9-3 aero 2.0 210hp, any good?
Discussion
Probably a bit late this....but here's my input.
I have a 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero with a very rare Hirsch Stage 2 factory upgrade which consisted of Hirsch ECU, injectors, stainless exhaust downpipe and cat back plus large alloy Hirsch intercooler. It was a £3700 option from new, and takes the car to 252hp and 380Nm.
The car is simply incredible. The performance on tap is unreal, with lovely wads of smooth torque available from low down the engine speed range.
I've spent a fair bit to get it up to my speed including all new brake calipers (rears always fail) with discs and pads all round, engine service, all filters, plugs, boost solenoid etc. I've also just rebuilt the suspension with all new arms, Bilstein B4 shocks and Eibach springs plus all tie-rods and track rods. It just feels fabulous now, and I love it even more. It's also got a fresh set of Avon ZV7's.
Worst bits? Electrics!! I have intermittent central door locking issues, a alarm fault and other little niggles I'm in process of resolving as we speak. I can live with them, but I'd rather not.
The car is on 158000 miles from new with a very full service history and only two owners before me. It doesn't consume any oil or water and still has its original clutch! A testament to what Saab did right.
It's probably not worth anywhere near what it owes me but I'm not really bothered; its the fastest point to point car I've driven in a while and is ULEZ compliant to boot!
Next up wheel refurbish and then I reckon I'm done.
Get one, but check out the servicing and electrics.
I have a 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero with a very rare Hirsch Stage 2 factory upgrade which consisted of Hirsch ECU, injectors, stainless exhaust downpipe and cat back plus large alloy Hirsch intercooler. It was a £3700 option from new, and takes the car to 252hp and 380Nm.
The car is simply incredible. The performance on tap is unreal, with lovely wads of smooth torque available from low down the engine speed range.
I've spent a fair bit to get it up to my speed including all new brake calipers (rears always fail) with discs and pads all round, engine service, all filters, plugs, boost solenoid etc. I've also just rebuilt the suspension with all new arms, Bilstein B4 shocks and Eibach springs plus all tie-rods and track rods. It just feels fabulous now, and I love it even more. It's also got a fresh set of Avon ZV7's.
Worst bits? Electrics!! I have intermittent central door locking issues, a alarm fault and other little niggles I'm in process of resolving as we speak. I can live with them, but I'd rather not.
The car is on 158000 miles from new with a very full service history and only two owners before me. It doesn't consume any oil or water and still has its original clutch! A testament to what Saab did right.
It's probably not worth anywhere near what it owes me but I'm not really bothered; its the fastest point to point car I've driven in a while and is ULEZ compliant to boot!
Next up wheel refurbish and then I reckon I'm done.
Get one, but check out the servicing and electrics.
That sounds amazing...I've just got the bog standard 175bhp Vector and it's got a fantastic power band. The car now has 171'000 miles on the clock, but original clutch, turbo, and all main components are original. The paintwork and interior are in amazing condition as well. The only big things I've had to replace are the rear suspension upper arms and front shock absorbers due to one leaking and a snapped spring. The balance chain tensioner broke which was a bit of a faff to change, but not too bad. Oh and the drivers window regulator snapped. I've owned the car for nearly 10 years and it's a great barge.
But the electrics are indeed annoying. The steering lock started playing up and was replaced after much faffing. It keeps saying there's and airbag fault, but cleaning the battery isolator switch seems to have fixed that! And it keeps saying there's a blown rear bulb, when there isn't.
A Tech-2 is a very necessary diagnostic device if you have a SAAB!
But the electrics are indeed annoying. The steering lock started playing up and was replaced after much faffing. It keeps saying there's and airbag fault, but cleaning the battery isolator switch seems to have fixed that! And it keeps saying there's a blown rear bulb, when there isn't.
A Tech-2 is a very necessary diagnostic device if you have a SAAB!
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