What to look for in a used Saab 9-3?

One of the most frequently asked questions is about purchasing a used Saab 9-3 and what to look out for. This will be a work in progress but the goal is to make one comprehensive post with all information that can easily be understood by the average used car buyer.

When did the Saab 9-3 anniversary convertible come out?

Saab 9-3 Anniversary convertible (Australia) The first generation 9-3, an updated Saab 900 (NG) was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It was known to enthusiasts as the OG 9-3 (old generation) and internally as body style 9400. It continued as a full line through the 2002 model year.

Where was the Saab 9-3 Viggen hatchback made?

As with the preceding generation, convertibles were built by Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Valmet was also the only plant assembling the 9-3 Viggen, in all three bodystyles. After production at Saab’s main plant ended, Valmet kept producing non-Viggen hatchbacks until 2003.

What’s the gas mileage on a Saab 9-5?

Gas mileage is a rather complex story. The empirical mileage from the MY2000 9-5 we had, 2.0t 150hp, stage 1 (215hp/353Nm!) was approx. 10% increase on highway, 0% mixed and 20% decreased city (living in a hilly area, being “lightfooted on the pedal”). Enjoy!

How long does fresh air last on a Saab 9-3?

All Filters (Engine Air and Cabin Fresh Air) likey are needed. Engine Air good for like 60K and the Fresh Air Filters last between 10-30K depending on driving, area and where it’s parked. Also – 04′ will not have the water barrier shield over the fresh air filter unless it’s had a water leak fixed This was factory 06′ and up.

What kind of warranty does a Saab have?

(Saab Special Coverage warranty may still apply – 10 years 120K on springs). Coolant leaks – look beneath and focus on the passenger side well. Water Pumps are popping up more and more – and they suck to do – special too required. All Filters (Engine Air and Cabin Fresh Air) likey are needed.

What kind of wheels do Saab arcs have?

Arcs in the U.S. had body colored lower skirts (on the sides under the doors), sunroof, ACC (automatic climate control) and simulated wood dashboard accents. Arcs also had different wheels that had more spokes.

When did the Saab 9-3 Viggen come out?

In summary, the 1,100 changes were made to modernize the 900 and to make the car match 9-5 in appearance. In 1999 an even more powerful variant of the top model Saab 9-3 2.0T (200hp) called the 9-3 Viggen was released. It was named after the fighter aircraft Saab 37 Viggen.

What is the gas mileage of a Saab 9-3 convertible?

Combined fuel consumption figures for all three 9-3 Convertible petrol engines are virtually indistinguishable – 32.2, 32.1 and 31mpg respectively. The diesel, predictably, is significantly superior with a 44.8mpg average. The Saab 9-3 Convertible upholds a long, and indeed lucrative, tradition of fine Saab drop tops.

Is the Saab 9-3 Sport a drop top car?

Whereas many previous Saab convertibles were modified versions of existing platforms, the drop top version of the 9-3 Sport Saloon was engineered in a more thorough manner to combat the torsional rigidity problems that had serious drivers avoiding the car.

Are there any used Saab 9 3 convertibles for sale?

Autotrader has 58 Used Saab Convertibles for sale, including a 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible, a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible, and a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible.

Only 4,600 Saab 9-3 Viggens were made. Saab manufactured the second generation 9-3 from 2002-2012, and once again they modified many of the Saab 9-3 parts. Safety features were upgraded, the hatchback design was eliminated, and a new 2.0L straight-4 engine was added.

What kind of parts are in a Saab 9-3?

Models 1999 – 2003 SE 2003 – 2005 Linear 2004 – 2011 Aero 2006 – 2010 2.0T 2008 Turbo X

How can I tell if my Saab 9-3 is bad?

Rear Upper Control Arms – Place Foot on RIM on bottom – grasp tire tread from top and pull push action. If you feel movement the arms are bad. Usually north of 100K these wear out. Also you can tell they are bad if the tires are feathered or cupped on the inside tread of the rear tires.

Can you buy a Saab car in the US?

Unless the Chinese-backed electric Saabs somehow work out, the only Saab cars that you can buy in the US are used ones. Saab went bankrupt in 2011, but what happened to all of the cars in the US? Just because the company doesn’t sell cars anymore, doesn’t mean that all of the Saabs on the road would just suddenly disappear.

What is the model code for a Saab 9?

To our knowledge, the code readers on this shown here are suitable for the following Saab models: 9-5, 9-3 sport, 9-3 sport combi, 9-3 convertible, 9-3x, 9-7x, 9-5 sportcombi, 9-2x, 9-3 coupe, 900, 9000, 90.

How can I find out if my Saab has a problem?

They will allow you to read & clear the error fault code and turn off the check engine warning light, airbag warning light, ABS warning light etc. Diagnostic scanners are an ideal solution if you want to find codes for your Saab problems and are looking to do your own Saab services. Diagnostic World are here to help you buy a scanner online.

Which is the best diagnostic tool for Saab cars?

For Saab car we recommend the iCarsoft VOL v1.0, VOL v2.0, i906, VOL II, iCarsoft CR Pro & Autel MD808 Pro. Our OBD code reader tool will diagnsose & reset fault codes and warning lights in the main systems like engine, ABS, airbags, transmission, parking sensors and much more.

What kind of key fob does a Saab use?

2008-2010 9-3 Convertible 1 on vehicle. 2008-2010 9-3 Sport Combi 1 on vehicle. NOT FOR 2003 CV MODELS!!KEY FOB MUST BE PROGRAMMED TO VEHICLE IN ORDER TO FUNCTION!! Will require GM on line security software and Tech 2 programmer. Original P/number is 12783781.Saab 9-3 Alarm Remote Fob/Transmitter.

