RE: Shed Of The Week: Saab 9-3
Discussion
Jiebo said:
I bought a 2005 Vector Sport 1.9 diesel 150 for £670. DMF, clutch and cambelt just changed by previous owner. Stuck on a used DTUK tuning box for £100 and now it's running around 200bhp.
It's a bit crap. Ride is too hard, the interior quality is poor (paint is pealing off the dash buttons), the front speakers have stopped working and it has lots of electrical gremlins. But it's dirt cheap and hasn't aged too badly.
I can't think of anything that can do 35-40mpg in London with a decent amount of power when needed for £700. Plus I can leave it on any street and I don't give it a second thought.
Its weird, they spent all the money on the rest of it and were left with £8.37 in change to the entire interior, they dont rot, the bodyshell is properly strong, the components are good but an Audi A4 of the era is a different ball park in terms of the interior, bits fall off, they rattle and liek you say that paint stuff comes off, but they keep on going/It's a bit crap. Ride is too hard, the interior quality is poor (paint is pealing off the dash buttons), the front speakers have stopped working and it has lots of electrical gremlins. But it's dirt cheap and hasn't aged too badly.
I can't think of anything that can do 35-40mpg in London with a decent amount of power when needed for £700. Plus I can leave it on any street and I don't give it a second thought.
Saab quality really did go down the pan in the GM era. My mother bought a brand new 9-3 in 1998 (previous gen to the featured shed), they delivered it to our house and the car looked great. One hour later my mum was stranded by the side of the road, with as she quoted "loads of lights lit up on the dashboard". The AA were called out and the patrol man was genuinely amazed and his own words "disgusted" as the car had been delivered with almost no oil in the engine! Car was taken back to Saab and my mum told that it was honest mistake and that no lasting damage had been done to the engine.....total bol*ox! What preceded was a very lengthy battle for a replacement car/money back. Eventually the cash was returned and was promptly reinvested in an ex demo 320 touring, which she ran for six years and 100k miles - i wouldn't have been confident in her Saab doing the same. Sad considering the reputation for quality and the loyal following Saab had built through the 70's and 80's.
I've owned my 9-3 anniversary aero estate for years now (56 plate), and I'll be broken hearted when it finally can't go on, I love it. During the years I've owned it many, many other cars have come and gone, but the Saab always stays, I really don't know what I'd replace it with. In all that time not once has it broken down, ever, and I'm being deadly serious. In fact, apart from consumables all I've ever had to buy for it was a new LED board for one of the rear lights. It was a low mileage one elderly owner car when I bought it as a dog carrier, and it's been 75000 trouble free miles since.
Considering mine is now over a decade old, it's still in outstanding condition. To this day I don't think there's many better looking estate cars.
Considering mine is now over a decade old, it's still in outstanding condition. To this day I don't think there's many better looking estate cars.
Edited by Ikobo on Friday 24th March 16:34
If you were selling this though, wouldn't you at least pump the tyres up before taking some pictures? When something looks too good to be true...
On a brighter note on paper it looks like a cracker for the money and I have always loved the shape of these. A 900 pulled up next to me this morning and it looked great - a future classic.
On a brighter note on paper it looks like a cracker for the money and I have always loved the shape of these. A 900 pulled up next to me this morning and it looked great - a future classic.
I currently own a 2004 Aero 2.0t (210bhp version) and as of yet, i cannot fault it as a daily runner. Sure, the suspension is pretty firm but you soon forget about that. The worst part in my opinion is the interior plastics. The dash is peeling (common fault) the door plastics look... aged. With 210bp, it certainly goes well enough for a "normal" saloon. The high pressure turbo certainly has a presence.
It's alright people calling them "a pile of sh**", feel free to point out another MY03+ car with 200bhp+, air conditioning, electric everything, leather interior and a premium feel for under a grand...
It's alright people calling them "a pile of sh**", feel free to point out another MY03+ car with 200bhp+, air conditioning, electric everything, leather interior and a premium feel for under a grand...
I bought one from a friend about 2 months ago. It's a 2005 aero with the 5 speed box. There are some nice options, such as the glass sunroof and in car phone (which worked after I put a sim card in).
My thoughts are that it's great value for the money, but a bug bear for people is the creaks that come from a less than smooth road. Some dedicated people have take to stripping the interiors and putting tape and felt where plastic meets plastic. Mine has had some small bits strategically placed between the windscreen and dashboard - result is there are no creaks.
