Saab 93

TRS30

Am looking at getting a Saab 93. Have done some research on here and other places and summary would be;

-Rebadged Opel
-Avoid 1.8i
-Newer models (after 03) seem to have less issues
-Very comfortable

Am looking to spend about 5/6K so looking at getting a 05/06 either 1.8t or 1.9tdi. I don't do a lot of mileage and need a big enough boot for the golf clubs.

Anything else i should be looking for? What engine is the most suitable for average use?

What else should I be looking at? Would like something a bit different to the Mondeo etc.

Nissan doctor

I wouldn't rule out the non turbo engines if your not bothered about performance as the turbo models require more exact maintenance then most people will have given.

TRS30

Nissan doctor wrote: »

I wouldn't rule out the non turbo engines if your not bothered about performance as the turbo models require more exact maintenance then most people will have given.

Thanks for the reply.

Had just read that the 1.8i was under powered and heavy on petrol.

Nissan doctor

TRS30 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

Had just read that the 1.8i was under powered and heavy on petrol.

Underpowered compared to the turbo models yes, but no more underpowered then the engines fitted to most other saloons sold here.

TRS30

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Underpowered compared to the turbo models yes, but no more underpowered then the engines fitted to most other saloons sold here.

Oh ok, maybe i picked it up wrong.

Anyone direct experience of the 1.8i, 1.8t and 1.9tdi?

godtabh

I have the 1.8i 05 vector. I dont find it under powered but I generally just use it for getting from A-B

I think it is a great car

furtzy

5 - 6k should get you a 06 2.0t no probs. Had a look at a few last year before I bought the BMW. Great value to be had in them as their prices have collapsed. Unfortunately any I looked at were very tatty ex company cars

The Recliner

TRS30 wrote: »

Oh ok, maybe i picked it up wrong.

Anyone direct experience of the 1.8i, 1.8t and 1.9tdi?

I have an 03 1.8t Arc (for sale at the moment so older than you are looking for)

I am very happy with it, it has 110,000 miles on it and is mechanically sound, feels like new to be honest, great for cross country runs with enough poke to over take safely and very very comfy

Like yourself I was lookign for something that maybe most people wouldn't think of first and the Saab fit the bill

Like anything else get one with a decent service history that has been looked after and you will be grand

I can't fault mine to be honest and whilst I haven't driven the diesel one I don't know of many complaints on them either, jsut depends on which suits your needs

TRS30

godtabh wrote: »

I have the 1.8i 05 vector. I dont find it under powered but I generally just use it for getting from A-B

I think it is a great car

The Recliner wrote: »

I have an 03 1.8t Arc (for sale at the moment so older than you are looking for)

I am very happy with it, it has 110,000 miles on it and is mechanically sound, feels like new to be honest, great for cross country runs with enough poke to over take safely and very very comfy

Like yourself I was lookign for something that maybe most people wouldn't think of first and the Saab fit the bill

Like anything else get one with a decent service history that has been looked after and you will be grand

I can't fault mine to be honest and whilst I haven't driven the diesel one I don't know of many complaints on them either, jsut depends on which suits your needs

What kind of MPG are you guys getting? Mostly motorway, urban etc

Also how much is a full service from a Saab garage?

godtabh

I get about 7-7.2l/100 km on the motorway and up around 8-8.8l/km in and around down. The 8.8l/100km is usually after my wife has driven it!

I get it serviced at an indie i use out in Celbridge

johnos1984

Well one of the last of the main dealers still values the stock given the price this one is for sale at

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.9TiD-L/201140204832474/advert?channel=CARS

I'd certainly like one but not at that price

furtzy

johnos1984 wrote: »

Well one of the last of the main dealers still values the stock given the price this one is for sale at

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.9TiD-L/201140204832474/advert?channel=CARS

I'd certainly like one but not at that price

One for the dreamers thread I think

Seen a 06 one like that last year for €6500 same spec, same engine & lower mileage in a dealership in cavan

TRS30

furtzy wrote: »

One for the dreamers thread I think

Seen a 06 one like that last year for €6500 same spec, same engine & lower mileage in a dealership in cavan

I have noticed on Carzone that there can be huge differences between the price of similar cars. I always wonder are the higher ones over priced or is there something wrong with the cheaper ones!!

TRS30

godtabh wrote: »

I get about 7-7.2l/100 km on the motorway and up around 8-8.8l/km in and around down. The 8.8l/100km is usually after my wife has driven it!

I get it serviced at an indie i use out in Celbridge

If my maths is right (probablt isn't!!) this is about 35 mpg on the motorway and 27mpg in urban driving.

furtzy

TRS30 wrote: »

I have noticed on Carzone that there can be huge differences between the price of similar cars. I always wonder are the higher ones over priced or is there something wrong with the cheaper ones!!

