SAAB 9-3 2.2 S TiD- views? Also 2.0T S views as well...

kippermitten

kippermitten

kippermitten

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As above, started looking that the 9-3 models upto 2002, diesel and petrol models. Diesel seems to be a nice bet, not as powerfull as the 2.0 turbo's but quite economical.

Has anyone got any experience driving a 9-3 of these types? Anything to watch out for when buying specifically related to the 9-3?

Thanks for any help.

K.
 
I can tell you about my experiences of the 2002 onwards, but not about the pre-2002 hatchback 9-3s other than the fact that they have the most fantastically comfortable seats!
 
I had a Y reg 9-2 2.0t SE auto and really loved it.
Many people here don't like the interior of saabs of this age, but I suppose as you're considering getting one, that isn't an issue! :)
Mine was completely reliable over the 3 years I had it, absolutely nothing went wrong and most people commented on what a good smooth ride it had, it certainly ate the motorway miles up.
I had the 150bhp version which although coupled to the auto-box gave a pretty good turn of speed, I understand that the Aero has 200bhp-odd, which should give a pretty lively drive.
 
Nice one, interior is no problems for me, looking for summat unusual and different.

The diesel looks like it will chip easy enough as Id rather have a car that I can do Glasgow to London and back once a month cheaply(cheaper...) and still have a minor amount of joy on the twisties.

The 2.0 petrols with the T and t versions do look nice but mpg seems static no matter how economically you drive.

Perry.
 
I've got a 2000 9-3 Coupe Turbo. It ticks a lot of boxes for me that I can't really justify getting rid of it, very comfy, well built and reliable. All at a good price. I get 25 mpg regardless (mainly commuting), though it does return 35+ on the motorway. Handling is a weak point, even with Konis, and the higher power models struggle to get the power down effectively - torque steer and wheelspin annoy me, I think mine has 220bhp or thereabouts. Nice midrange pull though.
And as you say, it's something a bit different which I like too. Try and find a good 'un with FSH and it will serve you very well.
Or just do what all the Saab haters round here say - buy a vectra instead :p
 
JayMax said:
I've got a 2000 9-3 Coupe Turbo. It ticks a lot of boxes for me that I can't really justify getting rid of it, very comfy, well built and reliable. All at a good price. I get 25 mpg regardless (mainly commuting), though it does return 35+ on the motorway. Handling is a weak point, even with Konis, and the higher power models struggle to get the power down effectively - torque steer and wheelspin annoy me, I think mine has 220bhp or thereabouts. Nice midrange pull though.
And as you say, it's something a bit different which I like too. Try and find a good 'un with FSH and it will serve you very well.
Or just do what all the Saab haters round here say - buy a vectra instead :p
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Nice one ta.
When you say Handling a weak point, do you mean the power delivery and control or the handling in the twisty bits or even generally?

I saw a 2000 2.2 TiD SE today, tidy but not great but was well impressed by the feel of quality in the cabin and outside and feels so safe for the kids, elf proof ffs!:D

Its a diesel for me and a chip upgrade to get approx 140bhp and 300lb so will be nice enough.
 
Some EGR valve and MAF failures reported in 2.2 TiDs IIRC, relatively high repair costs warrant sale for many owners, so it's worth to check the car properly before purchase.

For some reason I always liked Saab dashboards. They might look ugly, but I do like them.
 
v0n said:
Some EGR valve and MAF failures reported in 2.2 TiDs IIRC, relatively high repair costs warrant sale for many owners, so it's worth to check the car properly before purchase.

For some reason I always liked Saab dashboards. They might look ugly, but I do like them.
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Nice one mate, Id seen the MAF one but not EGR one.
The ones that Im serious about are AA checked and warrentied(for what thats worth).

I liked the interior, seemed pleasing to the eye, not to square and not too round.

Im having a minor rethink and may look at the 2.0t SE's as Im doing two long runs a month so the ptrol may work out as cheap...
 
I've just bought a 1999 9-3S 2.0 Turbo. When the bodywork is done on wednesday I'll let you know what it's like :)
 
What size are those wheels, they look small, are they a standard fit?
Aside from that the car looks in good nick - what's your impressions?
 
Specifically went for this car as it had 17"s and the aero wheels.
Ok, its a 2.2 TiD so isnt fast and doesnt handle awesomely but I need to get around economically, be safe with the kids and be reliable and above all I need to like the car oh and its NOT a bmw/focus/mondeo :D .

Its torquey, more so than the 2.0hdi Xantia I had, very very solidly built.
Its like a lot of other similar age cars in my humble oppinion - focus-307-s40 etc.
It does need stiffening suspension wise a tad but thats my preference, like it harder :p

Its a quirky dash but I prefer odd to bland anyway and it all gives the impression that it will work and work and work and work!

It will make a bonza tow car for when I get off my butt and build a track day car to use at knockhill.
 
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timbob said:
Saabs are the *only* car on which a 3 spoke alloy is acceptable....no, cool even.

:cool:
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Aeii

stoned.jpg


:)
 
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