Does anyone own a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible?

Question

I'm thinking of buying a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible for a great price and I wanted to know from those that own this particular model, how they feel about it. What are the pros and cons of the vehicle.

Answer 1

PROS: The engines in these cars are very tough & the transmissions are tough as well. Great mileage - great performance - if it is a turbo -( these cars make insane power with an exhaust change & ECU upgrade ) CONS ; Trubo models NEED Premium gas; & NEED synthetic oil. Cars depreciate fast - not any fault of the car - just never caught on like "toyota" ( but this car is already depreciated out ); parts are expensive - ( so you buy them from the non-dealer SAAB parts people - ebay etc.

You should have the car looked at by a SAAB expert - it will be money well spent because they simply know the persnickity things that go wrong with them - same with any other car. Its not a TOyota - but it is not "unreliable" by any stretch of the imagination. I have a 2002 Convertible SE - its a great car - is very fast - great mileage . If this car is a turbo model - you must run synthetic in it to save the turbo. They made a design change on the convertible tops in 1999 - I believe - that is why I bought a 2002. The early convertibles had expensive problems in the top motors. I bought my car because I wanted great mileage, fast, antilock breaks, sexy car - that IS NOT a civic or camry or corolla etc. My Car gets lots of looks - 18 wheels - silver with a black top EBAY has insane prices on these if you do not mind having it shipped - just buy from a dealer & get that buyers inspection .

There is no reason to buy a Viggen - you will pay alot because they are somewhat scarce. But- the added feathures are not worth the expense. You get slightly more horsepower + better brakes. Actually, the 2.0t SE can actually make more power when modified because the Viggen motors have higher static compression rastion - which limits the ultimate boost you can crank into these motors with an ECU upgrade. All the newer 9-3 have the 205N HOT motoes - they are identified with a black spark coil module - these motors were for the american market & make 205 Hp. With an ECU upgrade & an exhaust downpipe addition - these easily make 275 Hp - 45 more Hp than the viggen. Finally, the newer bodystyle convertibles are better chassis - but have the GM cobalt motors - IE better car - not better motor.

Avoid the V-6 unless it is an insane deal - the V6 turbos were hokey & they intentionally limited the HP because the engines were weak. The earlier saab 900 V-6 break timing belts - so if you buy one - make dsure you keep after the belts - every 30K miles.

Answer 2

2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Answer 3

2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Answer 4

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RE:
Does anyone own a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible?
I'm thinking of buying a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible for a great price and I wanted to know from those that own this particular model, how they feel about it. What are the pros and cons of the vehicle.

Answer 5

It's $4850, not $4000 - big difference. I thought you couldn't get your license in NJ until you're 17 - buying a car a whole year before then is kind of silly but I guess that's up to your parents. As for the car - Saab's (and pretty much any European car) are very expensive to fix, and not all that reliable either. If this car is in good condition and doesn't have any needs the price seems reasonable, but the post says "fair to good" condition - that tells me it's not so great and probably has some needs. If it has a bad turbo or transmission problems they'll cost as much to fix as the original price, so have it checked before you buy it. Also have your parents check insurance rates too, because I'd guess that a turbo convertible will be a lot more expensive than a Chevy Cobalt or Toyota Corolla or something along those lines.

Answer 6

Unless it happens to be a Viggen, I would personally pass on the car. Having said this I will temper the statement by your comment of "great price". If the car has the 2.0 L turbo engine bear in mind that this engine has known piston failure issues. I have purchased several cars with junk engines and refit them with custom made pistons to solve the problem and resold them with clear mind. Also avoid the V-6 engines simply due to high maintenance costs of the engine. If it is not a turbo or the V-6, then by all means feel free to buy the car after your shop gives it the okay. The 9-3 converts have the hydraulic tops which is great, unlike the body change 900's mechanical top that is a disaster. The 9-3 is a good choice if you avoid the mentioned engines. Good Luck

Answer 7

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You are assuming a lot of things, it can be a leaking hydraulic hose which can be repaired cheaply. Do not try to do it yourself or try to diagnose yourself, get professional help, spend some money now and have it fixed properly or later you may end up with a non working roof top with heavier expense to fix.