What to look for in a 9-3 ?

[james_tigerwoods]

I'm thinking about going to look at a Diesel SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport on a 57 plate - On the face of it, it looks well maintained, but I have no idea what to look for when driving/looking at it.

Can anyone offer some tips as to what to check for please?

Thanks

JTW

[bakerstreet]

james_tigerwoods said:

I'm thinking about going to look at a Diesel SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport on a 57 plate - On the face of it, it looks well maintained, but I have no idea what to look for when driving/looking at it.

Can anyone offer some tips as to what to check for please?

Thanks

JTW

The honest John Site will give you some good guidance.

I ran an 05 9-3 1.9TID (150) for a couple of years and 45k ish.

Alternator - Known to be a weak, but easy to replace
Wiper Linkage - Known to be weak
Intercoolers - Their location can mean they get a beating. Mine blew out three rows and needed replacing (It cost a lot)
EGR - Usual gremlins
Generally speaking the electrics can be a bit hit and miss.

They have cramped interiors despite the size of the car.

2007 onwards have much better stereo system that you can actually replace unlike the early cars.

Seats are superb.

[james_tigerwoods]

bakerstreet said:

james_tigerwoods said:

I'm thinking about going to look at a Diesel SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport on a 57 plate - On the face of it, it looks well maintained, but I have no idea what to look for when driving/looking at it.

Can anyone offer some tips as to what to check for please?

Thanks

JTW

The honest John Site will give you some good guidance.

I ran an 05 9-3 1.9TID (150) for a couple of years and 45k ish.

Alternator - Known to be a weak, but easy to replace
Wiper Linkage - Known to be weak
Intercoolers - Their location can mean they get a beating. Mine blew out three rows and needed replacing (It cost a lot)
EGR - Usual gremlins
Generally speaking the electrics can be a bit hit and miss.

They have cramped interiors despite the size of the car.

2007 onwards have much better stereo system that you can actually replace unlike the early cars.

Seats are superb.

Thanks - Is there any way the intercoolers can be checked during a test?

[MonkeyBusiness]

Bakerstreet has it covered.

I'd also check for interior rattles.
The seats are the best I have ever has the pleasure of.

I loved my 9-3 TiD. Had it remapped and it certainly moved.

[james_tigerwoods]

Thanks - I'll bear all this in mind

[anonymous-user]

Interior creaks & rattles are standard unfortunately. Good seats. But dash etc are absolute bargain basement material. Ruin what could have been a nice car..

[james_tigerwoods]

I've looked on Honest John and it seems to suggest that the Diesels are the ones to avoid... Hmm...

[MonkeyBusiness]

james_tigerwoods said:

I've looked on Honest John and it seems to suggest that the Diesels are the ones to avoid... Hmm...

I wouldn't agree with that from personal experience.
Its the same engine shared with Vauxhall and Alfa.

[james_tigerwoods]

It's this one:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

What are the intervals on the cambelt?

[james_tigerwoods]

The car seemed solid and sound - the owner has been on PH a while (not active on the forum) and had 2 TVRs.

Was a genuine guy - a cuppa was offered and accepted - there was a stack of receipts, including cam belt (and associated bits) and other components that had been replaced.

It drove solidly, pulled well and had no creaks or bangs.

He's putting an MOT on it on Wednesday and I'm picking it up on Friday

[bakerstreet]

james_tigerwoods said:

The car seemed solid and sound - the owner has been on PH a while (not active on the forum) and had 2 TVRs.

Was a genuine guy - a cuppa was offered and accepted - there was a stack of receipts, including cam belt (and associated bits) and other components that had been replaced.

It drove solidly, pulled well and had no creaks or bangs.

He's putting an MOT on it on Wednesday and I'm picking it up on Friday

Post up a pic when you collect it. I'll be selling my 95 in the summer and getting a CRV for the wife to eventually take over and when she does, I might go back to a 93 I don't know who style the last 9-3, but it really is a very hansom car from the front. Its a pitty they couldn't be bothered to do more with the interior materials and packaging.

[james_tigerwoods]

bakerstreet said:

Post up a pic when you collect it. I'll be selling my 95 in the summer and getting a CRV for the wife to eventually take over and when she does, I might go back to a 93 I don't know who style the last 9-3, but it really is a very hansom car from the front. Its a pitty they couldn't be bothered to do more with the interior materials and packaging.

Will do - it'll be tomorrow at about 10am. Then I'm off for a lunch date - Extra woohoo!

[james_tigerwoods]

I have it

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...