9-3 coupe, ownership costs?
Discussion
An '02 plate 9-3 coupe (of the 98ish-02 shape) has tickled my fancy, its a 2.0T SE with plenty of toys and average miles and its less than 3k, which seems like a lot of car for the money however I'm wary of giving in to temptation and finding its a money pit in terms of keeping the bugger on the road!
What're running costs like on these? 30mpg doesn't sound bad, K-band road tax seems steep but not unaffordable. Do the turbos need regular attention? Is there anything else thats going to drain my resources that I should be wary of?
All advice appreciated
What're running costs like on these? 30mpg doesn't sound bad, K-band road tax seems steep but not unaffordable. Do the turbos need regular attention? Is there anything else thats going to drain my resources that I should be wary of?
All advice appreciated
have a read up on one of the SAAB forums,get the best one you can afford pref with FSH.
oil sludge problems seem to be a killer here with blocked pickups and nackered cam chains.
i got a "good" 9-5 and have still spent a couple of weekends cleaning out the sump and replacing the chain.
they are a nice drive tho,not that rapid but quick enough and a great cruiser.
parts are available at GSF etc so they dont need to cost a fortune to run,mine returns 30 odd mpg round town
oil sludge problems seem to be a killer here with blocked pickups and nackered cam chains.
i got a "good" 9-5 and have still spent a couple of weekends cleaning out the sump and replacing the chain.
they are a nice drive tho,not that rapid but quick enough and a great cruiser.
parts are available at GSF etc so they dont need to cost a fortune to run,mine returns 30 odd mpg round town
I have a 2001 Aero coupe - Permanent 30mpg - Ring its neck out 30mpg - take your time 34mpg .
Bought mine with 40,000 miles, now has 100,000. Its broke down twice, idler pulley gave up, and a DI cassette.
Gets oil & filter every 6000 miles.
Ive spent a lot of cash sorting the handling out, and its up round the 290bhp mark too.
It drives nice now its sorted.
Ive only ever owned two cars of the same manufacturer, Saab.....
Oil sludge can be an issue if its not serviced regularly, dont do dealer servicing, find someone you trust and use decent parts.
the handling on the 9-3 is vague, soft on the suspension etc & mushy steering.
i bought a 9.3 aero 4 months ago for £1000 . so far its needed a new DI Cassette, which cost £100 from a indie, the exhaust fell off but got it put on again for £10.. and one more thing..the cam belt ..i had to get a new one, cost £100.
its got leather seats, cd. 205bhp as standard, round town i get 21mpg, on mway its 30mpg. its fast in a straight line but round the bends its vague, and slight play in steering wheel. i got mine for £1000, 1999 model with 125k on the clock, i am already saving for a new turbo which will probably need doing one day,
if you have 3grand to spend you should be able to buy a mint one
this Saab is now i think my 4th saab, and in terms of reliability its the best. nobody can believe when i tell them that it cost just a £1000. Insurance is quite a bit though. my car has the engine with the red cover on, i think the 2.0t has 185bhp- a black engine cover, make sure you let the engine cool down after you use it.
edit to add. check for bulkhead cracks- google it but dont be scared of it, as i have never had a saab with it
one problem with all 9.3 is that the pixels in the trip computer all go messy and i cant tell which radio station i am on, or how hot it is outside/inside
its got leather seats, cd. 205bhp as standard, round town i get 21mpg, on mway its 30mpg. its fast in a straight line but round the bends its vague, and slight play in steering wheel. i got mine for £1000, 1999 model with 125k on the clock, i am already saving for a new turbo which will probably need doing one day,
if you have 3grand to spend you should be able to buy a mint one
this Saab is now i think my 4th saab, and in terms of reliability its the best. nobody can believe when i tell them that it cost just a £1000. Insurance is quite a bit though. my car has the engine with the red cover on, i think the 2.0t has 185bhp- a black engine cover, make sure you let the engine cool down after you use it.
edit to add. check for bulkhead cracks- google it but dont be scared of it, as i have never had a saab with it
one problem with all 9.3 is that the pixels in the trip computer all go messy and i cant tell which radio station i am on, or how hot it is outside/inside
Edited by K321 on Thursday 7th October 21:06
Edited by K321 on Thursday 7th October 21:09
K321 said:
i am bo mechanic, it looks like a belt
kremlingazette- how did you get your car up to 290
The guy who posted his 9-3 is doing 21mpg has either a engine problem or heavy boots, mine is up round 290bhp and returns 30mpg on my daily 26 mile commute, and will leave most BMWs/Merc and some exotica sitting.kremlingazette- how did you get your car up to 290
Abbott Racing - 3" Downpipe/System
Streetgear SE - Intercooler
Forge BOV
Speedparts filter - negligible, but sounds better.
Streetgear SE 2.5" Turbo intake pipe.
ECU Upgrades from - www.ecuproject.com
KYB Gas dampers/Koni coils.
Brake upgrades
Abbott RAcing steering rack clamp - worth getting !
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