New Car - Saab 9-3 TID (120) Sportwagon
Discussion
Hey guys,
So I finally relented to the demands of a one year old puppy and traded in the Merc E-Class. The Merc was a great car, powerful with loads of tech and had an air of quality. I was just always mindful things would be expensive if bits went wrong and with her needing 4 new tyres, a bit of a suspension refresh and a few interior parts to satisfy my OCD, it was time to say goodbye.
Traded her in against the new beast, a Saab 9-3 Sportwagon with the pre facelift front, but post facelift interior.
Here are some pics:
Initial thoughts - the Saab is a nice and comfy car to drive. Steering is a little light and it's not that great in the corners, but the engine revs freely (1.9 Fiat engine - 8v 120bhp) and even though it's only the 8v model, it pulls well and feels nippy (coming from a bit lazy 6 cylinder which did the classic Mercedes thing of floating along and then engaging lightspeed when you floored it with a roar).
The 6th gear is nice on the motorway and it soaks up the bumps well.
Stereo is pants! But will look at changing this, or at least upgrading speakers and adding an amp just to get some acceptable sound!
Seats are good, but not as good as my old Saab 9-5. Still a nice place to sit! I'm missing the gear insert off the knob, but will try and rectify this shortly.
The cabin is roomy and switches easy to figure out. The rear load space is excellent with a clever folding design.
Overall, pretty happy. Was averaging 51mpg, but this has dropped to 43mpg after a few days of slogging over the Blackdown Hills for work.
One minor issue was the front passenger side caliper seized on. Rather than spend an hour driving back to the garage for him to take a look, whipped it up onto axel stands, took the caliper out and got it moving again. Was working perfect off the car so refitted and touch wood, it seems OK now.
Brand new clutch and DMF as part of the same as the old one was noisy meaning the clutch is sweet. Full history and only 94K with cambelt changed at 81k (4 years ago). Will look to change the belt and waterpump myself sometime soon. Seems reasonably straightforward on these. If I struggle for time, Fixed price servicing means it is only £349 at a Saab Dealer (with genuine kit, pulleys and waterpump) so not a huge expense.
Will keep this updated with how I get on.
So I finally relented to the demands of a one year old puppy and traded in the Merc E-Class. The Merc was a great car, powerful with loads of tech and had an air of quality. I was just always mindful things would be expensive if bits went wrong and with her needing 4 new tyres, a bit of a suspension refresh and a few interior parts to satisfy my OCD, it was time to say goodbye.
Traded her in against the new beast, a Saab 9-3 Sportwagon with the pre facelift front, but post facelift interior.
Here are some pics:
Initial thoughts - the Saab is a nice and comfy car to drive. Steering is a little light and it's not that great in the corners, but the engine revs freely (1.9 Fiat engine - 8v 120bhp) and even though it's only the 8v model, it pulls well and feels nippy (coming from a bit lazy 6 cylinder which did the classic Mercedes thing of floating along and then engaging lightspeed when you floored it with a roar).
The 6th gear is nice on the motorway and it soaks up the bumps well.
Stereo is pants! But will look at changing this, or at least upgrading speakers and adding an amp just to get some acceptable sound!
Seats are good, but not as good as my old Saab 9-5. Still a nice place to sit! I'm missing the gear insert off the knob, but will try and rectify this shortly.
The cabin is roomy and switches easy to figure out. The rear load space is excellent with a clever folding design.
Overall, pretty happy. Was averaging 51mpg, but this has dropped to 43mpg after a few days of slogging over the Blackdown Hills for work.
One minor issue was the front passenger side caliper seized on. Rather than spend an hour driving back to the garage for him to take a look, whipped it up onto axel stands, took the caliper out and got it moving again. Was working perfect off the car so refitted and touch wood, it seems OK now.
Brand new clutch and DMF as part of the same as the old one was noisy meaning the clutch is sweet. Full history and only 94K with cambelt changed at 81k (4 years ago). Will look to change the belt and waterpump myself sometime soon. Seems reasonably straightforward on these. If I struggle for time, Fixed price servicing means it is only £349 at a Saab Dealer (with genuine kit, pulleys and waterpump) so not a huge expense.
Will keep this updated with how I get on.
griffin dai said:
Yep double din so miles easier to my fibre optic system 
Yeh I keep seeing that online. The fibre optic system seems a real pain! I only have a 4 speaker system and it is pants. Looking to chuck an amp in, replace the dash speakers, add front door speakers and replace the rear boot door speakers (for the dog haha!).Barchettaman said:
Looks like a cracking example.
