Date: Sat, 04 Aug 2007 14:39:22 GMT From: still me <wheeledBobnospamo.com> Subject: Re: 2003 9-3 with 78,000kms - am i making a mistake?
On Fri, 03 Aug 2007 21:55:50 -0400, Konan <kohoonospamo.net> wrote: > >> I'm contemplating buying a used 2003 9-3 with about 78,000kms >> (48,700miles). > > >In the US, Saabs are a poor choice for a used car according to Consumer >Reports magazine due to their poor reliability. First, CR reports are statistically invalid. That said, I will not suggest that an average Saab is as reliable as the average Toyota. However, all manufacturers have their issues. Toyota had some serious sludge problems, which they vigorously denied for years and refused to repair under warranty. Saab had a similar problem but fixed, and is fixing, a lot of engines. I've had Toyota refuse to do a warranty repair because of the liability they'd be assuming if they admitted it was their fault due to design (they retreated to the lawyers very quickly when I pushed the issue, a meager $230 repair). And, FWIW, Saabs don't have that design issue. A few years ago Honda decided that Technical Service Bulletins, which every other manufacturer on the planet makes publicly available, were proprietary property and would not be publicly distributed. That was a direct assault on non-Honda and DIY mechanics as well as on the Honda owner who they did not want informed about known issues in the cars (it costs them more if people ask for warranty repairs). Nissan had a problem with every V6 motor from 1996 to the early 2000's wherein the exhaust manifold studs broke or broke out, causing most owners to spend $300 to $1200 per motor for repairs. Nissan did come out with an improved stud but since the cars in question were always out of warranty (36K) when the studs wore out (50-70K), they denied all claims. FWIW, my Saab dealer SUGGESTED warranty repairs on several occasions to me unsolicited... they noticed something they thought they could fix or prevent future maint issues and brought it to my attention - despite the fact that they mae only half as much money on warranty repairs and they could have just waited until I was out of warranty in a few months.
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