Power-wise it's fine, although I'm haing it mapped to 250hp by Saab legend who goes by the name of Noobtune on the Saab forums. 80 quid and you get 40hp increase and 60nm of torque extra. If you put a 3inch downpipe -with sports cat- on (to decrease exhaust gas temperatures) then 280hp is possible! But for me 250hp is ample. Apparently it's a Vauxhall lump that was breathed on by Saab: they did things like redesign the exhaust manifold to acheive 210hp - a comparative Vauxahll only gets 170hp-ish.
I only use the car a couple of times a month to commute from the South to London - and with a full tank have seen over 430 miles. I drive at around 70, but am sure the long 50mph limit on the M3 helps acheive this range.
Am taking her to Belgium and in a different trip, to Germany. Those lovely seats will certainly be welcome!
My thoughts are that it's great value for the money, but a bug bear for people is the creaks that come from a less than smooth road. Some dedicated people have take to stripping the interiors and putting tape and felt where plastic meets plastic. Mine has had some small bits strategically placed between the windscreen and dashboard - result is there are no creaks.
Power-wise it's fine, although I'm haing it mapped to 250hp by Saab legend who goes by the name of Noobtune on the Saab forums. 80 quid and you get 40hp increase and 60nm of torque extra. If you put a 3inch downpipe -with sports cat- on (to decrease exhaust gas temperatures) then 280hp is possible! But for me 250hp is ample. Apparently it's a Vauxhall lump that was breathed on by Saab: they did things like redesign the exhaust manifold to acheive 210hp - a comparative Vauxahll only gets 170hp-ish.
I only use the car a couple of times a month to commute from the South to London - and with a full tank have seen over 430 miles. I drive at around 70, but am sure the long 50mph limit on the M3 helps acheive this range.
Am taking her to Belgium and in a different trip, to Germany. Those lovely seats will certainly be welcome!
EarlOfHazard said:
I bought one from a friend about 2 months ago. It's a 2005 aero with the 5 speed box. There are some nice options, such as the glass sunroof and in car phone (which worked after I put a sim card in).
My thoughts are that it's great value for the money, but a bug bear for people is the creaks that come from a less than smooth road. Some dedicated people have take to stripping the interiors and putting tape and felt where plastic meets plastic. Mine has had some small bits strategically placed between the windscreen and dashboard - result is there are no creaks.
Power-wise it's fine, although I'm haing it mapped to 250hp by Saab legend who goes by the name of Noobtune on the Saab forums. 80 quid and you get 40hp increase and 60nm of torque extra. If you put a 3inch downpipe -with sports cat- on (to decrease exhaust gas temperatures) then 280hp is possible! But for me 250hp is ample. Apparently it's a Vauxhall lump that was breathed on by Saab: they did things like redesign the exhaust manifold to acheive 210hp - a comparative Vauxahll only gets 170hp-ish.
I only use the car a couple of times a month to commute from the South to London - and with a full tank have seen over 430 miles. I drive at around 70, but am sure the long 50mph limit on the M3 helps acheive this range.
Am taking her to Belgium and in a different trip, to Germany. Those lovely seats will certainly be welcome!
I'm also considering the Noobtune remap to take mine 250bhp too. My only concern is whether the standard clutch will be happy with it...My thoughts are that it's great value for the money, but a bug bear for people is the creaks that come from a less than smooth road. Some dedicated people have take to stripping the interiors and putting tape and felt where plastic meets plastic. Mine has had some small bits strategically placed between the windscreen and dashboard - result is there are no creaks.
Power-wise it's fine, although I'm haing it mapped to 250hp by Saab legend who goes by the name of Noobtune on the Saab forums. 80 quid and you get 40hp increase and 60nm of torque extra. If you put a 3inch downpipe -with sports cat- on (to decrease exhaust gas temperatures) then 280hp is possible! But for me 250hp is ample. Apparently it's a Vauxhall lump that was breathed on by Saab: they did things like redesign the exhaust manifold to acheive 210hp - a comparative Vauxahll only gets 170hp-ish.
I only use the car a couple of times a month to commute from the South to London - and with a full tank have seen over 430 miles. I drive at around 70, but am sure the long 50mph limit on the M3 helps acheive this range.
Am taking her to Belgium and in a different trip, to Germany. Those lovely seats will certainly be welcome!
