I am in the market for a smaller more economical ride for my wife. She is looking at Volvo S60 and S70, and I know some knowledgeable Volvo people. She also likes the Saab's. She wants a hatchback if Saab and I have found that they went away at the end of MY02 9-3's. Does anyone have experience with the early 9-3's? Should I stay away from them? What's the buzz?
Saab 9-3?
- Thread starter bovw
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Whatever Saab you get, just make sure it's pre-GM.
GM really didn't do good things for Saab, which is they almost just got wiped from existance.
I'd buy a new Saab in the future if Im ever in the market for something like that.
My 1985 900T was an incredible car. Easy to keep running, was pretty quick, and was dirt cheap. Ran through all the very poor maintenance it received before me, then ran great for me as a poor college kid using it as a whore transport vehicle.
But, she probably doesn't like the looks of the older ones....try swedespeed.com, they might be able to help.
GM really didn't do good things for Saab, which is they almost just got wiped from existance.
I'd buy a new Saab in the future if Im ever in the market for something like that.
My 1985 900T was an incredible car. Easy to keep running, was pretty quick, and was dirt cheap. Ran through all the very poor maintenance it received before me, then ran great for me as a poor college kid using it as a whore transport vehicle.
But, she probably doesn't like the looks of the older ones....try swedespeed.com, they might be able to help.
i've had a few...although i don't think the 1969 96 is the same car.
The GM ones to avoid are 94-98 900s. i had both a 2004 9-3 Aero and a 1999 9-3 SE. the big issues with some of the 2000-2002 were with the oil sump...turbo got all oil clogged and the engines would fail. that said, the 99 did some pretty extensive LA area driving...never missed a beat. changed the oil, pads, etc. think i had to take it to a shop once in the 3 years i had it. I really liked driving that car. and man you could pack stuff into it. We sold it when i cherry picked a 92 classic from a friend's dad.
the 04 Aero...that was amazing. i've heard some people have issues with some of the late models, but the 3 or 4 people i know who own them love them. the trunk space isnt as grand, but i wouldnt rule them out. esp if you can find the aero.
all that aside...i'd still love a super clean 1993 900 Turbo.
The GM ones to avoid are 94-98 900s. i had both a 2004 9-3 Aero and a 1999 9-3 SE. the big issues with some of the 2000-2002 were with the oil sump...turbo got all oil clogged and the engines would fail. that said, the 99 did some pretty extensive LA area driving...never missed a beat. changed the oil, pads, etc. think i had to take it to a shop once in the 3 years i had it. I really liked driving that car. and man you could pack stuff into it. We sold it when i cherry picked a 92 classic from a friend's dad.
the 04 Aero...that was amazing. i've heard some people have issues with some of the late models, but the 3 or 4 people i know who own them love them. the trunk space isnt as grand, but i wouldnt rule them out. esp if you can find the aero.
all that aside...i'd still love a super clean 1993 900 Turbo.
Thanks Matt. She actually likes the older ones, but I am hesitant to buy her a 93 at the newest as a reliable DD. She is digging the looks of the 02's though, but they be junk?
Agreed, I almost bought a 91 900S a few months ago for me to run around in. Thanks for the info.sloanfiske said:
the 02s arent bad. just find a well sorted one that had all it's maintenance (esp oil changes).
the things that seem to fail
struts...80k miles.
radio/info display starts missing pixels...any given moment.
oh...and that issue with the engine...mostly caused by people who didnt change their oil enough or well enough...jiffy lube cough cough.
the things that seem to fail
struts...80k miles.
radio/info display starts missing pixels...any given moment.
oh...and that issue with the engine...mostly caused by people who didnt change their oil enough or well enough...jiffy lube cough cough.
It depended on the engine, but it really seemed to start with the 2000s. it's an issue with the oil pump screen being to fine and clogging up. also, it wasn't every car. just some. Issues were with the B205 or B235 engine. The older MY99 B204 engines didnt have this problem apparently.
There is a good chance that a 2002 that's still running was either free of problems by this point in time, or had it's engine replaced.
here's a list of engine models. i had the second one on the list. Late 1998/Early 1999 MY99.
