Wanted Saab 9-3 estate.

[cpjitservices]

Hi all

 

Well the Picasso has gone, I'm on the hunt for something a bit different to what I usually buy.

 

I've always wanted to try a Saab. I think now is the right time whilst some of them are cheap'ish. I'm looking around the 500-600 mark (Next few weeks).

 

Definitely needs to be an estate, an preferably Automatic. Petrol or Diesel.

 

I think of the motorway miles I do it'll be ideal, and the business meetings I frequently attend.

 

Anything coming up? Hit me up!

 

Cheers

 

 

Anything coming up?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Inspector Morose]

For the 500 to 600 mark your looking at a leggy 9-5 if you want an estate. Diesel autos hold their money but they’re coming down slowly. One thing to look at is that post 06 diesel autos are a higher tax band than the manuals.

It depends. If you want a Saab estate for that money, sure there’s plenty around. If you want a good Saab estate that doesn’t want a lot of work then you’ll have to go a bit higher than your budget.

 

They are the ideal weapon for distance. I know as I’ve got one just for that purpose. Around town they are thirsty and pretty numb to drive. The petrols have their issues but the mid range punch on the hp turbos are addictive, if only in a straight line but you do pay for the fun at the pumps.

 

Diesels, your looking at the 2.2 at that budget as a rule. Don’t know that much about that engine but I’ve heard it’s okay if a little unrefined. The later 16v jtd lump has problems with the emissions stuff and a fragile water pump leading to a thrown cam belt so if you have one of these, it’s best to get the belt and pump changed if it hasn’t been done recently. If you don’t want the extra 30 horses of the 16v, the 8v 120 jtd is much hardier in that respect.

[cpjitservices]

For the 500 to 600 mark your looking at a leggy 9-5 if you want an estate. Diesel autos hold their money but they’re coming down slowly. One thing to look at is that post 06 diesel autos are a higher tax band than the manuals.

It depends. If you want a Saab estate for that money, sure there’s plenty around. If you want a good Saab estate that doesn’t want a lot of work then you’ll have to go a bit higher than your budget.

 

They are the ideal weapon for distance. I know as I’ve got one just for that purpose. Around town they are thirsty and pretty numb to drive. The petrols have their issues but the mid range punch on the hp turbos are addictive, if only in a straight line but you do pay for the fun at the pumps.

 

Diesels, your looking at the 2.2 at that budget as a rule. Don’t know that much about that engine but I’ve heard it’s okay if a little unrefined. The later 16v jtd lump has problems with the emissions stuff and a fragile water pump leading to a thrown cam belt so if you have one of these, it’s best to get the belt and pump changed if it hasn’t been done recently. If you don’t want the extra 30 horses of the 16v, the 8v 120 jtd is much hardier in that respect.

Thanks for the info.

 

Budget is a bit low but fits my circumstances, I'm not looking for a car that's going to last much last a year but something to keep me going for now. I wouldn't mind a cheap Saab to have a decent experience with them, save up whilst I have a cheap one to buy something better like the 2.8 turbo version.

I'm quite taken by the 1.9TiD auto... Decent and has enough poke for what I need and shouldn't be too bad round the houses.

 

I shall keep eyes open!!

 

I'm not too fussed about MPGees or Tax.

 

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[Inspector Morose]

The diesel auto is a good combo, as far as I can work out but beware that even in that sphere there are differences. Earlier ones were the 120 8v jtd and came with the Asin-Warner (if that’s how you spell it) 5 speed box but the later 150 16v ones came with the newer six speed. There are many debates as to which box is better but they both do not tolerate lack of oil changes (even though they were sold as sealed for life). On balance, I think the five speed is probably the longer lasting of the two but then you’re left with the less powerful engine. They’re now “fuck me thats slow” slow but neither are they quick. Mines a six speeder and the first thing I did was have the gearbox oil flushed and changed (again beware as the six speed boxes do not tolerate the oil used in the five speeders with usually catastrophic results)

It’s a bit of a mine field and even the most thorough folks can be bitten hard but luckily the rest of the parts are reasonably cheap and plentiful thanks to the Swedish government backed Saab parts supply company and that the 93 being based upon a modified Vectra B platform.

They’re not the most glamourus of cars, the diesels but get a good one and stick with it and you don’t really need anything else. Then get a 900 T16 for the weekend!

