Advice on 04 Saab 9-3 2.0T

[KrisZ]

Hey gang!

I just came upon a clean looking 2004 Saab 9-3. It is a one owner with all service record and apparently annually Krowned. It has about 120k miles and looks clean inside and out, but that's just from the pictures.

Before I give it a more serious though and actually go and look at the car, I would like to get some feedback on these cars. What are the most common problems and issues? If it helps, this car looks like a "base" model with manual HVAC controls and regular CD player with no NAV and no sun roof. It is a 5 speed manual transmission as well.
I can do a lot of work myself so that is not a problem, but how expensive and easily obtainable are the parts? How easy it is to work on etc?

Please discuss.

 

[Klutch9]

I love that generation of 9-3! I nearly bought one about a thousand times. I can't comment on parts availability or prices, but why haven't you asked about potential oil and OCI yet?

 

[JC1]

The issue you need to keep in mind, is if and when you need a hard to get part that isn't available aftermarket or you need to get it from the wreckers, you might be SOL especially since you are in Canada. SAAB's are nice driving cars.

I had a SAAB 9-5 as a rental car back in 1999 and that car kicked major butt on the highway.

I don't know about their common problems, you'll need to find some SAAB websites. I would steer clear personally.

Regards, JC.

 

[yvon_la]

Didnt saab go bankrupt?rofl!but then vw stopped making bug about 10 yeatrs ago and yet we still see brand new part lol

 

[yonyon]

Originally Posted By: yvon_la
Didnt saab go bankrupt?rofl!but then vw stopped making bug about 10 yeatrs ago and yet we still see brand new part lol


Saab is weird in this regard, but weird is what Saab is all about, right? They had to stop building cars because they couldn't get enough parts to build new cars, but the parts were still being made. Now there's a new Saab building cars from mostly the same parts, but it's hard to get repair parts that are still being produced and are in plentiful supply.

If you buy a Saab you just have to accept that at some point it's going to break and you're going to have to wait a week for a replacement part to ship even though your best friend has one because he won't let you use it knowing you're planning to put it in a Saab.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: yvon_la
Didnt saab go bankrupt?rofl!but then vw stopped making bug about 10 yeatrs ago and yet we still see brand new part lol


VW stopped making Bugs 10 years ago? Odd, I see 2014 models every time I pass the VW dealer

 

[NO2]

I'd only get it if it is really cheap.Saab parts have always been very expensive, and now they are expensive and unavailable. Think of it as a throwaway - no collision, no major repairs etc.. and you will be happy.

That being said, if there is a local parts depot that might sway you. GM is only required to keep parts for 10 years, so that source will dry up eventually. It was always a low volume car.

Make sure your catalytic convertor is in good shape or you will be looking at a very expensive turbo replacement.

If it was me, I'd pay a few $ more and get an Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, Camry, Accord etc.. that is cheaper to run and maintain.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: NO2

If it was me, I'd pay a few $ more and get an Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, Camry, Accord etc.. that is cheaper to run and maintain.

Sure, those cars cost less to repair and maintain, but can any of those cars be considered fun? I know the SAAB sure can be considered fun.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: NO2
That being said, if there is a local parts depot that might sway you. GM is only required to keep parts for 10 years, so that source will dry up eventually. It was always a low volume car.


Just to nitpick, but there is no requirement for 10 years, or 7 years even. Just as long as it is financially viable to make the replacement part.

 

[123Saab]

Originally Posted By: NO2

If it was me, I'd pay a few $ more and get an Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, Camry, Accord etc.. that is cheaper to run and maintain.


Funny.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted By: 123Saab
Originally Posted By: NO2

If it was me, I'd pay a few $ more and get an Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, Camry, Accord etc.. that is cheaper to run and maintain.


Funny.


please esplain