Saab 9-3 Aero 2004+
Discussion
Hi there,
Recently I've been doing a lot more motorway miles and my Celica T sport isn't really an ideal motorway car. I've been a longtime Saab appreciator with dreams of owning the rapidly apprenticing classic 900 Turbo. However as a reasonable middle ground I was looking the Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T 2004-2006 shape (2004 onwards fixed SAE problems apparently?)
I can't afford to have a car that I will have to constantly fix, so I need something that is reasonably reliable, but also fun and comfortable.
I understand that 30mpg is average for this car, which is the same as my Celica.
Anyone have/had this car that can give me an insite into what they are like.
Thanks!
Recently I've been doing a lot more motorway miles and my Celica T sport isn't really an ideal motorway car. I've been a longtime Saab appreciator with dreams of owning the rapidly apprenticing classic 900 Turbo. However as a reasonable middle ground I was looking the Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T 2004-2006 shape (2004 onwards fixed SAE problems apparently?)
I can't afford to have a car that I will have to constantly fix, so I need something that is reasonably reliable, but also fun and comfortable.
I understand that 30mpg is average for this car, which is the same as my Celica.
Anyone have/had this car that can give me an insite into what they are like.
Thanks!
twizellb said:
Grahamr123 said:
I was looking at the 210bhp aero version. Not sure if that's the big T or the little t though.
2004 earo's will be 250bhp.OP; I had a 2005 93 Aero with a Hirsch upgrade (to 230bhp) for 3 years, 2009 - 2012 (and my dad now has it as his daily). I really liked it and I still look forward to driving it when I'm back at my dads for any period of time. Maintenance was relatively trouble (and expense) free and they are easy enough to work on. However my brake calipers seemed to be a week spot - both rears seized. If you're looking to buy around the 2004-2006 age, make sure to check that the suspension bushes have been replaced.
Other than that it's a nice motorway car; plenty of go from the turbo engine; I was getting around 30mpg and you should be able to pick up a decent example for around £2k. As a guide, my old one is now on 150k and it hasn't needed any mechanical or engine work done to it, and it's still running perfectly. Do try to get an example that had the factory-fit sat-nav - it might be 10 years old but it does make the interior look more modern; those without it just have an awkward looking dash (imo).
The 2.0T was always 210 bhp as far as I am aware ? 250 was the V6 turbo.
I had a 2003, I got the BSR remap on it, was pretty quick even though it didnt like to rev, didnt make much of an interesting noise, likewise the handling was very effective but not much fun, ride was very harsh. An E46 M3 Cab couldnt pull any significant distance on it.
Brakes were the best I have ever experienced on a road car, at least on a par with my 350Z.
Interior quality was a bit patchy, but it was comfy, an Audi it is not but the rest of the car was well made, ok Epsillon (Vectra) Based but they had aluminium suspension arms where the Vectras had pressed steel, was also shorter with passive rear steer, quite different really.
Always thought they were a good looking thing, more so than the german offerings.
Never gave any serious trouble, engine was bombproof, gearbox ok but change not the best and clutch objected to the remap, central locking could be hit and miss and the CD player skipped.
Not really very "Saab" though.
Would recommend with a few caveats as above.
I had a 2003, I got the BSR remap on it, was pretty quick even though it didnt like to rev, didnt make much of an interesting noise, likewise the handling was very effective but not much fun, ride was very harsh. An E46 M3 Cab couldnt pull any significant distance on it.
Brakes were the best I have ever experienced on a road car, at least on a par with my 350Z.
Interior quality was a bit patchy, but it was comfy, an Audi it is not but the rest of the car was well made, ok Epsillon (Vectra) Based but they had aluminium suspension arms where the Vectras had pressed steel, was also shorter with passive rear steer, quite different really.
Always thought they were a good looking thing, more so than the german offerings.
Never gave any serious trouble, engine was bombproof, gearbox ok but change not the best and clutch objected to the remap, central locking could be hit and miss and the CD player skipped.
Not really very "Saab" though.
Would recommend with a few caveats as above.
parabolica said:
twizellb said:
Grahamr123 said:
I was looking at the 210bhp aero version. Not sure if that's the big T or the little t though.
2004 earo's will be 250bhp.OP; I had a 2005 93 Aero with a Hirsch upgrade (to 230bhp) for 3 years, 2009 - 2012 (and my dad now has it as his daily). I really liked it and I still look forward to driving it when I'm back at my dads for any period of time. Maintenance was relatively trouble (and expense) free and they are easy enough to work on. However my brake calipers seemed to be a week spot - both rears seized. If you're looking to buy around the 2004-2006 age, make sure to check that the suspension bushes have been replaced.
Other than that it's a nice motorway car; plenty of go from the turbo engine; I was getting around 30mpg and you should be able to pick up a decent example for around £2k. As a guide, my old one is now on 150k and it hasn't needed any mechanical or engine work done to it, and it's still running perfectly. Do try to get an example that had the factory-fit sat-nav - it might be 10 years old but it does make the interior look more modern; those without it just have an awkward looking dash (imo).
Need my glasses on i think.
They are great looking cars, but don't have a lot of Saab (or indeed any) character to them. The engines are effective but boring and not very economical and the general quality and fit and finish is much more Vauxhall than proper Saab. Some of the later models seem to be wearing exceptionally poorly when I was car shopping 6 months ago.
^ I had a diesel Cadillac BLS, which was basically a rebodied 9-3 with the same engine. Great long distance cruiser. Usual modern diesel caveats (DMF/DPF) notwithstanding, a great tool for the job. That said, I sold it when I starting doing lower mileages and I don't think I'd buy another if I were doing under 20,000 miles a year. If I were, I'd have a long hard look at a Volvo S60 D5 before buying a 9-3.
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