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Saab leak

  • 06-08-2012 10:30pm
    #1
    backboiler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 368 ✭✭


    I'm looking at buying a 2009 Saab 9-3 TTiD Turbo Edition across in England. I haven't laid eyes on the car myself yet but I did get the AA vehicle inspection done. All seems OK except for two points. Here is the exact text provided:
    AA Report wrote:

    It is strongly advised that the essential repairs are investigated and rectified prior to purchase.
    • Suspension noise - some light suspension noise was noted over rough surfaces. I suspect that this is caused by the anti-roll link rods but this will need to be confirmed.
    • External leaks (upper engine) - some oil/fuel wetness is noted adjacent to the engine fuel pump. This appears to be accumulating on the underside of the engine and the front sub frame. This is not considered heavy leakage but it requires attention.

    This first is probably to be expected - 82000 miles on the car - and shouldn't be too expensive to fix.
    The second is more worrying.
    Anyone willing to make an educated guess as to what might be causing the "wetness" or how to go about diagnosing it? Is this a "walk away" fault?
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    backboiler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 368 ✭✭backboiler


    No takers? I know there's a few Saab enthusiasts around these parts (I'm trying to buy one so may join your ranks...).
    Is there any sort of common fault in the MY 09/10 models that may cause the appearance of fluid in this area?


  • #3
    anthony4335
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,028 ✭✭✭anthony4335


    My suggestion is to walk away, not worth the hassle of a trip when there should be plenty to choose from. The suspension noise would not worry me, but the leak would put enough of a doubt just not to bother and move onto the next one. Take a read of this for common faults.

    http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/saab/9-3-2007/?section=bad


  • #4
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,749 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    backboiler wrote: »
    No takers? I know there's a few Saab enthusiasts around these parts (I'm trying to buy one so may join your ranks...).
    Is there any sort of common fault in the MY 09/10 models that may cause the appearance of fluid in this area?

    The problem is that there were so few new Saabs sold that year, that no-one has one, to help you....

    Now, thats still the Alfa/FIAT engine which has a very good rep, and mine was perfect over 4 years, so what you're describing is not a "normal" issue on these, afaik....

    So, I'd start with the seller: is it trade, or private? If trade, make them fix it, first. If private, it's a bit more awkward. They'll need to take it to a dealer to fix, or at least get a quote to fix, from, and then you're into haggling.......

    Don't be afraid to walk away, that 200 the RAC charged you could be a bargain. I walked away from an oil-leaking car before, following a paid-for inspection, and glad that I did. Theres loads more for sale.....

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #5
    backboiler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 368 ✭✭backboiler


    Seller is a dealer, seems to be a small enough outfit.
    I spoke to him yesterday and he brought it to a garage and had them remove engine covers, top and bottom, and have a look. They said they had a hard time finding the leak and it was small and probably was caused by oil dripping on it during a service.
    Called the vehicle inspection engineer back and he said that it was plausible that this could be the cause.
    Think I'll go and have a look for myself anyway. Flight and boat are reasonably cheap and I've a few days off coming up.
    I haven't been able to dig up a diagram of the engine bay for this model. Is there one available?


  • #6
    haulagebasher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 309 ✭✭haulagebasher


    The suspension - usually these rods are easily replaced. If its the roll bar bushings it may be a more difficult task.The oil leak: Without seeing it, it's hard to tell. If its clearly loosing significant amount of oil or if its getting into the coolant or cylinders, then that obviously need attention. However if its just weeping or sweating as i call it, it may be fine. I've seen plenty of engines and other machines with sweating joints that run perfectly with no measurable oil loss between changes. For examle, my own car has had a sweating head gasket since I bought it in 2005. 7 years and 200,000 miles later it's oil consumption is barely measureable and has never had a problem. The only thing that happens is that dust tends to stick to it which, over time, forms a layer of thick gunky grime but an occasional blast with hot pressure wash sorts that. So in short, its har to tell without further examining the nature and extent of the leak.


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