Theres a lot of people who think their car is worth more than it is..... you usually find the high price reflects the outstanding loan on the car

I couldn't believe the value in Saab's when looking last year. Had my head turned by a mint E39 520i but probably should have looked more at the Saab option for a real bargain. They are essentially a Vectra underneath so parts etc will be no problems. Theres even better value in 9-5's if that was an option. Looked at a 07 9-5 2.0t Vector Sport with 110k kms for 7k last year

godtabh

Faichney Ringwood have always been expensive and doesnt appear to have changed

TRS30

furtzy wrote: »

Theres a lot of people who think their car is worth more than it is..... you usually find the high price reflects the outstanding loan on the car

I couldn't believe the value in Saab's when looking last year. Had my head turned by a mint E39 520i but probably should have looked more at the Saab option for a real bargain. They are essentially a Vectra underneath so parts etc will be no problems. Theres even better value in 9-5's if that was an option. Looked at a 07 9-5 2.0t Vector Sport with 110k kms for 7k last year

Does seem to be some great value out there.

Am looking at the following if anyone has any thoughts

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8I-SPO/2713286972129570/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8I-LIN/413256661725260/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/9318LSP-/1813285394142950/advert?channel=CARS

Am still very undecided between the 1.8i, 1.8t and 1.9tdi !!!

The Recliner

TRS30 wrote: »

If my maths is right (probablt isn't!!) this is about 35 mpg on the motorway and 27mpg in urban driving.

That would be a pretty realistic average I reckon

I was getting high 30's on the motorway when I first got it but due to the enjoyment of a heavy right foot it is probably more like low 30's for me now

TRS30

TRS30 wrote: »

Does seem to be some great value out there.

Am looking at the following if anyone has any thoughts

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8I-SPO/2713286972129570/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/1.8I-LIN/413256661725260/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-3/9318LSP-/1813285394142950/advert?channel=CARS

Am still very undecided between the 1.8i, 1.8t and 1.9tdi !!!

Anyone any opinions on these or what engine is best in this car?

colm_mcm

Not the 1.8i

TRS30

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not the 1.8i

Why do you say that?

browneire

I have the 1.9Tid, 6.6l/100km average half and half motorway mileage. Good power, a few little rattles at 240,000km but still going strong. 2007 but newer version. Good power in it.

R.O.R

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not the 1.8i

I always thought the 1.8i was fairly nippy, if it's only doing short hops. Haven't had one for a decent spin, and I know you'd have a lot more experience of these than me though.

Always been a bit dissapointed with the 1.8t though, for a Turbo car is lacking in any sort of drama when the turbo comes on stream. 2.0t is better, but still not spectacular.

Looking at the histories of some of the 06 1.8i's we had, it doesn't look like there are any engine specific issues, a couple of water leak problems popped up on more than one car, but that's more model specific.

ShadowHearth

Lads, I am not trying to be a dick, but what's the story with Saab anyway now? Did they sorted out factory?

If they will go ( or already gone ), where would you get parts for them?

I would love a nice Saab myself, but I always get a bit scared by not getting parts for it in near future.

TRS30

ShadowHearth wrote: »

Lads, I am not trying to be a dick, but what's the story with Saab anyway now? Did they sorted out factory?

If they will go ( or already gone ), where would you get parts for them?

I would love a nice Saab myself, but I always get a bit scared by not getting parts for it in near future.

Good points, anyone got any info?

R.O.R

I know we've had an issue with a 2011 9-5. Car was (possibly still is) off the road with a part on order. There's a big note on the system saying no warranty as Saab in administration.

Think they were quoting 2-3 weeks for delivery of the part - looks like a power steering hose.

TRS30

R.O.R wrote: »

I know we've had an issue with a 2011 9-5. Car was (possibly still is) off the road with a part on order. There's a big note on the system saying no warranty as Saab in administration.

Think they were quoting 2-3 weeks for delivery of the part - looks like a power steering hose.

So more a delay than not being able to get parts at all?

What do you mean about no warranty??

furtzy

R.O.R wrote: »

I know we've had an issue with a 2011 9-5. Car was (possibly still is) off the road with a part on order. There's a big note on the system saying no warranty as Saab in administration.

Think they were quoting 2-3 weeks for delivery of the part - looks like a power steering hose.

Surely its a standard GM part. Fair enough about the warranty though.

R.O.R

TRS30 wrote: »

So more a delay than not being able to get parts at all?

What do you mean about no warranty??

With a vehilce off the road, you'd expect parts in 1-2 days. 2-3 weeks is pulling the p1ss.

No warranty means that even though the car is less than a year old, the dealer can't bill the costs back to Saab for fixing the issue.

Who does pay though, is a mystery to me, cos I bet we won't be footing the bill.

