an issue of great concern.

Have a look here and see what people say:

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t...

[K321]

i had mine till 197k..turbos can go..600quid to fix
i would go for manual,i had clutch change at 110k
exhausts go, pretty expensive. check that roof is fully working

[poorpeet]

Thanks for the advice.

[Prof Beard]

Auto or manual is very much a personal thing - the auto boxes are pretty much unburstable if serviced as per schedule (check the fluid colour and look out for clunks when changing from neutral) - and no clutch to replace - but you are looking at a 1K cost for a rebuild if you get a duff one. The boxes are rated way beyond the output of even an Aero so are strong.

As others have said - check everything works!!

[red tasmin]

I've got a 97 900 convertible 140k the car is still mint and very reliable 26-27 mpg average. Clutch cables can be a problem but later cars are hydraulic.

[K321]

clutch cable went on mine 4 times then got it fixed
essentially check roof is working properly! if motor goes could cost over a grand to fix
exhaust is saab only parts so quite costly, i would go manual and 2.0, auto gearboxes are durable but if and when it goes wrong costs significantly more than fitting a new clutch

[poorpeet]

Right then. Madam has decided she wants a manual box & blue metalic paint. Typical!
there are hundreds of nice silver ones & sod all in blue. That said I have had a quick look at a one with 113K & service history. Every thing seems to work, no funny noises or smoke & the hood goes up & down in around 20 sec. I have not driven it yet. The miles are higher than I wanted but it seems solid.
Any thoughts? I will check the clutch as if it's not been changed yet it can't have much life left. How costly a job is this?