9-3 buyers guide?
Discussion
I'm looking around for something reliable to take the strain off my morgan over the winter and possibly onwards - I'm currently commuting about 2k miles a month. Not really sure what I want, but I'd like it to be interesting and capable. Locally there is a '00 saab 9-3 eco with less than 80k miles on it. Seems reasonably priced and tidy judging by the pics.
Any tips as to what to look for when viewing would be appreciated
Any tips as to what to look for when viewing would be appreciated
I run a '98 9-3 with lots of mods. & 110k on the clock. Been totally reliable for the 3+ years and 40k miles of my ownership. (Am I tempting those Nordic gods?)
I was fortunate enough to buy it from a professional engineer who had spent loadsamoney and serviced it to death. It has never yet been outside the main dealer network - silly, in a way, I know, but I wanted to keep it up to par. There are several very good specialists around, too; and a few that are not so clever.
Service history with 6k mile oil changes with FULL synthetic is a must IMNSHO.
If any of the oil hoses are original rubber, change them for synthetic. These two checks should avoid the dreaded "sludging" which although maybe not present, will otherwise prey on your mind!
Check that the serpentine belt (with its idler gear) has been changed on schedule.
Get a Saab dealer or specialist to check for bulkhead separation; if you know what you are looking for it's a 1-minute job - but vital to know.
DI rails can fail around 60 - 70k.
If you get a good 'un you'll have a great car!
Best with it, B
I was fortunate enough to buy it from a professional engineer who had spent loadsamoney and serviced it to death. It has never yet been outside the main dealer network - silly, in a way, I know, but I wanted to keep it up to par. There are several very good specialists around, too; and a few that are not so clever.
Service history with 6k mile oil changes with FULL synthetic is a must IMNSHO.
If any of the oil hoses are original rubber, change them for synthetic. These two checks should avoid the dreaded "sludging" which although maybe not present, will otherwise prey on your mind!
Check that the serpentine belt (with its idler gear) has been changed on schedule.
Get a Saab dealer or specialist to check for bulkhead separation; if you know what you are looking for it's a 1-minute job - but vital to know.
DI rails can fail around 60 - 70k.
If you get a good 'un you'll have a great car!
Best with it, B
likewise have run a 2000 9-3 Aero ragtop since new and had very few major problems - but did find a local specialist to look after it once the dealer warranty ran out. 2000 was the cusp of vauxhall vs Saab - so you'll probably be looking at a GM with a saab motor - parts are easy to get and servicing is OK
one problem I did have was with corrosion by the powersteering unit - was an MOT failure and whilst easy to fix meant the engine had to come out - which was expensive. I googled the problem at the time and found that cars had been recalled in Oz and USA - if you have the same problem take it to a main dealer - I've heard some have fixed them under warranty!
Apart from that great car - look for one with leather and some body bits and they look ace and go for ever - mines an auto (can I mention that here?) was only choice at the time but I've not regretted it has 'sport' and 'winter' modes and is great on the motorway or around town - lacks some fun round the lanes though - but then i just put the hood down!
one problem I did have was with corrosion by the powersteering unit - was an MOT failure and whilst easy to fix meant the engine had to come out - which was expensive. I googled the problem at the time and found that cars had been recalled in Oz and USA - if you have the same problem take it to a main dealer - I've heard some have fixed them under warranty!
Apart from that great car - look for one with leather and some body bits and they look ace and go for ever - mines an auto (can I mention that here?) was only choice at the time but I've not regretted it has 'sport' and 'winter' modes and is great on the motorway or around town - lacks some fun round the lanes though - but then i just put the hood down!
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