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I’m in the market for a 1999-2000 9-3. I’ve never owned a SAAB but have been doing a lot of research. This weekend I had a chance to drive three. I’ll describe the cars then ask a few questions. Thanks again to those who answered questions on my last post and in advance to those who answer this one. Here are the cars I drove:
1)A beautiful ’00 9-3 Viggen, very good condition, very fast but a bit out of reach for what I’m looking to spend.
2)A very nice condition ’99 9-3 SE automatic (VIN with N in 8th position so 185hp NOT engine), with 58K miles. Seriously considering this car. Here’s the VIN if it will help anyone with some of my questions below: YS3DF58N58N8X2085139.
3)A fairly roughly conditioned ’99 9-3 automatic (also with 185hp engine), with 113K miles. A bit more of a reconditioning project then I want to get involved in and higher mileage than I’d like, but actually pulled at least as strong as car #2.
I’m thinking very seriously about car number 2, and will do a carfax report and take it to a local dealer for a service report and a pre-purchase inspection.
Here are some additional observations and questions about car #2:
1)It has a black DI cassette so I assume this means the original red one went bad and a black one was purchased. I’ve been advised that the reds tend to last longer. If I buy another (even as a spare), are the reds available for purchase? If so, why would someone use a black one? The seller is the second owner, and while consciences, reports to know nothing about the DI change. He’s only had the car for a year and a half though.
2)The car feels tight, and the interior is very nice (no SID pixels missing, ACC with no apparent HVAC control problems, etc) but with the windows up and no stereo, I hear a squeaking sound (like rubber bushings) that I’d prefer to locate and eradicate rather than live with. Can’t tell for sure, but I would guess it comes from the rear left. Any suggestions on where to start looking—I’m not sure, but I believe it’s an internal noise.
3)This car isn’t nearly as fast as the 230hp Viggen I drove (of course). I haven’t driven a 200hp HOT SE (either ’00 or later auto or ’99-’02 manual) yet but would like to. How different is the perceptible performance between a ’99 auto 185 hp, and a ’00 auto 200 hp 9-3? I admit I’m a novice regarding T-5 vs. T-7, Viggen IC’s etc. and the pros/cons of each, but have read some posts on the subject here. Is there really a perceptible performance difference pre-modification? If I buy this car (#2 above), without going crazy in terms of mods/$, can I push this car over 200+hp without compromising engine integrity/longevity? The seller uses mid-grade fuel and full-synthetic oil. I’d use premium, stick with the synthetic, and probably add a 3” down pipe, a high flow cat and muffler, and a K&N filter. What would that do to the power (and when it comes on)? Is there a must have engine mod I don’t know about to get a bit more power safely out of the ’99 SE auto?
4)Considering that the car I’m thinking about is an auto, what happens mechanically (or electronically!) with the “Sport” button pressed? Do you find the performance change to be significant? What about fuel consumption? How do you auto 9-3 drivers use this function?
5)I’d look to beef up the steering and suspension—nothing too serious as the car will be a daily driver and never taken to a track. Are MP Performance products (site sponsor) good? They seem to be a good value? Anyone have experience here?
Thank you again in advance for your help (and patience with my long post). I’m looking forward to being a member of this SAAB community.
posted by 63.225.22...
, Mon, 1 Nov 2004 16:58:55
, Mon, 1 Nov 2004 10:38:13
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