I bought a 05 1.9TID automatic three weeks ago. I do love it, it's a pleasure to drive, but it's been back in the garage for a week as the gearbox was dodgy. I got an Arc sport for 5k, a price I was happy with and from the above mentioned main dealer so 12 month warranty with it.

I love it, and it's a beautiful car, but had there been a decent Volvo S60 out there when I was buying, I would have gone for that instead I think.

TRS30

R.O.R wrote: »

With a vehilce off the road, you'd expect parts in 1-2 days. 2-3 weeks is pulling the p1ss.

No warranty means that even though the car is less than a year old, the dealer can't bill the costs back to Saab for fixing the issue.

Who does pay though, is a mystery to me, cos I bet we won't be footing the bill.

Agree, doubt the bill disappears into thin air however once the car owner doesn't pay then I don't really care!!

Deleted User wrote: »

I bought a 05 1.9TID automatic three weeks ago. I do love it, it's a pleasure to drive, but it's been back in the garage for a week as the gearbox was dodgy. I got an Arc sport for 5k, a price I was happy with and from the above mentioned main dealer so 12 month warranty with it.

I love it, and it's a beautiful car, but had there been a decent Volvo S60 out there when I was buying, I would have gone for that instead I think.

Think I am going to stay away from diesels and automatics as these seem to have the most issues and don't really do enough miles (5/6K) for a diesel.

Typewriter

bought this last month for €1850...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2905695

Fantastic car but slow to take off between first and second gear. Had my mechanic take it for a spin and he says the clutch is fine but ive booked it in for a full check on Monday.

The Recliner

Typewriter wrote: »

bought this last month for €1850...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2905695

Fantastic car but slow to take off between first and second gear. Had my mechanic take it for a spin and he says the clutch is fine but ive booked it in for a full check on Monday.

Looks like you got a bargain there, lovely looking car and interior

Typewriter

The Recliner wrote: »

Looks like you got a bargain there, lovely looking car and interior

Thanks I'm chuffed with it I just hope I can get the slow take off sorted. I think the brakes are sticking on the front passenger side. I ordered a new set of front and rear pads and discs. They'll be on on Monday so hopefully that'll do it.:)

Eoin

TRS30 wrote:

Am still very undecided between the 1.8i, 1.8t and 1.9tdi !!!

Aren't there two 1.9 diesel versions? I think they're both FIAT ones, but with different levels of power.

TRS30 wrote: »

Am looking at getting a Saab 93. Have done some research on here and other places and summary would be;
-Rebadged Opel

A bit off-topic - but that sort of comment does come up a bit for various cars, but it's not always such a bad thing.

My Volvo V50 is a focus with some lipstick, but it's a lot nicer inside. I probably paid a bit of a premium for what's effectively a trim level, but I'm glad I did.

The Jag X-Type is often dismissed because it's based on the Mondeo (even though it was a particularly good Mondeo in the first place).

I'm not familiar with the Opel in question, but if it's a solid enough base then I don't see much wrong with getting a car that's improved on it.

TRS30

The Recliner wrote: »

Looks like you got a bargain there, lovely looking car and interior

I'll second that-if i could get something like that in 05/06 I'd be delighted.

Hope you get the issue sorted.

Eoin wrote: »

Aren't there two 1.9 diesel versions? I think they're both FIAT ones, but with different levels of power.



A bit off-topic - but that sort of comment does come up a bit for various cars, but it's not always such a bad thing.

My Volvo V50 is a focus with some lipstick, but it's a lot nicer inside. I probably paid a bit of a premium for what's effectively a trim level, but I'm glad I did.

The Jag X-Type is often dismissed because it's based on the Mondeo (even though it was a particularly good Mondeo in the first place).

I'm not familiar with the Opel in question, but if it's a solid enough base then I don't see much wrong with getting a car that's improved on it.

Agree- didn't mean it as a bad thing, more an observation.

The Recliner

TRS30 wrote: »

I'll second that-if i could get something like that in 05/06 I'd be delighted.

You should be able to haggle this one to within your budget

and it is 07

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3015970

Eoin

That looks very clean

Voltex

I have a 05 Vector Sport 1.9Tdi. Its bit of a mixed bag really. Its a shockingly cheap interior and badly put together parts. The radio is total crap and gives off a weird noise if you play music too load...but it is a very go0d drivers car. The turbo is amongst the best Iv ever come across and the handeling is class. It ooks good and feels good...bu my biggest issue is the reliability. Every major part that can go has gone...and right now its parked up in a garage with the fly wheel needing replacement.

Its an alright car...but there is better out there for the money!

unkel

Eoin wrote: »

A bit off-topic - but that sort of comment does come up a bit for various cars, but it's not always such a bad thing.

