Oppopinions?

"mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
09/06/2016 at 09:46 • Filed to: None

I may be in the market for a new DD. I am torn between a truck, a serious 4x4, or some thing fun. After some craigslisting, it appears that epsilon 9-3's are valued ridiculously low. What does Oppo say about 9-3 ownership?

DISCUSSION (12)

Nibby > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 09:50

Find a job with hours from 9AM-3PM and buy a Saab 9-3.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 09:51

Aren’t they that cheap because they’re unreliable and use not enough easy to get hold of GM parts?

OPPOsaurus WRX > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 09:56

probably a better idea than a serious 4x4 as a DD especially if you hit a lot of traffic

Future next gen S2000 owner > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 09:59

Mrs. Something-Clever-Here DD’s a 2007 9-3, a year before the external update. Also, the first year of the updated interior. Parts are mostly available online. Lots of GM parts. 130K and still going along fine with not too much beyond normal maintenance. Not bad cars.

The only thing that is a “known” issue is the power steering pump. Easy to replace but the seal between the pump and the engine isn’t the greatest. Depending on who you talk to or forum you read, it is inherent or caused by overfilling the pump. It basically allows the power steering pump oil to drain into the engine. It takes the expensive power steering fluid.

The Aero is the one to get. 2.8(?) turbo V6 with a manual.

bob and john > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:04

1/2 decent cars marred by GM ownership. lots of parts bin stuff (not that its really THAT bad, since you can actuallyh keep them on the road now) but dont expect a revalation. its a good looking car with some funny swedish quirks. that said, if it has electrical issues, stay far away.

Benjamin Rolland > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:05

You don't want one of those.

jimz > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:08

I don’t remember what year it was, but a lady who lived downstairs from me at my old apartment building had a 9-3 convertible which was becoming a money pit. Mostly electrical issues and persistent CELs.

Chasaboo > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:17

Think of it as a malaise Saab. You pays your money, you takes your chances.

Milky > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:33

Friend had a 9-3 2.0T, shit always broke and shit was always expensive.

Its not the GM parts that get you, its the SAAB parts you cant find. For example a clip in the seat belt tensioner broke, had to order the whole thing for $500 and it took like a month to get. His 5th gear also went, it was always funny to see him shift from 4th to 6th.

Dru > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 10:33

I’d suggest finding a TurboX if you can. They’re rare, but they're out there. My BIL, a former GM tech, suggests that parts availability shouldn't be a vast issue because they use a lot of GM Europe components. Plus AWD if you need/want that.

For Sweden > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 11:08

It’s a real Saab story

Liam Farrell > mkbruin, Atlas VP
09/06/2016 at 16:27

My mom has a 2011 9-3 2.0 T Auto convertible. Almost 55,000 miles, bought it a few years ago with 32,000.

It’s a great little car, very fun. It loves to rev out. The turbo wooosh is intoxicating. Steering is great. Suspension feels planted. It’s a very underrated car. Throttle is responsive, with just enough turbo lag to be fun but not dangerous. I don’t really have any complaints about it. It’s been pretty reliable except this one minor incident a while ago where it wouldn’t go (forget the specifics), but it was fixed the next day and has run like a champ since. My dad commutes in it when my mom drives her suburban and I drive the rover. He prefers it way more than his 97x. We don’t drive it in the winter (covered outside). Most of the miles we’ve put on it would be my dads commuting. We put the top down we never he have the chance. Overall if you can find a low mileage one for cheap, hop on that immediately.