Date: 6 Jan 2003 07:12:43 -0800 From: dschadnopsamtiernet.net (don schad) Subject: Considering Used 900SE/9-3SE. Advice req.
Hi. (I'm in the North East USA) I am considering purchasing a used Saab in the $12-$15k range...this puts me at something like at 98 900 or 99-00 9-3 with approx 40-50K miles. Liftback, Turbo, SE package, naturally. One specific 98 900 that I am looking at would be from a dealer, and it has a suped-up chip in it and a performance exhaust. Some sort of weird dealer demo. The chip takes it from ~200hp to 240 or something. I could get a 5yr/100k warr on this. I would appreciate any/all input on the following questions: (1) What are common problems that might loom on the horizon? How long do turbo chargers last? Can they be expected to "go" at a certain millage? Trannys? Timing chains, etc? CV joints? (2) Parts - I am a do-it-myselfer, and I am wondering about availablity of parts, used parts and the prices of these parts. I'm in the North East USA. (3) Ease/frustration with repairs. Are these "reasonable" to work on? I realize this is a silly question w/ most modern cars (i.e. NO! You can't even find the stinking engine!). I have a Ford which it's all day event to change the spark plugs...is there any hope for this? (4) Overall longevity - How long do these things run (very loaded question)? (5) Should I go w/ the slightly older, but not-first year 1998 900 vs a 1999 9-3? Were there any major transition pains into the new model (I keep hearing "1100 improvements!"...whatever). I appreciate any/all advice, Thanks, don schad Westminster, MD don<underscore>schad<at>yahoo<dot>com
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