Platform sharing is very common these days. The old "your Saab is only a Vectra" is probably the most common example here. It's used more for slagging / trolling / upsetting than anything else

The earlier 93 and all 95s (except for the brand new model) are based on the '88 Vectra. A bit of an aging base alright

However it didn't stop me from getting one. And no, the "Freude am Fahren" is not there at all

The later 93 is based on the GM epsilon platform which by all means is more than decent

johnpawl

Voltex wrote: »

I have a 05 Vector Sport 1.9Tdi. Its bit of a mixed bag really. Its a shockingly cheap interior and badly put together parts. The radio is total crap and gives off a weird noise if you play music too load...but it is a very go0d drivers car. The turbo is amongst the best Iv ever come across and the handeling is class. It ooks good and feels good...bu my biggest issue is the reliability. Every major part that can go has gone...and right now its parked up in a garage with the fly wheel needing replacement.

Its an alright car...but there is better out there for the money!

Ya I've a 05 1.9 tid 150 bhp vector sport too.I got it with 28k miles on it and within the next 20 or 30k the following happened;
Alternator gave up, had to replace EGR valve, had to replace flywheel and clutch pack, gear handle came off, replaced brake sensor that turned out to actually just be a cracked wire-cost me e350:cool:. Couple of other things I cant recall.
In the last 60k miles its been trouble free and I intend to drive it till it drops, so hopefully it.ll stay going for a while. Its doing 550 miles for a fill, which costs e87 at present.
Radio is rubbish, speakers vibrate like f**K if any volume atall. All said though I think its a lovely car to drive

TRS30

The Recliner wrote: »

You should be able to haggle this one to within your budget

and it is 07

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3015970[/QUOTE]

Nice one- going to pop him off an email and see if its still available.

furtzy

unkel wrote: »

Platform sharing is very common these days. The old "your Saab is only a Vectra" is probably the most common example here. It's used more for slagging / trolling / upsetting than anything else

I much prefer the "Vectra in a dinner jacket" description myself . Actually sharing Vectra underpinnings and parts is a blessing now Saab have gone into bankruptcy

TRS30

furtzy wrote: »

I much prefer the "Vectra in a dinner jacket" description myself . Actually sharing Vectra underpinnings and parts is a blessing now Saab have gone into bankruptcy

Are a lot of parts common to both? So you could walk into an Opel garage and get most of the parts for a Saab??

furtzy

Yes. Suspension/brake parts are common to both. Diesel engines are exactly the same Fiat units as used in the Vectra. The later model petrol engines are opel units.

Any suspension or brake parts I ever got for the vectras I owned listed the 9-3 on the boxes

TRS30

furtzy wrote: »

Yes. Suspension/brake parts are common to both. Diesel engines are exactly the same Fiat units as used in the Vectra. The later model petrol engines are opel units.

Any suspension or brake parts I ever got for the vectras I owned listed the 9-3 on the boxes

Thanks, good to know that certain parts should not be a problem to get if needed.

Still looking if anyone has seen or know of anyone selling an 93....

finbarrrr

Hi,

I purchased the following 2.2 TID Saab 9-3 three weeks ago.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2924714

The guy was looking for E4250, I gave him E3400. He wasn't happy. His friends were saying he was mad to agree to sell it at that price.

The mechanic I had with me said I got a great deal .

I'm getting 6.6l/100Km. It's pretty okay considering the car is heading towards 8 years old.

6 forward gears and Cruise Control are great 

JB.

gollywog

finbarrrr wrote: »

Hi,

I purchased the following 2.2 TID Saab 9-3 three weeks ago.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2924714

The guy was looking for E4250, I gave him E3400. He wasn't happy. His friends were saying he was mad to agree to sell it at that price.

The mechanic I had with me said I got a great deal .

I'm getting 6.6l/100Km. It's pretty okay considering the car is heading towards 8 years old.

6 forward gears and Cruise Control are great 

JB.

Thats really nice, best of luck with it!

Tea 1000

finbarrrr wrote: »

Hi,

I purchased the following 2.2 TID Saab 9-3 three weeks ago.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2924714

The guy was looking for E4250, I gave him E3400. He wasn't happy. His friends were saying he was mad to agree to sell it at that price.

The mechanic I had with me said I got a great deal .

I'm getting 6.6l/100Km. It's pretty okay considering the car is heading towards 8 years old.

6 forward gears and Cruise Control are great 

JB.

Was he the "Lady driver"?

unkel

You got a great deal, well wear

The seller took your money, so he was happy enough. Sure he would have liked more and maybe he was desperately in need of cash, troubled times and all that, but that is not for you to worry about.

TRS30

Have put this on the back burner for awhile due to other things coming up.

I am still not 100% on getting a Saab due to the parts issue.