[cpjitservices]

The diesel auto is a good combo, as far as I can work out but beware that even in that sphere there are differences. Earlier ones were the 120 8v jtd and came with the Asin-Warner (if that’s how you spell it) 5 speed box but the later 150 16v ones came with the newer six speed. There are many debates as to which box is better but they both do not tolerate lack of oil changes (even though they were sold as sealed for life). On balance, I think the five speed is probably the longer lasting of the two but then you’re left with the less powerful engine. They’re now “fuck me thats slow” slow but neither are they quick. Mines a six speeder and the first thing I did was have the gearbox oil flushed and changed (again beware as the six speed boxes do not tolerate the oil used in the five speeders with usually catastrophic results)

It’s a bit of a mine field and even the most thorough folks can be bitten hard but luckily the rest of the parts are reasonably cheap and plentiful thanks to the Swedish government backed Saab parts supply company and that the 93 being based upon a modified Vectra B platform.

They’re not the most glamourus of cars, the diesels but get a good one and stick with it and you don’t really need anything else. Then get a 900 T16 for the weekend!

See I was thinking parts won't be that expensive, here in Hull we have a dedicated second hand Saab breakers which has a lot of 9-3s and 5s in, constantly. Whichever Auto I buy I always get the oil flushed, did it with both my Jags at 350 quid a go, so that'll be the first job on A Saab.

As for engines and power, as long as it's adequate I'm not too fussed. The 1.9 or 2.2 derv I think is going to suit me best. I want a cruiser not nessescarily a power house.

 

I'll certainly try and get a decent one, though I'm nut averse to spending money on a car I like and gel with to make it better. I like to spend money on my cars, as king as it runs half decent with no major problems and a few months MOT I think it'll be right, I know a very good indy garage who look after all of my cars.

 

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[cpjitservices]

Also second on the want list is a Volvo - either V50 or V70 but I think I'd prefer a Saab.

 

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[Inspector Morose]

Saab. The thinking mans Volvo.

[cpjitservices]

Saab. The thinking mans Volvo.

I'm off to car auctions on Tuesday see what I can yield.

 

 

 

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[Broadsword]

I had a run out model Saab 9-3 OG (the big hatchback one) with the 2.2 diesel. It is a durable enough unit. Chain driven, not common rail, no DMF. It's pretty agricultural though and relatively thirsty. I never topped 45 MPG in it. On balance if you are buying at the bottom end of the market I would go with that engine in the 9-5 rather than the newer engines which tend to go pop on account of their complexity and lack of regular servicing. I think the likelihood of you having mechanical failure of the 2.2 diesel is relatively low if the car has had even half decent maintenance.

[cpjitservices]

I had a run out model Saab 9-3 OG (the big hatchback one) with the 2.2 diesel. It is a durable enough unit. Chain driven, not common rail, no DMF. It's pretty agricultural though and relatively thirsty. I never topped 45 MPG in it. On balance if you are buying at the bottom end of the market I would go with that engine in the 9-5 rather than the newer engines which tend to go pop on account of their complexity and lack of regular servicing. I think the likelihood of you having mechanical failure of the 2.2 diesel is relatively low if the car has had even half decent maintenance.

Thanks for that information!

 

I shall look for a 2.2... not fussed about MPGees.... Im not sure whether the 2.2 was an Auto though? 

[SiC]

The diesel auto is a good combo, as far as I can work out but beware that even in that sphere there are differences. Earlier ones were the 120 8v jtd and came with the Asin-Warner (if that’s how you spell it) 5 speed box but the later 150 16v ones came with the newer six speed. There are many debates as to which box is better but they both do not tolerate lack of oil changes (even though they were sold as sealed for life).

Aisin Warner didn't specify these as sealed for life and neither did Saab. However other users of the 'box (AW55 and TF-80) did - like Renault, Volvo, others.

 

It’s a bit of a mine field and even the most thorough folks can be bitten hard but luckily the rest of the parts are reasonably cheap and plentiful thanks to the Swedish government backed Saab parts supply company and that the 93 being based upon a modified Vectra B platform.

The second gen 9-3 is platform shared with the Vectra C, not the Vectra B. I say platform shared as they were designed in conjunction and several design teams were involved putting their input in from the start.

[cpjitservices]

Aisin Warner didn't specify these as sealed for life and neither did Saab. However other users of the 'box (AW55 and TF-80) did - like Renault, Volvo, others.

 

 

The second gen 9-3 is platform shared with the Vectra C, not the Vectra B. I say platform shared as they were designed in conjunction and several design teams were involved putting their input in from the start.

Cool, thanks.

[Broadsword]

Looks like there is a 2.2 auto, but rare.

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201803194705357?sort=sponsored&make=SAAB&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&transmission=Automatic&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=yo422jq&model=9-5&fuel-type=Diesel&radius=1500&page=1

[SiC]

Looks like there is a 2.2 auto, but rare.

