[Saabhopeful]

Hello!

I am interested in owning a 9-3. My Father had a Saab when I was very young and my older brother had Saabs for his first 2 cars. I'm interested in what some common faults are with Saabs so I can be aware of them while looking to purchase one.

From what I remember, the only issues my family had ever experienced were immaterial electrical problems. Otherwise the cars were very reliable.

I was thinking it might be good to have a thread on here devoted to buying used 9-3's.
My general questions (which I think would be helpful to others who come across this in the same situation) are:

What are common issues to look out for when looking at used 9-3's?

Are there big differences between the Linear, Arc, and Aero models that should be taken into consideration (i.e. performance, maintenance costs, etc.)?

I know there are always common misconceptions regarding issues with any car brand out there, but sometimes those blanket statements can have some truth to them. The 2 main issues I have heard about Saabs are: Expensive to maintain, Engine Sludge issues. Are these legitimate concerns?

Additionally, I have some specific questions regarding Saabs I am currently looking at. If you could advise on those that would be great too!!

1) 2004 9-3 Arc with 34K mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.3L I4 Sedan. Listed at 7K from a dealer.

2) 2004 9-3 Linear with 125K Mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.0L I4 Sedan. Listed at 4K from a Private Owner. Says he just put in a new clutch.

I know this is long, but all advice is appreciated

Thank you!!

 

[Diggs]

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/search.php?searchid=5953338

 

[TunnanXWD]

What the "f" is a clean title? Of course it has to be "clean" or you couldn't sell the car. :roll:

 

[AKS_Muzik]

1) 2004 9-3 Arc with 34K mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.3L I4 Sedan. Listed at 7K from a dealer.

tho it has very few miles way too high, Im pretty sure it's 2.0 i4 not 2.3.

I'd offer 4k at most


2) 2004 9-3 Linear with 125K Mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.0L I4 Sedan. Listed at 4K from a Private Owner. Says he just put in a new clutch.

2k at most

 

[SoCal Tim]

"Clean" means it's not a salvage which would require you to register it as such

 

[Dave 37]

1) 2004 9-3 Arc with 34K mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.3L I4 Sedan. Listed at 7K from a dealer.

tho it has very few miles way too high, Im pretty sure it's 2.0 i4 not 2.3.

I'd offer 4k at most


2) 2004 9-3 Linear with 125K Mileage. Clean title. Manual 2.0L I4 Sedan. Listed at 4K from a Private Owner. Says he just put in a new clutch.

2k at most

Maybe even 5.5k for #1 and 3.5k for #2. Not more, though.

 

[Aero Pat]

34K on a ten years car, is too low for be real. Be on your guard. Is the dealer able to guarantee you its the true mileage? If not go away.

Offer max 2000$ for the 2004 with 125K. You probably got him for 2500$ after dealing with the former owner.

Its the first time I read anything about sludge problem in the 9-3. Its a valve issue but only end 2006 plus beginning of 2007, you correct with a 2004.

The parts are costly but the car don't broke more often than an other.

Good luck.