Saab 9-3 2.0T - Advice please

dcRoadie

Hello,

I'm thinking about buying a 2001 Saab 9-3 with 55k miles on the clock. Any advice available on what to look out for, I'm aware of the "sludge" problem which can arise - has anybody experienced this?

Any help appreciated. Cheers.

dc

Speedway

My dad has had a 06 Saab 9-3 1.9 Tid for a number of years now and I've driven it a lot.

He's never had a complaint with it and he's done huge mileage. The only thing we're starting to notice now with it is a loud rattle from the dash when driving it from cold. Mechanically it has never had a problem at all, never had any turbo problems or anything like that which I've heard plagues the 9-3's.

Very comfortable car if you're doing a lot of motorway driving. The interior finish isn't fantastic but aside from that's it's well built. It's really built for more straight line cruising on motorways. Handling isn't very nimble on twisty roads and it can roll a fair bit.

Overall I think my dad's been very happy with it. I don't think he'd get another one because the resale value is so poor but for a 2001 you prob would't be too bothered about that.

Dermo123

Your Dads 06 is a completely different car from the 01. No comparison really.
With 55K if its genuine it should be pretty good. I owned 2 myself one was a full pressure 2.0Turbo and went like the proverbial scalded cat. Like most cars they are not problem free and can be expensive to fix. Loads of info on the net, Saabscene is one website that I remember that was good for help.

Saab Ed

http://www.saabcentral.com/

Try this.

dcRoadie

Cheers Dermo123 & Speedway.

Dermo, you're correct it's an old model, I need a hatch with a bit of power and also it needs to look reasonably exec - so flash for little cash!

I have checked the Internerd a huge amount so have read the various good and bad reviews, haven't come across Saabscene though so I'll check this out.

Cheers

woody33

We have a 1999 Saab 95, the engine breather hose that attaches to the air filter box had gone very soft and we recently replaced it, the genuine part cost less than €50. They gunge up if they're so soft they collapse under accelleration. Sometimes they need a further part down at the engine and that would be more expensive in parts and labour. I seem to remember there was a Saab advisory on some engines.

Saab Man Info

dcRoadie wrote: »

Hello,

I'm thinking about buying a 2001 Saab 9-3 with 55k miles on the clock. Any advice available on what to look out for, I'm aware of the "sludge" problem which can arise - has anybody experienced this?

Any help appreciated. Cheers.

dc

There might be fractures to the bulkhead this is common in the Saab 9-3 bring it to your main Saab dealer and get them to check it out. This work should be covered by warranty by submitting a SCR by the Saab dealer. Also the engine no matter how good the service history is could still be worn as a result of the oil breaking down this again is very common on this model. I have first hand experience with these cars so if you need any further advice on what way to proceed please ask. Where are you thinking of buying (Private Or Garage)?


Regards

Saab Man Info

Saab Man Info

woody33 wrote: »

We have a 1999 Saab 95, the engine breather hose that attaches to the air filter box had gone very soft and we recently replaced it, the genuine part cost less than €50. They gunge up if they're so soft they collapse under accelleration. Sometimes they need a further part down at the engine and that would be more expensive in parts and labour. I seem to remember there was a Saab advisory on some engines.

It sounds like you may have a problem with the short block, if you have all ready experienced the breather mod pipe replacement, you should bring it in to get it checked by a Saab dealer. As you car is a 99 year this will not be covered by Saabs extended warranty on this problem. To have the work done depending on the extent off possible damage to your engine could cost app 6000 euro. On my experience the car is not worth repairing. Is the engine noisy when starting and is there any blue smoke from the exhaust from the first start?


Regards

Saab Man Info.

woody33

Saab Man Info wrote: »

It sounds like you may have a problem with the short block, if you have all ready experienced the breather mod pipe replacement, you should bring it in to get it checked by a Saab dealer. As you car is a 99 year this will not be covered by Saabs extended warranty on this problem. To have the work done depending on the extent off possible damage to your engine could cost app 6000 euro. On my experience the car is not worth repairing. Is the engine noisy when starting and is there any blue smoke from the exhaust from the first start?


Regards

Saab Man Info.

Eek, I hope it's not that bad! The car runs well, but does use a bit of oil. I found a little mayo on the dipstick the other day, but our very good mechanic is not too concerned. It does do far too many short trips. It only had the hose replaced so far, not the mod at the block. Mrs33 is half way to London in it as we speak, so fingers crossed.