Should I buy....?

[Spy]

Hi all,

Looking to buy a cheap daily commuter and have come across a manual 2004 Saab 9-3 2 litre petrol in Vector trim.

The car has approx. 90k miles on it but has been maintained in line with service schedules.

I know next to nothing about Saab cars and would be grateful for some advice, particularly:

- How reliable is this model ?
- Is there anything I should look out for when inspecting it ?
- What is a reasonable price to pay for a 2004 with 90k miles ?

Thanks for your help.

[maxquijano]

Well.. I used to be a great SAAB fan.. but since GM took over their products decreased in quality. All 2000s models are based mainly on Opel Vectra's and Chevrolet chasis and main structural design. The engines are not as they used to.
You can probably get for less money a good Vectra with less kilometers in it.
Saab is now being transfered to Spyker's hands.. so things shall be better from now.

[davemac250]

Spy said:

Hi all,

Looking to buy a cheap daily commuter and have come across a manual 2004 Saab 9-3 2 litre petrol in Vector trim.

The car has approx. 90k miles on it but has been maintained in line with service schedules.

I know next to nothing about Saab cars and would be grateful for some advice, particularly:

- How reliable is this model ?
- Is there anything I should look out for when inspecting it ?
- What is a reasonable price to pay for a 2004 with 90k miles ?

Thanks for your help.

The engine will be fine at that mileage with FSH.

Check the bulkhead for cracking.

My 04 suffered from the following and they seem to be common faults.

Faulty temp sensor which stops the air-con working properly - heater doesn't get hot. £12 part under front bumper.
Noisy rear suspension - rear bushes need replacing twice.
Dash peeling - nothing you can do about some stories of goodwill from Saab but I doubt it now.
Electric windows with a mind of their own.

Price - Private or dealer? Around 3,000 to 3,500 seems the asking average.

HTH