SaxoJay88 said:
I currently own a 2004 Aero 2.0t (210bhp version) and as of yet, i cannot fault it as a daily runner. Sure, the suspension is pretty firm but you soon forget about that. The worst part in my opinion is the interior plastics. The dash is peeling (common fault) the door plastics look... aged. With 210bp, it certainly goes well enough for a "normal" saloon. The high pressure turbo certainly has a presence.
It's alright people calling them "a pile of sh**", feel free to point out another MY03+ car with 200bhp+, air conditioning, electric everything, leather interior and a premium feel for under a grand...
E39 530iIt's alright people calling them "a pile of sh**", feel free to point out another MY03+ car with 200bhp+, air conditioning, electric everything, leather interior and a premium feel for under a grand...
E46 330i
Endless Volvos
Celica vvtli
Astra turbo
Mondeo ST220
Or the one I'd pick...
Vectra GSi
Own one of these at the moment, a 56 plate with Hirsch remap. One of the best cars I've had in this price bracket.
Ride is firm and interior rattly but still a great car for the money. Has given me no bother at all and is rapid whilst also being relatively cheap to fuel, tax and insure.
Not sure I'd touch the one in the ad though, as there are tons about for shed money without tin worm and known faults that could prove expensive to fix.
Ride is firm and interior rattly but still a great car for the money. Has given me no bother at all and is rapid whilst also being relatively cheap to fuel, tax and insure.
Not sure I'd touch the one in the ad though, as there are tons about for shed money without tin worm and known faults that could prove expensive to fix.
nct001 said:
E39 530i
E46 330i
Endless Volvos
Celica vvtli
Astra turbo
Mondeo ST220
Or the one I'd pick...
Vectra GSi
An E46 330i for under a grand? lol Alright... (Edit: Just checked the classifieds and there isn't a single one under a grand)E46 330i
Endless Volvos
Celica vvtli
Astra turbo
Mondeo ST220
Or the one I'd pick...
Vectra GSi
The Volvo I agree with (to a degree) but the Celica, Astra and Mondeo don't really feel "premium", do they?
Edited by SaxoJay88 on Friday 24th March 21:16
I bought one last year, an '06 9-3 Aero Estate as i was taking on a 'do-er upper' property and wanted something that wasn't at all precious and could handle multiple tip runs.
It's been brilliant, in 18 months I've done two tyres, one suspension bush and a few litres of steering fluid due to a leaky rack. Just got another12 months ticket last month so we're going for another year.
Picked it up for £1300 on 107k miles, its the 2.8L V6 Turbo, in good order but tatty paintwork due to being sat under a cheap car cover for a year prior to my ownership.
Pros;
Huge loading space with the rear seats down
Good driving position
Comfortable - heated seats, air con, arm rests, cup holders etc...
Reasonably fun, slightly quick - enough to upset plenty of sporty cars.
Tiptronic box is nice when in manual
Cons;
Floaty ride
Tiptronic box is slow when in auto
Steering is slack/not super responsive
Personally speaking mine was an inspired purchase - it saved me well over its purchase price in skip and van hire, moved 2 bathrooms to the dump and the new bits from the supplier, swallowed up a 1750mm bath no problem. As well as 6 full loads of tree stumps and rubble from the garden, 100sqm of carpet and underlay, fireplace, various furniture. If it wrote itself off tomorrow I couldn't complain.
Would recommend one to anyone if they're going shedding!
It's been brilliant, in 18 months I've done two tyres, one suspension bush and a few litres of steering fluid due to a leaky rack. Just got another12 months ticket last month so we're going for another year.
Picked it up for £1300 on 107k miles, its the 2.8L V6 Turbo, in good order but tatty paintwork due to being sat under a cheap car cover for a year prior to my ownership.
Pros;
Huge loading space with the rear seats down
Good driving position
Comfortable - heated seats, air con, arm rests, cup holders etc...
Reasonably fun, slightly quick - enough to upset plenty of sporty cars.
Tiptronic box is nice when in manual
Cons;
Floaty ride
Tiptronic box is slow when in auto
Steering is slack/not super responsive
Personally speaking mine was an inspired purchase - it saved me well over its purchase price in skip and van hire, moved 2 bathrooms to the dump and the new bits from the supplier, swallowed up a 1750mm bath no problem. As well as 6 full loads of tree stumps and rubble from the garden, 100sqm of carpet and underlay, fireplace, various furniture. If it wrote itself off tomorrow I couldn't complain.
Would recommend one to anyone if they're going shedding!
