Well, since you're on the 9-3 board, and you're looking at pre-2000, I guess you're looking at a 1999 9-3.

The '99 will have a few problems before 150k, so you should keep an eye out when buying.

1) DI cassette. In the '99, it sounds like it will last anywhere from 60-120k, and then it will die suddenly, leaving you stranded. If it's been 60k since the last DI was replaced, carry a spare in the trunk. It's an easy swap to replace the part. $300 to buy a new one, or a lot more to buy it from the dealer and have the dealer install it if you don't carry a spare.

2) Heater box controls. In manual climate control, the dials will become stiff and eventually something will break. $800 to repair. Search this board for info on various types of repairs, and make sure the one you get has had the proper repairs done. The problem also exists in ACC-equipped cars, but the result is that the air will sometimes come out of the wrong vent or at the wrong temperature, and it's usually not a critical problem.

3) Leaky head gasket. Head bolts on the '99 were incorrectly torqued from the factory, and the gasket may leak. Re-torquing seems to fix the problem for most people. Cost: maybe $100 for an hour of labor, or DIY if you have a torque wrench.

4) Groaning suspension when cold. If it's <20 degrees or so, the suspension can make loud groaning noises until the car warms up for a few minutes. Every winter, there's a discussion of how best to make the noise stop, and some people have had success with different methods. Many of us just ignore it; it shouldn't cause any mechanical problems.

5) Pixels disappearing in the SID. There's an easy DIY-fix; the problem is just some loose connections in the wiring.

6) This is much more rare than the others on the list, but it's on my mind recently, so I'll post it: there have been some problems with power steering leaking. Not sure on all the info, yet, and I'm about to post about my own power steering problem to see what I can learn.

That seems to be it for top problems. Make sure you have all maintenance done. These cars will run for a long time if properly maintained.

Matt
'99 base


posted by 12.101.2...

• Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, David, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 11:05:47
  • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, JP, Tue, 16 Mar 2004 10:49:56
  • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, JamieZ, Sat, 27 Sep 2003 17:10:23
  • I have had my 1999, Andy J, Thu, 25 Sep 2003 14:46:43
  • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, Tiny Elvis, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 13:05:14
    • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, MO, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:25:20
  • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, MO, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 12:02:37 <-- Viewing This Message
    • DI Cassette Failure, RossK, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 13:35:19
      • Mine went last week at 31,000 miles!, Bryce, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 14:57:06
        • Re: Mine went last week at 31,000 miles!, MO, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:19:57
    • Does the DIY SID fix apply to the '00 9-3 SE? (-), Saabing in KS, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 12:05:29
      • read all about it..., MO, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 12:14:16
  • Re: Top Ten problems in first 150K miles, supermottl, Wed, 24 Sep 2003 11:55:08

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