In some ways the 8v is the better 'everyday' engine as it pulls so much better from lower revs than the 16v. I put a DTUK box on the 8v engine and got noticeably better engine performance.
Thanks, yes the 8v engine is pretty nippy off the line. I'm enjoying it, and the handling is actually pretty compliant and predictable (although with a bit of roll).In some ways the 8v is the better 'everyday' engine as it pulls so much better from lower revs than the 16v. I put a DTUK box on the 8v engine and got noticeably better engine performance.
There are a few minor grumbles like the missing gear knob trim and the bonnet release cable isnt working (doesnt seem snapped, seized and stretched I think) - the garage said he will sort, but I will likely fix myself at the weekend as it's pretty straightforward.
It also seems a bit grumpy starting at times. It always starts no issues, but seems to catch and grumble when cold. A bit of googling suggests it could be the battery or fuel feed return pipes. Although seems common and difficult to track down. If I wait a few seconds after glowplug light goes out, it seems better. It may just be the system check thing using battery power or maybe fuel pump? Or even from lack of use...12k in the last 4 years! So I will see...
I had starting issues in my 8v (Zafira, used to take the family to the tip, haven´t managed to leave them there yet alas). Traced to the starter motor.
The glow plugs are an absolute bee-itch to change on the back of this engine - I ended up using Tesa double-sided foam sticky tape inside the socket to pull them out once unscrewed, although access is probably easier in the 9-3 than on the Zafira.
The glow plugs are an absolute bee-itch to change on the back of this engine - I ended up using Tesa double-sided foam sticky tape inside the socket to pull them out once unscrewed, although access is probably easier in the 9-3 than on the Zafira.
Barchettaman said:
I had starting issues in my 8v (Zafira, used to take the family to the tip, haven´t managed to leave them there yet alas). Traced to the starter motor.
The glow plugs are an absolute bee-itch to change on the back of this engine - I ended up using Tesa double-sided foam sticky tape inside the socket to pull them out once unscrewed, although access is probably easier in the 9-3 than on the Zafira.
Thanks for that, the starter was also mentioned. I will monitor. I reckon an Italian tune up may help things a bit!The glow plugs are an absolute bee-itch to change on the back of this engine - I ended up using Tesa double-sided foam sticky tape inside the socket to pull them out once unscrewed, although access is probably easier in the 9-3 than on the Zafira.
A bit of an update on the old girl..
10K on, she flew through the MOT in September. However, I have incurred some costs in the last week or so.
Service was due so did this at the weekend. New Oil, Filter, Air Filter and pollen filter came in at £35 from ECP. Decided to get a new sump plug when picking up the washer at Vauxhall. 10 F**king quid!! Anyway, lucky I picked it up as the notoriously soft sump plug rounded straight away. Steel plugs and aluminium sumps always tighten up and the 13mm head is not cool! I couldn't get it off any which way - first nut I have failed on since purchasing my tight 6 sided Britool socket set 10 years ago! Headed over to Toolstation and picked up an Irwin Bolt-Grip set, something I have coveted for many years, but never needed. 10 minutes later and the sump plug was off (but only after I gave myself a pep talk about wasting all that time lifting weights at the gym!). All sorted, despite the oil filter being ridiculously placed (hidden behind the engine, above the exhaust).
I then mashed up my key remote getting it stuck under the front door (don't ask) and broke the battery terminal. It still worked to drive the car etc, but having to gain access through the passenger key hole with the manual key was a pain. I don't have a spare either so a bit of a precarious situation! £99 later, I got a new key from my local indy and now just have to find the time to repair my now spare which should be easy enough. Simple pleasures though - the replacement key is awesome and nice and NEW
I then set about sorting the tyres. The front 2 were borderline bald and had started to spin up if I get it bit heavy on the gas when pulling away. One of the rears was getting on and the other rear was a cheap budget I had fitted back in the summer after I hit a nail and was only a temporary measure. I am a big fan of All Season tyres and previously loved the Hankook Optimo 4s I put on my old Audi A3. However, I ended up getting a great deal on some Michelin CrossClimates from TyreSavings.com. I actually changed the size slightly (215 to 205) on the advice of a Saab forum which saved me about £40 a corner and is a recommended size on winter tyres anyway. Very impressed with the CrossClimates (after a spirited drive to work earlier!). Nice distinctive tread pattern as well!
