SAAB 9-3 Convertible help?
Discussion
I want one. I find myself idly searching the classifieds for one quite often now and although I tell the OH that I'm "just looking" I think I'll probably do what I usually do & buy one on impulse. And that means I'll buy a dog of one, as is my usual track record.
So, forewarned is forearmed & all that - what should I look out for? I like the idea of cruise control & an electric roof and don't really want to spend more than four grand - should I stop looking or could I be onto a winner? Oh and I'm not keen on auto boxes, but could be convinced.
So, forewarned is forearmed & all that - what should I look out for? I like the idea of cruise control & an electric roof and don't really want to spend more than four grand - should I stop looking or could I be onto a winner? Oh and I'm not keen on auto boxes, but could be convinced.
I have one. Very comfortable. I have the lowest powered, and keep meaning to chip it, but it's not too slow even so.
Looks good, roof seems robust, decent stereo, rear suspension wears so you get Saab shudder, but not hard to fix.
Fun, cheap motoring.
ETA - Bulkhead cracking is not a problem on the latest (2004 on, I think) model, it was the old one from the late 90's / early noughties.
Looks good, roof seems robust, decent stereo, rear suspension wears so you get Saab shudder, but not hard to fix.
Fun, cheap motoring.
ETA - Bulkhead cracking is not a problem on the latest (2004 on, I think) model, it was the old one from the late 90's / early noughties.
Edited by loafer123 on Monday 19th March 08:50
loafer123 said:
I have one. Very comfortable. I have the lowest powered, and keep meaning to chip it, but it's not too slow even so.
Looks good, roof seems robust, decent stereo, rear suspension wears so you get Saab shudder, but not hard to fix.
Fun, cheap motoring.
ETA - Bulkhead cracking is not a problem on the latest (2004 on, I think) model, it was the old one from the late 90's / early noughties.
How would I check for that, would it be the usual push down one each corner and look for bouncing when released? And is that all that goes wrong with them - cracking bulkheads pre-2004 and spongy suspension? Cheers for the info so far btw Looks good, roof seems robust, decent stereo, rear suspension wears so you get Saab shudder, but not hard to fix.
Fun, cheap motoring.
ETA - Bulkhead cracking is not a problem on the latest (2004 on, I think) model, it was the old one from the late 90's / early noughties.
Dixie68 said:
How would I check for that, would it be the usual push down one each corner and look for bouncing when released? And is that all that goes wrong with them - cracking bulkheads pre-2004 and spongy suspension? Cheers for the info so far btw
It's more of a rattle when you go over a bumpy road. It is just worn suspension bushes I think and easily fixable. Could be used as a useful negotiation point if the seller doesn't know about it!If you are determined to buy a Saab Convertible and are spending £4k I would go for a Classic(pre94) car. With this budget you should be in the realms of the molly coddled runout 93 model Aero T16S. There is a reason why these hold their value better than later GM cars, in a nutshell they are simply better. The main thing to look for is rust and a fully documented service history with plenty of recent bills for preventative maintenance. These are just getting into their prime when north of 100k miles and are exceptionally cool and classless cars even now..Values for consistently well maintained ones should go even higher..
..if you want something more modern (but not necessarily more comfortable and rewarding as an ownership experience in my opinion) I would be looking at a late (99) E36 3Series or an early E46 Convertible
..if you want something more modern (but not necessarily more comfortable and rewarding as an ownership experience in my opinion) I would be looking at a late (99) E36 3Series or an early E46 Convertible
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff