2000 SE 9-3 90,000km(56,000mi) beware?

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Should I - 22 Jan 2006 15:15 GMT

What should I beware of with a purchase of this car ? If maintained
could I get an additional 200,000KM(125,000mi) out of this vehicle
without paying an arm and a leg?

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ma_twain - 23 Jan 2006 00:10 GMT

Saabs are not cheap to keep, especially the GM models. The normal,
required maintenance is not inexpensive, unless you are used to
maintaining a BMW or Mercedes. I suspect that if you properly maintain
the car you could easily get another 125,000 miles. Just remember parts
wear out and AC systems are not cheap to fix. I would expect to have to
do some work on the AC system while you own the car.

With all used car, you should ask for proof of scheduled maintenance and
have the car inspected by a trusted, knowledgeable (about Saabs in this
case) technician before you buy.

> What should I beware of with a purchase of this car ? If maintained
> could I get an additional 200,000KM(125,000mi) out of this vehicle
> without paying an arm and a leg?

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roscoeboy - 23 Jan 2006 15:15 GMT

I own 2 1999 9-5 Saabs - a sedan that I've owned for 3 years and that
has 150k miles, and a wagon I just bought that has 125k miles. Both
are very comfortable, very nice cars to drive, and both run
beautifully. I expect them to go at least to 250k miles.. The sedan
has not, I feel, been more expensive than other cars I've owned. The
SIDs often lose pixels, but there is a simple repair procedure on
saabnet.com that prevents the need for replacement. But then, your car
has probably had this issue addressed. I'd suggest using synthetic oil
to protect the engine and turbo. Most of my repairs have been standard
issues, including rear shocks, brakes, muffler Be sure that the car
you buy has had the recommended services performed in accord with the
owner's manual. These can be pricey but are well worth the insurance.
Buying parts online can also save a little if your mechanic doesn't
object.

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ma_twain - 24 Jan 2006 03:49 GMT

> I own 2 1999 9-5 Saabs - a sedan that I've owned for 3 years and that
> has 150k miles, and a wagon I just bought that has 125k miles. Both
> are very comfortable, very nice cars to drive, and both run
> beautifully. I expect them to go at least to 250k miles.. The sedan
> has not, I feel, been more expensive than other cars I've owned.

What other cars have you owned? Compared to Toyota and Honda, the GM
Saabs are very expensive to maintain. Compared to BMW and Mercedes,
Saabs might even seem reasonable :-)

The

> SIDs often lose pixels, but there is a simple repair procedure on
> saabnet.com that prevents the need for replacement. But then, your car
> has probably had this issue addressed. I'd suggest using synthetic oil
> to protect the engine and turbo. Most of my repairs have been standard
> issues, including rear shocks, brakes, muffler

I suspect you enjoy driving your Saabs to have replaced your listed
items before 150,000 miles. I drove my first C900 hard, getting 200,000
miles on the rear shocks, rear rotors, and original muffler. The front
rotors were replaced at 100,000 miles. The tires only lasted 20,000
miles, as I thoroughly enjoyed my Saab, especially in the turns.

Be sure that the car

> you buy has had the recommended services performed in accord with the
> owner's manual. These can be pricey but are well worth the insurance.
> Buying parts online can also save a little if your mechanic doesn't
> object.

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Should I - 24 Jan 2006 18:28 GMT

Thanks. Any idea what kind of actual fuel economy I would get for the
2000 SE? What does SID stand for?

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Bob - 25 Jan 2006 17:58 GMT

>Thanks. Any idea what kind of actual fuel economy I would get for the
>2000 SE? What does SID stand for?

Depends how you drive. Kick it a lot and mileage will suffer. That
said, probably 24 on the low end, 32 on the high. Low in cold weather
and the city, higher in warm on the highway.

SID - System Information Display. It's the little panel in the center
of the console at the top that displays the radio/CD info and computer
(ambient temp, distance to empty, etc).

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SmaartAasSaabr - 28 Jan 2006 05:20 GMT

> What should I beware of with a purchase of this car ? If maintained
> could I get an additional 200,000KM(125,000mi) out of this vehicle
> without paying an arm and a leg?

If you go to the Saab dealer for everything, you'll find expensive
maintenance costs. Probably less than a dealer-serviced Mazda though.

The cars are built solid and generally quite reliable. Make sure the
engine gets frequent oil changes preferably with synthetic oil. IIRC
Saab wants an oil change every 15-16 000km. This is too long. Change
the oil at 7 500 km, 10 000 km gros max. This will give the engine a
very long life, particularly re: sludging, with the possible exception
of the turbocharger. Some ~2000-2001 LPT Saabs had a "bad batch" of
Garett turbos. Frequent oil changes help.

If you do the work yourself, you'll find that parts prices at the right
places is surprisingly cheap in most instances. The cars are easy and
simple to work with compared to most cars. And they have an excellent
driving position and feel for the road.

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