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Saab 9-3 aero
sdh2903 - 18/8/10 at 03:36 PM

Getting very interested in buying one of these, in 2.0t aero spec, the post 2002 model.

Has anyone got one / had one. any ownership issues? any issues with milage? anything to look out for? been looking between 70k and 100k for my budget.

Ive also seen a really nicely specced "sentronic" auto, but sounds very costly if it goes wrong?

I must be getting on now looking for a big grown ups car to waft around in and tow my trailer rather than a hot hatch!!!


theconrodkid - 18/8/10 at 03:40 PM

i,m looking for a similar steed at the mo.
plenty info on them here http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/index.php


T66 - 18/8/10 at 04:11 PM

Im a bit of a Saab saddo, now onto number two.


First one was a n/a 900s liked the car just no power.

Now Im onto a 9-3 Aero Coupe.


Spent quite a bit on it, now about 280/290bhp and has plenty of midrange to eat quite a few different cars.

Oil sludge in the sump, can be an issue. So only go for cars with a history of ample synthetic oil changes.

The DI cassettes sometimes fail, my two Saabs have produced two breakdowns in the last 12 years.

1) Aux belt pulley idler fail

2) DI cassette


Loads of tuning options if your interested, the ecus can all be modified fairly easily if you want more power.


Ive owned my Aero now over 5 years, and still enjoy driving it. Good on the long runs, climate control, superb seats, get heated ones if you do leather mine are freezing !

Was 205bhp when I bought it and did 30mpg, its now much more and still does 30-33mpg, even more on a run.

Find another decent car that returns over 30mpg with performance like this.


I would have another without hesitation.


Autos are not my thing, not sure whether they will do trailer very well either.

Yes mines a 2001 model...




[Edited on 18/8/10 by T66]

[Edited on 18/8/10 by T66]


sdh2903 - 18/8/10 at 04:52 PM

Nice looking car that


StevieB - 18/8/10 at 05:30 PM

I'm in the market for a replacement tintop too and think the 9-3 represents good value in comparison to similar cars.

I've been looking at a 2.8 HOT Aero estate - should have enough space for the family and also enough poke to tow a trailer too (and maybe have a bit of fun when family and/or trailer are absent )


40inches - 18/8/10 at 05:53 PM

quote:
Originally posted by T66;Im
a bit of a Saabsaddoo, now onto number two.


First one was a n/a 900s liked the car just no power.

NowImm onto a 9-3Aeroo Coupe.


Spent quite a bit on it, now about 280290bhpp and has plenty ofmidrangee to eat quite a few different cars.

Oil sludge in the sump, can be an issue. So only go for cars with a history of ample synthetic oil changes.

The DI cassettes sometimes fail, my twoSaabss have produced two breakdowns in the last 12 years.

1) Aux belt pulley idler fail

2) DI cassette


Loads of tuning options if your interested, the ecus can all be modified fairly easily if you want more power.


Ive owned myAeroo now over 5 years, and still enjoy driving it. Good on the long runs, climate control, superb seats, get heated ones if you do leather mine are freezing !

Was 20bhpp when I bought it and did 30mpg, its now much more and still does 30-33mpg, even more on a run.

Find another decent car that returns over 30mpg with performance like this.


I would have another without hesitation.


Autos are not my thing, not sure whether they will do trailer very well either.

Yes mines a 2001 model...




[Edited on 18/8/10 by T66]

[Edited on 18/8/10 by T66]


I have a 9-5 auto, brilliant car

The 9-5 had the issue with the breather system/sludge, as far as I know the 9-3 is Ok.
I boughtt a second hand cassettee, tested it and keep it in the boot, never had to use it, but,the first time I go anywhere without it!!!
Had to replace the idler pulley last month and every now and then have had to reset the throttle body, other than that, nothing

Does 40mpg+ at the legal limit, but only about 25 around town.
We have done 50,000 miles, car has done 120,000 in total. Well happy with it.


T66 - 18/8/10 at 06:23 PM

The 9-5 Aero estate is a big fast motor , 250bhp as standard, will raise to 300bhp with a change of software only !

Do 30mpg and haul caravans , trailers and kids in good comfort.


I may have the 250bhp estate next time round.

Make sure you store your spare DI cassette upright , it has oil covering the coils which if not stored upright lets them dry out.


T66 - 18/8/10 at 06:28 PM

Yes Im Saab pissed...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0XnacxpCfU


Andybarbet - 18/8/10 at 09:35 PM

We have had our W reg SAAB 95 for 4 months now and absolutely love it.
Very comfy, goes really well if you get a heavy foot, tows really well too if you have a trailer on the back.

I dont think you can go too wrong as long as it has good history, ours was full SAAB service history, cars not quite 10 years old and has just hit 71,000 miles.

I would recommend them highly.

Ours is the 2.3litre 185 bhp version, as said above, average 26mpg around town but get it on the motorway for a run and it hits 40mpg.

I was told by someone that if your going to crash into a Volvo, do it in a SAAB because you'll come off better !

GO FOR IT


morcus - 18/8/10 at 09:47 PM

Wasn't the Auto in question a unit available on a huge range of GM cars? If I'm right you should have too much problem as you can just canabalise one out of a vectra (Assuming you know how, which I don't).

I've never owned a SAAB but only because I've yet to be able to insure one but I'd really love a 9000 or one of the Old Shape 900 coupés, refferably a 900SE.


sdh2903 - 20/8/10 at 07:56 PM

Well i've been test driving a couple of these. To be totally honest I was very disappointed!

Driving position was terrible, overall fit and finish quite poor, materials all felt very cheap compared to my 8 year old golf. Not what i was expecting at all.

Back to the drawing board, been looking at st220's, audi a4's possibly bmw 330d's (bit pricey).

One bit of tintop related good news, thought the turbo was a gonna but its just the intercooler is holed causing ridiculous clouds of smoke!!!