2.0 L B204 I4, 138 hp ECE (1998-1999)
2.0 L B204 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (1998-1999)
2.0 L B205 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205E (non-US) I4, LPT(light pressure turbo), 150 hp ECE (110 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205R I4, turbo, 205 hp ECE (151 kW) (1999-2003)
2.3 L B235R I4, turbo, 230 hp ECE (169 kW) (1999-2002)
this is a good starting reference point for these MY.
http://www.saabworkshop.com/index.php?page=home
There is a good chance that a 2002 that's still running was either free of problems by this point in time, or had it's engine replaced.
here's a list of engine models. i had the second one on the list. Late 1998/Early 1999 MY99.
2.0 L B204 I4, 138 hp ECE (1998-1999)
2.0 L B204 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (1998-1999)
2.0 L B205 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205E (non-US) I4, LPT(light pressure turbo), 150 hp ECE (110 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205R I4, turbo, 205 hp ECE (151 kW) (1999-2003)
2.3 L B235R I4, turbo, 230 hp ECE (169 kW) (1999-2002)
this is a good starting reference point for these MY.
http://www.saabworkshop.com/index.php?page=home
I've got an '01 9-3 Viggen right at 99K miles....Not unlike a Rover in the maintenance dept. They are functional and economical - just be prepared to take care of stuff. I've replaced my throttle body (x2), IDM, idler pulley, cabin sensor fan, clutch, a/c compressor along with the usual routine things like brakes, etc. A code reader will be your best friend.
Saab Central is a good resource:
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=15
Saab Central is a good resource:
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=15
Dave. There is a REALLY good Saab/Volvo service and sales place just north of Warrenton. These guys are great. Super knowledgeable and very cool. True enthusiasts. The service manager has two Saabs. Both with well over 300K on them.
My girlfriend has a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 155K on it. It's been getting serviced there for 10 years. The cool thing is that the waiting room is right in the middle of the shop. I went there last week and got to shoot the shit with them about older 99 GLs while watching them work on Saabs.
They have a decent selection of used cars. Call them as their website doesn't list everything for whatever reason.
http://www.sandsautosales.com/
My girlfriend has a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 155K on it. It's been getting serviced there for 10 years. The cool thing is that the waiting room is right in the middle of the shop. I went there last week and got to shoot the shit with them about older 99 GLs while watching them work on Saabs.
They have a decent selection of used cars. Call them as their website doesn't list everything for whatever reason.
http://www.sandsautosales.com/
I bought a 2002 9-3, drove the piss out of it and never had an issue other than a bad gas tank fill cap. I did oil changes on schedule with Mobil 1.
That Saab was a fun little car. It definitely wasn't a rocket, but was quick enough for me. On the highway I'd get over 30mpg.
That Saab was a fun little car. It definitely wasn't a rocket, but was quick enough for me. On the highway I'd get over 30mpg.
Thanks G, I know the place. It's not far from our Warrenton garage. There's a Volvo place similar to that in Charlottesville, I'll check it out.
This one might be too "new" but it looks like a good deal. And, V would look good in a red car! 
http://charlottesville.craigslist.org/cto/2241784803.html
http://charlottesville.craigslist.org/cto/2241784803.html
My wife drives an '02 Saab 9.5. The car has been good to us with the exception of the head gasket at 85k miles. They tend to spring an external leak at the rear of the motor. It wasn't the cheapest repair either.
That being said, it's pushing 100k miles and still drives like it did with 30k miles.
That being said, it's pushing 100k miles and still drives like it did with 30k miles.
My gf had a 02 9-3 viggen for a couple years, it was a great car. No big problems, she got in a serious in 08 and the car did its job, she walked away from the crash with nothing more than a bit of bruising .
I drove a Saab that my parents had while my Disco was out of commission for a while, and I hated it. It was the top of the line 9-5 (2001 I think), and it always had problems. Not to mention it was a bad car in general. I would buy a Volvo personally, but that is based on nothing other than the fact that I like the looks better.