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201803194705357?sort=sponsored&make=SAAB&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&transmission=Automatic&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=yo422jq&model=9-5&fuel-type=Diesel&radius=1500&page=1

Full Cloth Seats in a Saab. Ewwww.

 

That looks utterly base spec with no options ticket on that one!

 

The 2.2 TDi is pretty agricultural and will feel very old fashioned nowadays. 2005 would have been one of the very last with it. The 1.9CTDi is a way better unit to drive with. Reliability horses-for-courses, they all had their fair share of problems and common faults.

[cpjitservices]

Looks like there is a 2.2 auto, but rare.

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201803194705357?sort=sponsored&make=SAAB&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&transmission=Automatic&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=yo422jq&model=9-5&fuel-type=Diesel&radius=1500&page=1

Hmmmmm the 1.9 is most common in Auto format apparently... either would do. First jobs would be cambelt and gearbox fluids

[cpjitservices]

Full Cloth Seats in a Saab. Ewwww.

 

That looks utterly base spec with no options ticket on that one!

 

The 2.2 TDi is pretty agricultural and will feel very old fashioned nowadays. 2005 would have been one of the very last with it. The 1.9CTDi is a way better unit to drive with. Reliability horses-for-courses, they all had their fair share of problems and common faults.

Meh.

 

Second hand cars... I guess they all have their problems. At any price range!

[Stanky]

To contribute, I have the ex-Vantman 93 (YS3F) pez saloon auto, which is a fine weapon.

 

its not for sale, my wife would probably beat me with a shoe if I sold it. Its the only car she's ever expressed any affection for and will be genuinely sad when it does have to be replaced. SHe's already said she wants another one just like it.

 

mine is on 160k miles now, it got an ATF change at 140k which smoothed the gearchanges though they were only really mildly worse than usual when freezing cold and going between 1st and 2nd. Its the 5-speed AW one discussed above. 

 

Around town the MPG isn't great, high-ish 20s. I can tickle 40mpg on a run though. its happier and more economical at 80 than 70 I reckon.

 

very comfortable, reasonably easy to service at home, lots of lazy torque above 2000rpm and very easy to drive as a result. And mine is the 'lowly' 150bhp one. Parts tend to be reasonably affordable as a lot is shared with Vectra C, Saab-specific parts can be a little pricey though. 

 

Boot is a good size, though low as its a saloon. Estate wouldn't have this issue I suspect!

[cpjitservices]

To contribute, I have the ex-Vantman 93 (YS3F) pez saloon auto, which is a fine weapon.

 

its not for sale, my wife would probably beat me with a shoe if I sold it. Its the only car she's ever expressed any affection for and will be genuinely sad when it does have to be replaced. SHe's already said she wants another one just like it.

 

mine is on 160k miles now, it got an ATF change at 140k which smoothed the gearchanges though they were only really mildly worse than usual when freezing cold and going between 1st and 2nd. Its the 5-speed AW one discussed above. 

 

Around town the MPG isn't great, high-ish 20s. I can tickle 40mpg on a run though. its happier and more economical at 80 than 70 I reckon.

 

very comfortable, reasonably easy to service at home, lots of lazy torque above 2000rpm and very easy to drive as a result. And mine is the 'lowly' 150bhp one. Parts tend to be reasonably affordable as a lot is shared with Vectra C, Saab-specific parts can be a little pricey though. 

 

Boot is a good size, though low as its a saloon. Estate wouldn't have this issue I suspect!

Thanks for that. I'm definitely seriously looking into this!

[Inspector Morose]

The second gen 9-3 is platform shared with the Vectra C, not the Vectra B. I say platform shared as they were designed in conjunction and several design teams were involved putting their input in from the start.

Shared platform with the Roewe 950 too to you’ll be in dignified company!

[Broadsword]

Full Cloth Seats in a Saab. Ewwww.

 

I disagree, at least if it is an older Saab. The cloth seats in OG 9-3 are far more comfortable than the leather. They were a plush vulgalour and very, very comfy. Also available in finest beige. Cloth seats in new cars are made from itchy stuff, what is wrong with velour?!

[Inspector Morose]

Aisin Warner didn't specify these as sealed for life and neither did Saab. However other users of the 'box (AW55 and TF-80) did - like Renault, Volvo, others.

You’re quite right, Saab specified 68-85000 miles IIRC.

[cpjitservices]

Thanks all for your valued opinions and advice!

[cpjitservices]

Now to get the funds together and find one!