Finally, I have been getting some strange noises from the front left suspension strut. Ride quality appears to have reduced slightly as well. I have checked for movement, but nothing seems untoward. I replaced the droplinks a while back to try and cure without success. I now think it's the spring, or possibly the top strut bearing. Looking through the history, it failed an MOT a few years back on the Offside spring being snapped (a common issue) and I reckon they cheaped out and just replaced the one spring...So I picked up a pair of brand new genuine Saab springs for £41 (bargain) and new top mount bearings (plus a couple fitting ancillaries) and will tackle this at some point over the Xmas period. I am umming and ahing whether to do the shocks at the same time...I can get some KYB shocks for £49 a side so just trying to weigh up if worth changing as well. I may also get new pads and discs and do them at the same time as they aren't expensive and it will all be opened up...decisions!
But in summary, she has been rolling on nicely. 10K and averaging about 41/42mpg (my commute is up over the Blackdown Hills) and over 50MPG on a recent 600 mile trip around wales. I still have the hesitant starting when cold, but it never fails to start, just stutters a bit when first catching. I can't say I love the car, but she is doing me proud and despite a few war wounds (some T**t somehow reversing a trailer into the bonnet leaving a deep scuff and then driving off) she still looks the part.
10K on, she flew through the MOT in September. However, I have incurred some costs in the last week or so.
Service was due so did this at the weekend. New Oil, Filter, Air Filter and pollen filter came in at £35 from ECP. Decided to get a new sump plug when picking up the washer at Vauxhall. 10 F**king quid!! Anyway, lucky I picked it up as the notoriously soft sump plug rounded straight away. Steel plugs and aluminium sumps always tighten up and the 13mm head is not cool! I couldn't get it off any which way - first nut I have failed on since purchasing my tight 6 sided Britool socket set 10 years ago! Headed over to Toolstation and picked up an Irwin Bolt-Grip set, something I have coveted for many years, but never needed. 10 minutes later and the sump plug was off (but only after I gave myself a pep talk about wasting all that time lifting weights at the gym!). All sorted, despite the oil filter being ridiculously placed (hidden behind the engine, above the exhaust).
I then mashed up my key remote getting it stuck under the front door (don't ask) and broke the battery terminal. It still worked to drive the car etc, but having to gain access through the passenger key hole with the manual key was a pain. I don't have a spare either so a bit of a precarious situation! £99 later, I got a new key from my local indy and now just have to find the time to repair my now spare which should be easy enough. Simple pleasures though - the replacement key is awesome and nice and NEW
I then set about sorting the tyres. The front 2 were borderline bald and had started to spin up if I get it bit heavy on the gas when pulling away. One of the rears was getting on and the other rear was a cheap budget I had fitted back in the summer after I hit a nail and was only a temporary measure. I am a big fan of All Season tyres and previously loved the Hankook Optimo 4s I put on my old Audi A3. However, I ended up getting a great deal on some Michelin CrossClimates from TyreSavings.com. I actually changed the size slightly (215 to 205) on the advice of a Saab forum which saved me about £40 a corner and is a recommended size on winter tyres anyway. Very impressed with the CrossClimates (after a spirited drive to work earlier!). Nice distinctive tread pattern as well!
Finally, I have been getting some strange noises from the front left suspension strut. Ride quality appears to have reduced slightly as well. I have checked for movement, but nothing seems untoward. I replaced the droplinks a while back to try and cure without success. I now think it's the spring, or possibly the top strut bearing. Looking through the history, it failed an MOT a few years back on the Offside spring being snapped (a common issue) and I reckon they cheaped out and just replaced the one spring...So I picked up a pair of brand new genuine Saab springs for £41 (bargain) and new top mount bearings (plus a couple fitting ancillaries) and will tackle this at some point over the Xmas period. I am umming and ahing whether to do the shocks at the same time...I can get some KYB shocks for £49 a side so just trying to weigh up if worth changing as well. I may also get new pads and discs and do them at the same time as they aren't expensive and it will all be opened up...decisions!
But in summary, she has been rolling on nicely. 10K and averaging about 41/42mpg (my commute is up over the Blackdown Hills) and over 50MPG on a recent 600 mile trip around wales. I still have the hesitant starting when cold, but it never fails to start, just stutters a bit when first catching. I can't say I love the car, but she is doing me proud and despite a few war wounds (some T**t somehow reversing a trailer into the bonnet leaving a deep scuff and then driving off) she still looks the part.