Edited by ColdoRS on Saturday 25th March 10:16
Plenty of nice (and modified) ones around now for not much cash. The Vector Sports tend to come with more kit than the Aero (heated seats/better stereo) Audios crap though whatever system you get and the 03-06 cars are difficult to upgrade.
Saabnoob's the go too guy for a remap on the 2.0
I've got the 2.8 v6 turbo. Pretty tame standard, no slouch but not exactly fast either, a JZW or Vtuner remap gets them flying.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Saabnoob's the go too guy for a remap on the 2.0
I've got the 2.8 v6 turbo. Pretty tame standard, no slouch but not exactly fast either, a JZW or Vtuner remap gets them flying.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear
Recently I've worked on FAR too-many of these - I'd not recommend one and that's coming from someone who used-to quite like them...
If you MUST, I'd look VERY HARD at the electronics because there's a lot to go wrong and none of it is easily fixed.
From a repairer's PoV, it's a Vectra C which is harder to diagnose, harder to get parts for and they're not very well made if we're honest about it. Spares are plentiful (so many in the scrapyard already) BUT coded parts makes that route a pain-in-the-arse (some parts CANNOT be recoded).
If you're buying one and intending to use it, I'd throw the cost of a Chinese Tech2 clone into your budget for sure - thank me later ;0
Certainly you'd be mad to love one, maybe just drive it until it fails and then matches into the tank?
Recently I've worked on FAR too-many of these - I'd not recommend one and that's coming from someone who used-to quite like them...
If you MUST, I'd look VERY HARD at the electronics because there's a lot to go wrong and none of it is easily fixed.
From a repairer's PoV, it's a Vectra C which is harder to diagnose, harder to get parts for and they're not very well made if we're honest about it. Spares are plentiful (so many in the scrapyard already) BUT coded parts makes that route a pain-in-the-arse (some parts CANNOT be recoded).
If you're buying one and intending to use it, I'd throw the cost of a Chinese Tech2 clone into your budget for sure - thank me later ;0
Certainly you'd be mad to love one, maybe just drive it until it fails and then matches into the tank?
Edited by 405dogvan on Saturday 25th March 22:11
Mammasaid said:
Decky_Q said:
r11co said:
shed said:
the excellent but for some reason as yet uncopied Night Panel function that de-illuminates all non-essential displays.
Not true. My Alfa GT had it (and no, it wasn't down to faulty electrics).As does my missus beastly Picanto.
NiceCupOfTea said:
bakerstreet said:
nicfaz said:
That was the previous generation, this generation has a much (MUCH) stiffer chassis. As shed noted, these are 5* NCAP.
Exactly the same car underneath. just some nice bodywork. 
ks!405dogvan said:
Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear
Recently I've worked on FAR too-many of these - I'd not recommend one and that's coming from someone who used-to quite like them...
If you MUST, I'd look VERY HARD at the electronics because there's a lot to go wrong and none of it is easily fixed.
From a repairer's PoV, it's a Vectra C which is harder to diagnose, harder to get parts for and they're not very well made if we're honest about it. Spares are plentiful (so many in the scrapyard already) BUT coded parts makes that route a pain-in-the-arse (some parts CANNOT be recoded).
If you're buying one and intending to use it, I'd throw the cost of a Chinese Tech2 clone into your budget for sure - thank me later ;0
Certainly you'd be mad to love one, maybe just drive it until it fails and then matches into the tank?
I remember you also said the 9-5 is a bit of a pain to work on. Whilst I respect that you must have a lot more experience than me, I've been very pleasantly surprised taking my new 9-5 Aero to bits, it's been an absolute doddle and I'm just a casual tinkerer. It may still throw up some nasty surprises but so far I'm pretty chuffed with how easy it is to get at bits and get them off. Recently I've worked on FAR too-many of these - I'd not recommend one and that's coming from someone who used-to quite like them...
If you MUST, I'd look VERY HARD at the electronics because there's a lot to go wrong and none of it is easily fixed.
From a repairer's PoV, it's a Vectra C which is harder to diagnose, harder to get parts for and they're not very well made if we're honest about it. Spares are plentiful (so many in the scrapyard already) BUT coded parts makes that route a pain-in-the-arse (some parts CANNOT be recoded).
If you're buying one and intending to use it, I'd throw the cost of a Chinese Tech2 clone into your budget for sure - thank me later ;0
Certainly you'd be mad to love one, maybe just drive it until it fails and then matches into the tank?
Edited by 405dogvan on Saturday 25th March 22:11
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