Who is the owner of the Saab brand?

Since 2011, all Saab’s assets were acquired by a Chinese consortium called National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). NEVS announced plans to build electric cars based on the 9-3 model, but after itself filing for bankruptcy protection, lost the right to use the Saab name.

Is the Saab convertible still in life support?

And, for a car designed by Swedes, the convertible models have stood the test of time. While Saab arguably lives in life support with new owners, few if any enthusiasts are excited about the new cars in production. Despite this, Saab may be on its way to becoming a classic collectable.

When did the last Saab 9-3 Aero come out?

Chinese-owned NEVS is now auctioning off a 2014 Saab 9-3 Aero that it says is the last of a batch of these 420 Saab 9-3 sedans that were produced between 2013 and 2014. This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Is there a warranty on a Saab 9-3?

Binding in front steering with popping noise – broken springs and or bad strut bearings. (Saab Special Coverage warranty may still apply – 10 years 120K on springs). Coolant leaks – look beneath and focus on the passenger side well. Water Pumps are popping up more and more – and they suck to do – special too required.

What’s the difference between the Saab 900 and 9-3?

Unlike the Saab 900 (NG), the 9-3 is fitted with a CAN bus like the Saab 9-5. A Saab innovation is the ‘ Night Panel ‘, carried over from the Saab 900, which permits dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving. A total of 326,370 first generation 9-3s were built.

How many miles does a Saab 9 3 TTiD have?

SAAB 9-3 SALOON 1.9 TTiD AUTOMATIC 180 ON AN 08 PLATE , WITH ONLY 65,000 MILES FROM NEW , MOT IS ONE YEAR WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY , VERY HARD TO FIND MODEL WITH , 180 BHP AUTOMATIC WITH FULL LEATHER HEATED SEATS , SAT NAV , Alarm , Alloy Wheels (1

What kind of car is the 2003 Saab 9-3?

However, the company’s redesigned 2003 9-3 should have a happier story. Offered only in sedan form this year (the SE Convertible is a carryover of the old style) and referred to as the “9-3 Sport Sedan” by Saab, this car made a good first impression during our initial drive.

What to do with a 1999 Saab 9-5?

When the time comes to send my Saab off to Valhalla, I might remove the seats and place them in my living room as a fond and comfortable reminder of my good… (more) The 1999 Saab 9-5 represents the first year of the newly designed relaunch.

What kind of car is a 2006 Saab?

Consumer Ratings Rank Vehicles HP #1 2006 Saab 9-3 210 #2 2006 Chrysler Sebring 200 #3 2008 Suzuki Forenza 127 #4 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer 120

When did the Saab 9 3 come out?

SAAB 9-3 Overview. Introduced in late 1998, the 9-3 boasted over 1000 detail changes from the 900 it replaced. The 9-3 at last was the car the 900 should have been when first released back in 1994. Unfortunately while the 900 was maturing into the 9-3, the automotive world had moved on.

Which is the correct filter for a Saab 9-3?

The correct Saab filter (part number 93175493) has straight pleats, not zigzaged pleats and is designated for all 2.0 litre SAAB 9-3 models and says Hengst E630H. The reported difference is the bypass valve is not activated until 100 psi compared to 80 for the old design.

How much oil to refill Saab 9-3 engine?

Refill the car with oil. I found that about 5.8 to 6 quarts is needed, depending on how thorough you drain the oil. Adding a full 6.3 quarts (6.0 litres) will result in slightly overfilling the car. Check the oil level dipstick and check the car for leaks while the engine is on.

How does electronic control work on a Saab 9-3?

It is controlled by its own electronic control module which works together with the ECM, TCM and ABS/ESP control modules. For the driver, this means maximum traction and strong, even acceleration with unnoticeable shifting of the drive torque between the wheels.

When did the Saab 9-3 Thunderbolt come out?

A redesigned 900 gave way to the 9-3 in 1998. To die-hard Saab fans, the car was a travesty, sharing its architecture with Opel and Saturn models. But the ’98 to ’03 Viggen (Swedish for “thunderbolt”) was named after one of the company’s fighter jets, and was a fantastic driver’s car.

When did the Saab 9-3 convertible come out?

The second generation of the Saab 9-3 Sedan was introduced for model year 2003. The convertible was introduced for 2004 and the SportCombi for 2006. Linear: Base model with limited equipment. Please add to this thread with any information that is important for buying a used 9-3.

When did Saab start using Trionic 7 engine management system?

The cars were equipped with a higher capacity intercooler, performance tuned ECU, flow through muffler and tip, heavy duty clutch and pressure plate, stiffened and lowered springs, firmer dampers, as well as stronger CV joints and driveshafts. In 1999, the Viggen was the first 9-3 to use Saab’s Trionic 7 engine management system.

Where was the Saab 9-3 Viggen convertible made?

What kind of platform does the Saab 9-3 have?

The 9-3 was first based on the GM2900 platform and subsequently changed to the GM Epsilon platform. Other vehicles using this platform included the Opel Vectra and Cadillac BLS. Saab’s last owners, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) were assembling the 9-3 sedan (saloon) as Saab’s only model.

How many horsepower does a Saab inline four have?

There are three different versions of the turbocharged inline-four, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (112 kW) version (1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level).

What kind of car is a 2008 Saab 9-3?

2008 Saab 9-3 – Born from jets, this car is amazing! 2008 Saab 9-3 – Born from jets, this car is amazing! The car has performed superbly.

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