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Re: Looking to purchase 08 9-3 Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email]  (#32) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Wed, 5 Jul 2017 12:12:07
In Reply to: Looking to purchase 08 9-3, tkell  [Profile/Gallery]
, Mon, 3 Jul 2017 14:57:56
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I have an '08 Aero SC. I very much enjoy this car, but know what you're getting into... I don't think I would describe them as bulletproof. The four cylinder is subject to valve and block problems, and six cylinder is subject to melting everything underhood. That's not to say "all the engines have problems," but that they are adequately common you should pay close attention. Both cars seem to suffer from not adequately durable coil packs, but that may be exacerbated by people not changing plugs frequently enough. From what I've seen, the ME9 ECM in the V6 is more reliable than the Trionic 8 ECM in the I4 - seems like a fair number of people end up needing replacing Trionic ECMs eventually. Both cars have, how you say, insufficiently designed electronic modules - door modules and the ignition key module come to mind. Be prepared to replace the door lock actuators eventually. I had to replace three of the four - the local Saab dismantler told me they can't keep them in stock (I would NOT buy used, just a point of discussion). Obviously there is the airbag issue, which may turn into a bigger issue if Takata fails, since there is no manufacturer left to be on the hook to step in for Takata. I got my recall notice two months ago, all three dealers in NorCal have insufficient stock to do repairs.
IMHO, if you're going to buy a 9-3ss/sc you *need* to have a Tech 2 to go with it. Everything is electronic, diagnosing and repairing without one is difficult or impossible.
I really, really like the 9-3 SportCombi. I love looking at it and I love driving it. That's why I have one and am ok dealing with the problems it has had (nothing major - but still $1k in parts to shore up an '08 with 100k on it) and is likely to have (could get ugly). TBH, I would not expect the same level of reliability from it as you have with your 9-5s, nor the general cost of repairs. Unless you're in love with these cars, I'd probably advise you to go find another 9-5. There isn't that much difference in size or capability between them (which may be why Saab had problems selling each of them!).
posted by 12.195.130...
, Mon, 3 Jul 2017 14:57:56, Wed, 5 Jul 2017 12:12:07 <-- Viewing This Message
, Tue, 4 Jul 2017 11:50:23
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