Advice re options on 9-3 aero

[SeanR8Davis]

Hi.

Firstly I have owned a couple of Saab’s over the years, the best and most recent was a 55plate 9-3 aero with a stage 1 noob tune.

I have found myself currently looking at 9-3’s again.
( you tube don’t help😬)

I want something that has some poke. I’ve been looking at V6 Aeros, primarily for the sound

How tuneable are these and what can I expect to pay to tax one? If it’s £500-£600 a year then it’s out of the question.

I think the V6’s are 250bhp standard? Perhaps a 2.0 aero with stage 1 map would be a better option as it’s the same power? And less nose heavy, although doesn’t have the sound of a V6

My other consideration is the TTID @ 180bhp?

There seems to be a lot of these about particularly dace lift. How reliable are these? How well do they respond to a map?

I supppsd if I’m being honest I’d want the V6 just for the sound, but is it worth it?

Fuel consumption isn’t a concern as I have a van for work, so it would only get used at weekends

Any thoughts,comments, advice would be greatly appreciated

I’m wanting something to put a smile on my face😁😁

[griffin dai]

V6 all day

[Ian-27xza]

I ran a 2003 2.0 Aero for 5 years and did 140,000 miles in it. I had the Hirsch stage 1 remap which increased power from 210hp to 230hp and increased torque from 300NM to 350NM. Car was manual and fastidiously maintained.

I then ran a 2008 2.8 Aero for 3 years and did 50,000 miles in it, selling at 122k miles. I had the Hirsch stage 1 remap which increased power from 255hp to 275hp and increased torque from 350NM to 400NM. Car was manual and fastidiously maintained. Rumour was that the claimed figures by Hirsch were a bit on the conservative side as they had to honour the Saab manufacturers warranty.

Both were great cars but the V6 was an amazing engine - super smooth, mid-range punch was superb. Car was a bit of a sleeper or 'Q' car and surprised a lot of much, much more expensive German metal at the time.

The sound of the V6 was fabulous - as soon as I started the car when I went to view it I knew i has to have it!

On both occasions the remaps made a significant difference to the way the car felt - more torque throughout the rev range and with a lot more urgency.

Hirsch used to quote the performance figures, the V6 had a 0-62 of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 162 mph. The in gear acceleration for the front wheel drive v6 was actually faster than the Turbo X!

I've moved over to Mercedes E Class estates as the family hack (S213 E220d Amg Line, Premium Plus) but there are times when I miss my Saab.....

In the words of Peter Kay - 'Get it done'

[AJB88]

V6 tax can be in the lower band or higher band, my 56 plate (MY07) is in the higher band. has the pre-facelift body kit but facelift dash. a 2006 would probably be in the lower band but also have the older dash.