Ok...decided to buy a few bits for the car.
Firstly, an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Mis-labelled on Ebay so a bargain at £12 delivered. All the wiring is there on these cars so was simple plug and play - 5 minute job and working well
I also ordered a cruise control stalk (for £11 delivered). Fitted it (even quicker job!) and just need to arrange for a session with Tech2 to fit a few more mods.
I also ordered a cheap Chinese HID Xenon kit (£12 from ebay!). Will try it out and see if I like it. Normal lights are pretty pants!
Firstly, an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Mis-labelled on Ebay so a bargain at £12 delivered. All the wiring is there on these cars so was simple plug and play - 5 minute job and working well
I also ordered a cruise control stalk (for £11 delivered). Fitted it (even quicker job!) and just need to arrange for a session with Tech2 to fit a few more mods.
I also ordered a cheap Chinese HID Xenon kit (£12 from ebay!). Will try it out and see if I like it. Normal lights are pretty pants!
So...in May 2016, I got a company car. The Saab dutifully sat on my Mums drive ready to take up house renovation duties. MOT lapsed, I sorned her and the house hunt took longer than expected.
A few months back, we completed (June) and decided to bring her back to life to assist in house duties with the view to selling early next year (we don't need 3 cars). Despite still being in great shape, we had no luck starting her up. Suspected starter, but too much going on with the house to fix.
Finally got back around this month and confirmed dodgy starter. Removed, stripped and tried to recondition the starter, but the solinoid was broken and it's a sealed unit. Picked up a cheap Fiat starter motor (same model) for £20 on ebay and after 18 months...she started up on the second try!
OK...so the starter is a bit slow so takes 10 seconds of cranking to start, but will likely strip and try to rejuvenate at some point or replace for a new one. Car has been moved to our new property and all seems good. Discs are a little scored and brakes a bit stiff, but she's all good.
This weekend, I am:
Changing front discs and pads which will include giving the front calipers a bit of a clean up/grease (£36 from GSF with their 56% off deals).
Changing front springs (had them in the garage for a year or so - current ones are a bit crusty)
New ball joints (£10 for a pair)
Replacing timing belt, tensioners and water pump (£59 all in - genuine GM water pump for bargain price of £21 on Amazon of all places and a mis-labelled Dayco timing belt kit for £38 delivered off eBay!)
Coolant flush and replacement
Adjust handbrake and maybe assess rear brakes (discs were new when bought so still in great shape - pads will need replacing at some point)
Wash her!
Then she will be pressed into weekend duties, ferrying the dog to the woods and helping do tip runs as we gradually strip out one of our bathrooms. I may give her a service next month, but only done about 4k since the last.
The Saab lives!
A few months back, we completed (June) and decided to bring her back to life to assist in house duties with the view to selling early next year (we don't need 3 cars). Despite still being in great shape, we had no luck starting her up. Suspected starter, but too much going on with the house to fix.
Finally got back around this month and confirmed dodgy starter. Removed, stripped and tried to recondition the starter, but the solinoid was broken and it's a sealed unit. Picked up a cheap Fiat starter motor (same model) for £20 on ebay and after 18 months...she started up on the second try!
OK...so the starter is a bit slow so takes 10 seconds of cranking to start, but will likely strip and try to rejuvenate at some point or replace for a new one. Car has been moved to our new property and all seems good. Discs are a little scored and brakes a bit stiff, but she's all good.
This weekend, I am:
Changing front discs and pads which will include giving the front calipers a bit of a clean up/grease (£36 from GSF with their 56% off deals).
Changing front springs (had them in the garage for a year or so - current ones are a bit crusty)
New ball joints (£10 for a pair)
Replacing timing belt, tensioners and water pump (£59 all in - genuine GM water pump for bargain price of £21 on Amazon of all places and a mis-labelled Dayco timing belt kit for £38 delivered off eBay!)
Coolant flush and replacement
Adjust handbrake and maybe assess rear brakes (discs were new when bought so still in great shape - pads will need replacing at some point)
Wash her!
Then she will be pressed into weekend duties, ferrying the dog to the woods and helping do tip runs as we gradually strip out one of our bathrooms. I may give her a service next month, but only done about 4k since the last.
The Saab lives!
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