[davehedgehog31]

I have the ex SierraMikeHotel 9-5 Aero HOT. It's a 2002 with a four speed slushomatic. It has been remapped and is frighteningly fast.

 

The interior is a nice place to be and it's been nothing but reliable for me. 25mpg in local use, 30mpg on a run though.

 

They can be very baggy feeling if the front suspension is not in good fettle.

[cpjitservices]

If anyone wants to sell an estate....  As long as its Auto!!

[Guest]

I'm working through my 9-5 Aero HOT estate auto just now. It has a very full and proper SAAB main dealer history, but I'm a few hundred quid in on parts already to sort out all the issues it has- the most important is the subframe bushes... they're shot to bits and it is rather horrible to drive at the moment. It has an ATF leak too which needs looked at, I have 20 litres of Mannol waiting to do a full flush and change. The SID was knackred, the rear washer was totally blocked , the headlamp washers didn't work, the Xenons were all over the place, The shark fin had disintegrated, The climate control had a mind of its own, the handbrake was crap and there are a few bits of rust starting here and there... and it's a good one!

 

Every Saab I've ever owned has been basically honest and reliable but needed a lot of fettling to make it good.Luckily there are a good few specialist parts suppliers and always a few in the scrappies. They are certainly worth the effort though.

 

The 2.2 did suffer from starting issues due to the injector seals leaking, not a 5 minute job to fix, or just park them nose down on a hill. The main thing that puts me off the 9-3 estate are the horrible taillights and the heater buttons.... Makes me angry.. the coating comes off so you have a load of white buttons with no clue what they do..

[cpjitservices]

I'm working through my 9-5 Aero HOT estate auto just now. It has a very full and proper SAAB main dealer history, but I'm a few hundred quid in on parts already to sort out all the issues it has- the most important is the subframe bushes... they're shot to bits and it is rather horrible to drive at the moment. It has an ATF leak too which needs looked at, I have 20 litres of Mannol waiting to do a full flush and change. The SID was knackred, the rear washer was totally blocked , the headlamp washers didn't work, the Xenons were all over the place, The shark fin had disintegrated, The climate control had a mind of its own, the handbrake was crap and there are a few bits of rust starting here and there... and it's a good one!

 

Every Saab I've ever owned has been basically honest and reliable but needed a lot of fettling to make it good.Luckily there are a good few specialist parts suppliers and always a few in the scrappies. They are certainly worth the effort though.

 

The 2.2 did suffer from starting issues due to the injector seals leaking, not a 5 minute job to fix, or just park them nose down on a hill. The main thing that puts me off the 9-3 estate are the horrible taillights and the heater buttons.... Makes me angry.. the coating comes off so you have a load of white buttons with no clue what they do..

Very informative thanks very much.

 

The buttons thing I have suffered with on Audi's.

 

I'll certainly know what to look out for now you've mentioned those points.

[Guest]

Spent a few days getting to know a 9-3 TTid rather well. Brand new engine and inlet manifold went in from Neo Bros. Engines were about £1300 at that time.

 

 

 

You can see the subframe bushes clearly in the pic, although 9-3's don't seem to suffer, they are far bigger than the 9-5's. 250 BHP going through them and with the engine,box,suspension and steering all attatched to the car through 6 of them, makes it pretty vauge to drive, and every time you come on and off the throttle the frame thumps off the floor.

 

[cpjitservices]

Spent a few days getting to know a 9-3 TTid rather well. Brand new engine and inlet manifold went in from Neo Bros. Engines were about £1300 at that time.

 

DSC_0025.jpg

 

DSC_0026.jpg

 

You can see the subframe bushes clearly in the pic, although 9-3's don't seem to suffer, they are far bigger than the 9-5's. 250 BHP going through them and with the engine,box,suspension and steering all attatched to the car through 6 of them, makes it pretty vauge to drive, and every time you come on and off the throttle the frame thumps off the floor.

 

saab.jpg

Well I guess if your going to go into that depth to get that car back to its former glory, it must be worth it and must be a good car or else why bother?.

 

Think I've made up my mind, I'm going to look for an honest 9-3 estate Preferably Auto but doesn't have to be... Petrol or diesel again, doesn't have to be diesel... I'll keep those options open.

 

Thanks all .. if you spot one for sale please let me know. Must be estate, though.

 

 

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[DSdriver]

Our 9-5 estate with 16 inch wheels has a much smoother ride than any other Saab 9-3 or 9-5 I have been in which have all had the 17" wheels. When the 9-3 floppytop comes out of storage for the summer I will see if the 16" wheels fit on that and make a difference to the harsh ride. Being a Citroen devotee I like my comfort.