Saab 9-3 2.0t - any good?
Discussion
Evening All!
As the title suggests.
The search for a new car is still ongoing, thought i had made my mind up but constant browsing of classifieds has thrown up this!
Budget of around 2.5k.
Any known reliability issues?
Engines good? Much room for tuning?
Handling? read they arent that great compared to other saloons
Anything other input?
Thanks
As the title suggests.
The search for a new car is still ongoing, thought i had made my mind up but constant browsing of classifieds has thrown up this!
Budget of around 2.5k.
Any known reliability issues?
Engines good? Much room for tuning?
Handling? read they arent that great compared to other saloons
Anything other input?
Thanks
Which 9-3? The OG or the SS?
I had a OG 9-3. Remapped by SaabNoob to 220bhp and was good (well to the 18 year old me). Not the best handler (quite wobbly) but wasn't expecting it to be.
Newer one I can't really comment on but UKSaabs is a good forum for advice.
Both models have plenty of tuning capabilities if you're after extra power.
I had a OG 9-3. Remapped by SaabNoob to 220bhp and was good (well to the 18 year old me). Not the best handler (quite wobbly) but wasn't expecting it to be.
Newer one I can't really comment on but UKSaabs is a good forum for advice.
Both models have plenty of tuning capabilities if you're after extra power.
from the one sitting on our drive: 03 on model.
reliability over 6 years and 75k miles- Aircon condenser replaced- that is all.
tunability- we have a hirsh remap to 230bhp,(you can go higher)- very quick when on boost, this does mean a set of front tyres every year though.
Handling, well it's a front drive saloon and no 3 series competitor but they have some passive rear wheel steer and it takes a hell of a lot to get the traction control light flickering, so no where near as bad as some may say.
if saab were still going i would buy another, and this one won't be sold for a few years yet.
reliability over 6 years and 75k miles- Aircon condenser replaced- that is all.
tunability- we have a hirsh remap to 230bhp,(you can go higher)- very quick when on boost, this does mean a set of front tyres every year though.
Handling, well it's a front drive saloon and no 3 series competitor but they have some passive rear wheel steer and it takes a hell of a lot to get the traction control light flickering, so no where near as bad as some may say.
if saab were still going i would buy another, and this one won't be sold for a few years yet.
I have a soft spot for 9-3 2.0T's, here is pics of the one we just sold, a 2001 9-3 SE with the high output turbo (TD04) we put 70k miles on it, ran it with the following mods:
JZW stage 3+ tune, Forge dump valve, Genuine Saab intake, 3.5 bar fuel pressure regulator, a 3" turbo back exhaust (no cats), KYB struts, Koni springs, BBS wheels, Genuine Saab rear sway bar and solid motor mounts.
only thing that failed was a vacuum fitting popped off causing rough running that was quickly diagnosed roadside and the thermostat needed replaced at 115k miles. We also had some convertible top specific problems like the 5th bow limit switch failing regularly and the cover U-joint shattering, but those were all DIY repairs.
JZW stage 3+ tune, Forge dump valve, Genuine Saab intake, 3.5 bar fuel pressure regulator, a 3" turbo back exhaust (no cats), KYB struts, Koni springs, BBS wheels, Genuine Saab rear sway bar and solid motor mounts.
only thing that failed was a vacuum fitting popped off causing rough running that was quickly diagnosed roadside and the thermostat needed replaced at 115k miles. We also had some convertible top specific problems like the 5th bow limit switch failing regularly and the cover U-joint shattering, but those were all DIY repairs.
Edited by fivepointnine on Tuesday 21st October 01:02
Depends what you want, if you want a solid, dependable practical car that can deliver a modicum of fun and character then yes, a SAAB 9 3 is good.
I have just gone back to SAAB (my 7th) as a temporary safe haven of shedness whilst our money is used elsewhere and decided it was the best value car that would pass Senior Management's 'Sensible' criteria:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I am going through some normal little fixes and servicing before deciding what else to do to it
I have just gone back to SAAB (my 7th) as a temporary safe haven of shedness whilst our money is used elsewhere and decided it was the best value car that would pass Senior Management's 'Sensible' criteria:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I am going through some normal little fixes and servicing before deciding what else to do to it
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