9-3 Convertible - what to look for?

[shoestring7]

Hi,

I'm looking for a 9-3 convertible for family use down here on the south coast. The budget is around £6 - £7k which seems to get you a 2001-2003 car. However I'm new to the brand and struggling to tell one model from another. Are there any web resources that explain things?

I also understand that the early GM cars were problematic; was there a point when this was largely resolved? It will be a cruiser, is the auto box ok? I've tried a manual 1.8t 150bhp model and it wasn't a great change.

Any advice welcomed,

thanks


SS7

[DCLane]

Personally I'd go for the 2003-onwards car. £7k should get you one. It's apparently much better - apparently, because I've got a 2006 one, but haven't driven the earlier one.

[shoestring7]

DCLane said:

Personally I'd go for the 2003-onwards car. £7k should get you one. It's apparently much better - apparently, because I've got a 2006 one, but haven't driven the earlier one.

Thanks. Have you experienced any problems with your car?

SS7

[Prof Beard]

I've got a 2002 9-3 Aero Convertible. The "old" convertibles continued into 2003 - I'm not sure if the "new" started in late 2003 or 2004. The "new" models are better in some ways (much better chassis - less scuttle shake) but are IMHO inferior in interior quality. The late 9-3 convertibles are (as part of the much better chassis etc) also MUCH heavier than the 98-2003 models. If you are looking at non-performance models it's not an issue or course, but my MapTun'ed 2002 Aero with 270bhp has a better power to weight ratio than even a Hirsch'ed 2.8 new one...

[DCLane]

Mine's still under warranty and I've only had it since January.

No problems as yet, although the air-con motor has been replaced under warranty.

I'd agree re. power - I've got the Aero 210hp model and it certainly feels slower than the 9000 CSE (200hp) I had before it.

[cosworth330]

I've seen a bright red 2001 93 aero hot manual convertible looks mint with 51k on the clock, is 5k about right for one of these ? I really don't know much about Saab's never had one before but don't want to get my fingers burnt as i know Saab's can be problem matic. At the moment i have a 98 M3 Evo & 2003 V70R Volvo so am used to high running costs, would like to get vert for the summer & keep the mileage down on my V70R.

Simon.

[Prof Beard]

cosworth330 said:

I've seen a bright red 2001 93 aero hot manual convertible looks mint with 51k on the clock, is 5k about right for one of these ? I really don't know much about Saab's never had one before but don't want to get my fingers burnt as i know Saab's can be problem matic. At the moment i have a 98 M3 Evo & 2003 V70R Volvo so am used to high running costs, would like to get vert for the summer & keep the mileage down on my V70R.

Simon.

Price is probably not far out - service history is critical - the Aeros are not "problematic" really, just check everything works. Is it manual or auto? My auto (2002) has been fine - I've had it 4 years now.

[cosworth330]

Its a manual, i would say normally i deffo would not go for red on a car but i think this looks really nice.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/915473.htm

What do you think ?

Do these suffer from the bulkhead issue & if so is their anyway you can check.

[Prof Beard]

cosworth330 said:

Its a manual, i would say normally i deffo would not go for red on a car but i think this looks really nice.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/915473.htm

What do you think ?

Do these suffer from the bulkhead issue & if so is their anyway you can check.

Looks OK - I note it has the memory seats - I have these, they are nice!

Potentially all "old" 9-3 suffer from the bulkhead issue - it's not easy to check for. having said that, it's only a minority of cars that have problems, and usually if a car has a full service history SAAB will fix it foc.

[Al Wyn]

Whats the bulkhead issue? ive posted on the main board that im looking at possibly buying a 9-3 conv for the lovely lady...one has cropped up and its advertised (and the owner verified by email) that it has 3 rear seat belts which id never seen in any Saab conv...special order possibly?

[RedLeicester]

Al Wyn said:

Whats the bulkhead issue? ive posted on the main board that im looking at possibly buying a 9-3 conv for the lovely lady...one has cropped up and its advertised (and the owner verified by email) that it has 3 rear seat belts which id never seen in any Saab conv...special order possibly?

He's misinformed or a loon. Car is marked as a four seater on the V5, there are only two rear seats.

[Al Wyn]

Probably the case...its a private sale and he put it in the advert...hes actually replied to an email confirming `yes it does have 3 rear seat belts` naturally ive asked him to send me a picture just to confirm...nothing yet.

[v8-powered]

One thing worth checking for is hidden corrosion...

Partially operate the roof so that the tonneau lifts, lift the rubber seal that sits between the tonneau and both rear wing panels.
The area is a big water trap and corrosion starts quickly, mine is a late '05 model with low miles and an excelent history and is howing signs of corrosion both sides. Saab will not do anything about it either!