In doing reserach online, I have gotten a lot of mixed reviews. People talk about the increased safety and performance on the '99 Saab 9-3, others talk about the 9-3's propensity to eat motors (at a cost of $4,000 plus per time).
The 900 sounds to be more mechanically reliable, but gets worse gas mileage and may not be quite as safe. But I don't know for sure.
I am decent on keeping up with scheduled maintenance, but am looking for a car to take to 200,000 miles plus. Any advice?
Thanks!
2006-12-13 06:04:03 · 5 answers · asked by johnpatw 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Saab
The "new generation" 900 was a minor disaster for SAAB. I owned two of them, and one was worse than the other. One was rear ended by a big SUV, and everyone walked away uninjured, so I can't fault them for safety. But these were not 200,000 mile cars, neither of mine made 100k. Very troublesome, not a car to own after the warranty expires.
Given your choice, go with the 9-3. When you buy a used SAAB, make sure the timing belt has been replaced on schedule. Plan on getting it changed immediately after you buy, to avoid the hand grenade motor problem.
2006-12-14 02:30:46 · answer #1 · answered by anywherebuttexas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any car with 95-105k miles can be potentially unreliable. Either that or it will be reliable for 30k miles. If someone really took care of the car and you are willing to change things like the water pump or something else every year, you might get another 100k miles out of it. 3 grand is a bit on the cheap side. Some sellers are not aggressive, they just want to get rid of the car. I think they recommend mid-grade and require at least 87 octane. Saabs are different in that they don't usually need premium. The 2008 9-3 recommends 90 octane (European mid-grade is 90, not 89). They do this so they can claim x amount of horsepower. If you use 87, it gets maybe 5 hp less and 1% worse gas mileage. Most cars are like that. 5 hp is nothing. 1% won't pay for the more expensive premium gas.
2016-05-23 19:25:57 · answer #2 · answered by Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Saab 900 is the more reliable of the two the 900 will if serviced at correct intervals exceed 200,000 miles.True its a little heavier on fuel but it is well constructed.Regards Mick UK>
2006-12-13 06:19:32 · answer #3 · answered by mick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want a SAAB? They are cool looking in a funky way and they are safe, that is about all they have going for them. Don't trust peoples opinions look at the facts. Consumer reports has consistently given SAAB a very low rating, and GM's purchase of them has not helped at all.
If you want something that is funky in a cool way and safe get a Subaru. You will free yourself of numerous repairs and the heartache that goes along.
2006-12-15 03:13:26 · answer #4 · answered by cynical jade 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the simple answer is the 93 its more comfortble
2006-12-13 06:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