9-3 diesel - 1.9 or 2.2 - things to look out for?
Discussion
I'm thinking about buying a 4 year old 9-3 diesel with around 50k miles on the clock and am looking for a bit of advice about what, if anything is likely to go wrong.
I have heard rumours of potential cambelt problems on the 1.9s and fuel pump issues on the 2.2s and woudl be interested to hear about any owners' experiences.
Engines aside, what else should I look out for?
I have heard rumours of potential cambelt problems on the 1.9s and fuel pump issues on the 2.2s and woudl be interested to hear about any owners' experiences.
Engines aside, what else should I look out for?
Check www.saabscene.co.uk and look under the 9-3 section. A really excellent website for researching potential issues etc ...
EGR valve and swirl valve failures are well documented. Cam belt change at 72K in service schedule but I'll get mine (06 1.9) done at around 50K. Some history of water pumps seizing at 60K and throwing cam-belt in the process. A lot depends on driving pattern - lots of urban stuff more likely to promote failures. Like most modern cars reliability is generally very good; our expectations are high and every failure finds its way onto an internet forum somewhere and this can distort real liklehood of problems. Buy a warranty.
There are some cracking deals to be done on 9-3s. If you can stretch to it get a two year old car and benefit from the remaining 12 months manufacturers warranty and AA cover.
A few weeks ago I picked up an Aug 06 registered 9-3 Sportwagon 1.9 TID Linear Sport, 35K miles, FSH, ex Saab contract hire car, absolutely MINT for £6.8K at Manheim Bristol Auction. Residual values for all vehicles are in freefall at the moment so I reckon you could bag a similar spec saloon for comfortably under £6K. Manheim auctions seem to have disposals of late model ex-SAAB UK cars regularly at a couple of their centres.
I'm very pleased with mine. The interior is a bit squeeky for a £23K new car but the seats are comfortable, its practical, looks great, reasonably economical and at under £7K for a 2 year old car fantastic value.
EGR valve and swirl valve failures are well documented. Cam belt change at 72K in service schedule but I'll get mine (06 1.9) done at around 50K. Some history of water pumps seizing at 60K and throwing cam-belt in the process. A lot depends on driving pattern - lots of urban stuff more likely to promote failures. Like most modern cars reliability is generally very good; our expectations are high and every failure finds its way onto an internet forum somewhere and this can distort real liklehood of problems. Buy a warranty.
There are some cracking deals to be done on 9-3s. If you can stretch to it get a two year old car and benefit from the remaining 12 months manufacturers warranty and AA cover.
A few weeks ago I picked up an Aug 06 registered 9-3 Sportwagon 1.9 TID Linear Sport, 35K miles, FSH, ex Saab contract hire car, absolutely MINT for £6.8K at Manheim Bristol Auction. Residual values for all vehicles are in freefall at the moment so I reckon you could bag a similar spec saloon for comfortably under £6K. Manheim auctions seem to have disposals of late model ex-SAAB UK cars regularly at a couple of their centres.
I'm very pleased with mine. The interior is a bit squeeky for a £23K new car but the seats are comfortable, its practical, looks great, reasonably economical and at under £7K for a 2 year old car fantastic value.
Gassing Station | Saab | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff