About to buy a 9-3 - need some advice
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About to buy a 9-3 - need some advice - 6/5/2008 5:52:48 AM
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Artagra
Posts: 3
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline
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I live in South Africa and I''m about to buy a Saab 9-3 2001 2.0 turbo convertible (but it has 2002 trim, the body coloured windscreen surround - bit weird) with 76 000km, full service history (with Saab), one owner (lady driver) from new. It''s a mint car, just had it''s 75 000km service, and I''ve really enjoyed driving it on the test drive. My sister has a 9-3 5 door, 2002, and my other sister a 9-5 sedan, so we are turning into a bit of a Saab family :D A couple of questions:
1. How do I tell which engine it has? I''ve been reading online and it seems there are 150/154bhp, 185bhp and 205 bhp versions. I''m pretty sure it''s not the 205bhp (high output turbo) based on the trim, but I''m not sure if it''s a 150/154bhp or 185bhp? I''ve seen VIN number listings that only show 185 or 205 being an option, but they where US based ones.
2. The convertible top is in beautiful condition, and I''ll generally be able to park it in a garage at my house and under shade at my office. What steps can I take to keep the top in good condition?
3. My only personal ownership experience with turbo charged vehicles is a VW Caddy at my business (1.9tdi), which has blown it''s turbo twice - what are the best steps to take to maintain the turbo? Obviously letting the car idle for 30 seconds before switching it off is recommended, and not revving too highly until it''s warmed up, but what else?
4. The sludge issue.... the service intervals are 15000 km, and it''s had an oil change at those intervals at a Saab dealership. Would they have used synthetic oil? What pro-active steps can I take to prevent this being an issue?
5. One more thing. I''m pretty confused by the model / year / engine differences across the world, and I can''t find any info on SA cars in particular, specs wise. Any idea where to find this? How do I know if a car is an "SE" or not? Was the SE listing only a US thing?
I think that''s it for the moment - any and all responses are appreciated!
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RE: About to buy a 9-3 - need some advice - 6/6/2008 11:20:11 AM
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lopeztm
Posts: 4
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline
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My advice is DO NOT BUY A USED SAAB! I have a 2004 9-3 and it is out of warranty and I have had several pricey issues. The car is great, but it is terribly expensive to upkeep.
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