Saab 9-3 cabrio

[Darrell]

My sister is getting an E class cabrio in June and has given me first refusal on her 07 plate Saab 9-3 cabrio.

I do fancy one of these as a summer runabout. This particular model is an 1800cc turbo Linear model. She is the third owner and it’s looked after by an ex- Saab mechanic local to her in Warlingham. It’s got 67000 on the clock and she’s getting a couple of car-park dings seen to. Apart from that the body is in fine fettle.

I looked at the MOT history and it’s failed a couple of times but on very minor stuff like a light pointing down too much. The reg is KP07CBV is anybody cares to look.

I reckon I can get it for between £2500-3000.

What does the panel think? Are they any good for a runabout? It’s her 2nd 9-3 cab and she’s never had any trouble from either.

Thanks.

 

[Stratman]

Does this model suffer from a cracked bulkhead or had they sorted it by then?

 

[kianok]

£2500 would be quite generous imo.

 

[Darrell]

Does this model suffer from a cracked bulkhead or had they sorted it by then?

I think the bulkhead problem was pre-facelift.

 

[John]

I used to have a Saab so something I wondered since the demise of Saab Automobiles - does the remaining Saab Group still produce parts?

 

[moonloops]

I used to have a Saab so something I wondered since the demise of Saab Automobiles - does the remaining Saab Group still produce parts?

They are all GM parts so yes you can still buy bits.

I've had a couple of 95 turbo's and a 93 turbo. (High power versions) £80 remap made them very very quick. Hilarious handling though

They all get problems with the digital displays going dead over time. All repairable.

 

[SW18]

I see a lot of aging Saabs still around, suggesting that they must be reliable. Most owners seem to speak very highly of them.

 

[Darrell]

I see a lot of aging Saabs still around, suggesting that they must be reliable. Most owners seem to speak very highly of them.

There are some lovely versions for sale.

 

[fabes]

It's the 150bhp engine (simple remap to 220, yes really) in base spec with smaller wheels, less plush seats and no body kit.

Watch front springs, creaky dash and sludge if oil not changed properly

Had my 2.0T Aero for 5 years (remapped to 260bhp and 360NM) and loved it, though V6 itch got the better of me.
Saab specialists or VX dealers have parts, mine was faultless really
A decent and still classy (ish) summer fun car.

Price on history and condition but I can't comment on price (colour does affect it imho)

 

[Darrell]

It's the 150bhp engine (simple remap to 220, yes really) in base spec with smaller wheels, less plush seats and no body kit.

Watch front springs, creaky dash and sludge if oil not changed properly

Had my 2.0T Aero for 5 years (remapped to 260bhp and 360NM) and loved it, though V6 itch got the better of me.
Saab specialists or VX dealers have parts, mine was faultless really
A decent and still classy (ish) summer fun car.

Price on history and condition but I can't comment on price (colour does affect it imho)

My wife has access to Glass’s guide through her work so I can check there.

 

[alabbasi]

I bought a Saab 900 (old body style) convertible when I moved to the US in 2001. Those were supposed to be the good ones, made prior to the GM takeover. They had a stellar rep in the UK for being fantastic cars but compared to the E30 318i that I drove in England, it was a huge disappointment. I tried really hard to like that car but quickly forgot about it when I bought a Mercedes.

 

[optimusprime]

I to had the 900 gl one of the best cars i had .Not much for the shape .It was as if one designed the front half of the car , left the company and some one else finished the job on the rear .But i soon loved it .In 5 years i changed out one front caliper . Clocking up 250 miles every week. In the snow nothing stoped it .

 

[grober]

Built by the same people who make the G-wagen Magna Steyr in Graz Austria

 

[Darrell]

Built by the same people who make the G-wagen Magna Steyr in Graz Austria

They also have a plant in Thessaloniki in Greece!!

Deal is done then.

 

[Darrell]

I bought a Saab 900 (old body style) convertible when I moved to the US in 2001. Those were supposed to be the good ones, made prior to the GM takeover. They had a stellar rep in the UK for being fantastic cars but compared to the E30 318i that I drove in England, it was a huge disappointment. I tried really hard to like that car but quickly forgot about it when I bought a Mercedes.

I’m getting answers like this from some of my homies. They say why don’t you buy a 3 series cabrio, CLK or an Audi cabrio because they drive better, hold their value better blah blah. They also cost more to buy and I think they will cost more to run as well. I think the 9-3 is a more stylish car and tend not to be Barried up.

At the end of the day, my wife is going to use it for her daily 5 mile commute and a monthly shopping trip to the local shopping center with the odd journey running our daughter about.
If I want speed, I’ll take my Porsche. If I want speed in London I’ll take my bicycle.

 

[alabbasi]

I’m getting answers like this from some of my homies. They say why don’t you buy a 3 series cabrio, CLK or an Audi cabrio because they drive better, hold their value better blah blah.

It sounds like you opened a can of worms by asking for people to give their opinion. As you've made your mind up. I'd like to change my response to 'great choice, good luck!'

 

[Deletedmember130310]

I wouldn't buy from a relative or friend as the risk of a fault coming to light and stressing the relationship isn't worth it.

That said, at £2k it is probably worth it, as you know the owner and how it has been looked after.

 

[Darrell]

It sounds like you opened a can of worms by asking for people to give their opinion. As you've made your mind up. I'd like to change my response to 'great choice, good luck!'

My mind isn’t made up at all.

I’m also not asking for people’s thoughts on the styling or driving capabilities. What I’m after is useful information on reliability, availability of parts and are they actually any good.

 

[Deletedmember130310]

how did your sister find the reliability and availability of parts?

 

[Scott_F]

how did your sister find the reliability and availability of parts?

She said she's fed up of the b@astard not starting in the morning and she's been round every breakers in London looking for a second-hand gearbox.