Saab 93 1.9 TiD

BnB

Does anyone have any experience of the 1.9 tid Saab 93. There are an awful lot of bargins out there with them. Especially in the uk. Is there a reason for this ? Do they have known issues ? On paper, they look like a fine car. I'd be considering the 150 bhp option.

EPM

I know the engines a good one in the 159 anyway so should be the same in the Saab. I test drove a petrol version at the weekend and was very disappointed with the car. The interior quality was woeful in places and rattled quite a bit.

statto25

They are the same engine as a Vectra as afaik
They can have issues with the Turbo and coils packing up as well as DPF issues

One of the more regular Boardsies will probably have more info.

I thought about getting one as there great deals out there but was warned against due to reliability.

Leonard Hofstadter

There are problems with the timing belts, but worst of all the 150 models have swirl flaps, and if you want to know more about why swirl flaps are a potential disaster, Google 'BMW Swirl Flaps'. BMW diesels are notorious for swirl flaps falling off and being injested into the engine, writing off the engine. What is less well known is that the Fiat 1.9 150 hp diesel is prone to exactly the same thing!

The 120 is more reliable and as far as I know does not have the dreaded swirl flaps.

Tea 1000

EPM wrote: »

I know the engines a good one in the 159 anyway so should be the same in the Saab. I test drove a petrol version at the weekend and was very disappointed with the car. The interior quality was woeful in places and rattled quite a bit.

I found the exact same thing when I test drove a 1.8 petrol one a couple of years ago. Interior quality was the worst aspect, with even the switches for the electric windows rattling in their housings. It was a brand new car. I had liked them up until this test drive.
I'm told the higher spec interiors in the Vector etc are much better finished, but to be honest I can't see how they'd give you better switches in a higher end interior.

R.O.R

But the Saab does have the coolest button in the world - "Nightpanel". Don't get that on a Vectra. The cup holder is almost as cool, but doesn't beat "Nightpanel".

Not awful cars, but not great ones. They don't seem to handle the mileage as well as competitors, but could be a good bargain at a low price.

BnB

Hi. OP here

Thanks for the replies.

I've just been reading the owner reviews on parkers.co.uk and they are frightening. You will always get a few negative reviews for every car, no matter how good it is. But the 93 reviews are shocking. More than 2 thirds of them are negative, listing off problem after problem. Its really put me off. I'll have to look at something else I think.

galwaytt

Well I have one since 2008, and tbh, it hasn't let me down yet. Compared to similar-class-cars (e.g. VAG), it his higher spec (usually leather), and the engine is a peach. 150bhp in mine, and it's great. I agree the 120bhp is, arguably, better, but when you're buying used, you can only buy what's in front of you.

I've had front shock replaced under warranty (it's an 06 car btw..), but the roads around here are truly shocking (sic :rolleyes: )

Not as light on juice as a VAG. Averages 43mpg, and 46mpg on a run.

I prefer the seating position and seat in the Saab over the B6 Passat outside the door:

I've had no issues with it, and that 1.9Tid gives a lot less trouble than, say, a B6 Passat. Look up honest john for mazda 6 diesel or passat issues, BMW 320 turbo's, and you'll get as many scary stories as you like. My Saab replaced a Mazda diesel (which was pure ****e), and I always liked the look of it.

Good brakes, conventional handbrake, best wiper-washers there is ! (mini power-washer tbh......)

Interesting titbit on the NightPanel button: if you exceed 4k rpm, it illuminates the tacho again Ditto if you go over 120km, on the speedo. :eek:

Saab's are cheap to buy, and cheap to run imho (400 for timing belt change), no worse than anything else. GM parts sees to that

They're cheap because they're not BeeEm's, and a lot of UK cars were Co Cars.

BnB

galwaytt wrote: »

Well I have one since 2008, and tbh, it hasn't let me down yet. Compared to similar-class-cars (e.g. VAG), it his higher spec (usually leather), and the engine is a peach. 150bhp in mine, and it's great. I agree the 120bhp is, arguably, better, but when you're buying used, you can only buy what's in front of you.

I've had front shock replaced under warranty (it's an 06 car btw..), but the roads around here are truly shocking (sic :rolleyes: )

Not as light on juice as a VAG. Averages 43mpg, and 46mpg on a run.

I prefer the seating position and seat in the Saab over the B6 Passat outside the door:

I've had no issues with it, and that 1.9Tid gives a lot less trouble than, say, a B6 Passat. Look up honest john for mazda 6 diesel or passat issues, BMW 320 turbo's, and you'll get as many scary stories as you like. My Saab replaced a Mazda diesel (which was pure ****e), and I always liked the look of it.

Good brakes, conventional handbrake, best wiper-washers there is ! (mini power-washer tbh......)

Interesting titbit on the NightPanel button: if you exceed 4k rpm, it illuminates the tacho again Ditto if you go over 120km, on the speedo. :eek:

Saab's are cheap to buy, and cheap to run imho (400 for timing belt change), no worse than anything else. GM parts sees to that

They're cheap because they're not BeeEm's, and a lot of UK cars were Co Cars.

Thanks Galwaytt. It's always good to hear from someone who has actual experience of owning one though.

I just went through a few of the reviews on Parkers there again and they're not as bad as I first thought. More like 1/3 having problems as opposed to the 2/3's I said earlier (I was reading them earlier on my phone).

I have always had a soft spot for Saabs. I had a 00 93 Petrol for a few months and I loved it.

I want something to eat miles, a bit of power, something a bit different, not too mental on tax. (i.e. Under 2 litre if possible), and all for under €6k. On paper a 2005 - 93 - 1.9 - 150 bhp - Vector Sport is exactly what I am looking for.

The next alternative on my list would possibly be a 02 - 03ish 1.9 A6.

johnpawl

I own a 05 saab 93 1.9 tid vector sport.......getting 540 miles for a tank of diesel driving normally, costs bout e70 to fill..checked it a few times, got 42 mpg when driving it very hard, 55mpg when driving it very handy..bought it with 28k on it jan 09, have 84k on it now.Since then I had to replace the clutch (DMF) e1400, EGR valve e500, Alternator e300, and a sensor for the ABS and the wiper motor is now stopping with the wipers half way up the windscreen which is very irritating. Nothing has gone wrong with it in over 6 months now so I'm hoping it'll stay that way.
In fairness I think it's a lovely car to drive, nice cream leather interior and not too thirsty with plenty power, fuel consumption differs greatly with the way its driven.Oh yeah and the headlamps keep blowing, mechanic tells me it happens all other ones he servicing too.

Nonoperational

I'd go for the 150 bhp if it was me.

galwaytt

johnpawl wrote: »

Oh yeah and the headlamps keep blowing, mechanic tells me it happens all other ones he servicing too.

'sfunny you mention that: my SO told me the r.h. headlamp bulb was gone lately, and I thought I'd changed that a couple of months' ago. A bollox with the tight space, to change......

Anyhoo, opened the bonnet, took off the rubber boot, and was just opening the retaining clip and......light came back on ! Thinking on it no, I reckon the last bulb wasn't gone either: it's a bad connection. Maybe that's was wrong with yours: not a blown bulb at all........