Michele 1 #1 August 14, 2006 Because of recent major car issues (the repair cost is almost equal to the value of my Jetta - sigh...), I am considering buying a used Saab. It has less than 30,000 miles on it, but it's a 2001 - which means it's out of warranty and not able to be included as a "CPO" car (certified pre-owned). I drove it yesterday, have done tons of research on it, and really like it. In the reading of reviews from buyers and mechanics, the general thought is it's a good machine, but some have interesting "quirks". I noticed a bit of turbo lag, but it was brief and almost inconsequential (as long as you know it's coming, you can "plan" around it). There is some slight shaking, but that's also expected - it's the sports model 9-3 convertible. The seller has given me permission to speak with his mechanic (a Saab certified one at a dealership), as well as being willing to let my mechanic check it out (this guy I trust with my cars, and will continue to do so; he treats me well, and is very, very fair). The seller is anxious to sell the car, and has indicated he is willing to negotiate a bit on the price (he's asking $17K, and has already indicated he will go to $16K, without me opening negotiations at all) - so if I decide to go further with the negotiations, I think I can get it for a bit less than that (say between $14-14.5K). 'Course, $17K is as easy to get as $14.5k, considering I'm about as broke as it gets, but...I need a car. I plan on getting a carfax report, if I decide to move forward, and again, think that I can do well in the negotiations. So. All you Saab owners, would you recommend this car as a relatively reliable one? I want both a fun car to drive, as well as reliability. I can't have it in the shop every month, not simply because of cost but because I need to be able to get places on time, and also know that I won't get stranded at 11 pm in the "not quite nice" areas. Opinions? Thoughts? Reviews? General comments for a monday morning? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #2 August 14, 2006 My dad has a 2001 or 2002 9-5 Saab and seems to really like it. It seems to me that you've got all your t's crossed and i's dotted.Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #3 August 14, 2006 QuoteIt seems to me that you've got all your t's crossed and i's dotted. I'm trying. I've been to motortrends.com, edmunds.com, cars.com and autotrader.com, as well as myriad Saab websites, both sponsored and not. I've seen some really bad reviews, but I've also seen many more "good" reviews. The car editor people seem to like the 9-3, but only give it about a 7 (over the different webbies I've been to, that's what it averages; compared to those of it's class [i.e. BMW and Audi sport converts...]). The average driver ranks it over 9. So it seems a decent overall review, you know? Glad to hear your Dad likes it - that's another bonus point for it. Ciels- Michele Edited to add: just off the phone with the mechanics at the dealership where the original owner took his car all the time. All scheduled maintenence done on time, all oil changes done, new front brakes and roters, the two recall issues handled, and a new battery installed about 50 miles ago. I will have them actually look it over, but they seem to know him and the car, and are not telling me to go away or buy one from their lot, so that's a good sign... Anyone else have opinions? I could use the feedback. Thanks! ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumpervint 0 #4 August 14, 2006 Michele, My first car was a Saab, back in 1972. Fun car. 6 years ago I bought an 8 year old Saab with 115,000 miles on it. January of this year, the transmission went out in it, at 193,000 miles. I had planned on getting it to 300,000 miles and I know it would have made it. I looked for a few months and found a 2003 Saab 93 with 36,000 miles and 3 years of warranty on it for $18,000. I love it. It's very comfortable, has lots of power, no turbo lag, roomy, and fun to drive. They are idiosyncratic, it seems. Each one seems to have some little quirky thing that is just quirky to that car. Nonetheless, I will buy another if I ever need another car. Have you looked at the Saab news group? I access it here: http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.saab/ There's lots of info there, and if you register, you can post your question and someone is bound to answer. There's not a lot of traffic on the site, but you'll get a response. There's a lot of controversy over whether you get a pre-GM car or a GM Saab, but in the end, it's a Swedish car assembled in Sweden with lots of German and other European parts by a company owned by GM. I love my Saab. Did I say that already? Vint. . . . . "Make it hard again." Doc Ed “A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free” Nikos Kazantzakis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #5 August 14, 2006 Quote6 years ago I bought an 8 year old Saab with 115,000 miles on it. January of this year, the transmission went out in it, at 193,000 miles. I had planned on getting it to 300,000 miles and I know it would have made it. Awwww such a sad Saab story Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #6 August 14, 2006 their asking price is definetly a bit high. Do you know if it is an SE with the HOT engine? chech the blue book on it, but a 3 yr old 2000-2002 9-3SE w/ 30k miles from the dealer can be talked down to 16-16.5k in my area (they ask 17-18k) and you could probably get it as a certified one if it can be. Since the car you are looking at is 5 yrs old you it should be 13.5-15k. depending on condition. I've owned two saabs an '88 900 (143k miles before it crashed) and currently a 2000 9-3 SE which i've had for about 3 yrs. I've never really had any trouble tho the maintenance can be costly depending on your area. Also they will noticably perform better with 91-93 octane gas Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #7 August 14, 2006 Thank you, Vint! That's the kind of help I want. Usually car buying is fun for me; but right now, this is the last thing I want to do...'cause it's not my choice. I'd prefer my Jetta - I love that car!! - but $3-4k in repairs on a car valued (at best) at $4,000 is not a smart decision, no matter how much I love that car. So it's not really a choice for me...which is why it's no fun. I really like the way the Saab handles, and I loved the top down...and it handles well going into LA freeway traffic at full speed (up to 80 mph in a heartbeat...). Considering it's a 4 cylinder, I sure didn't expect the oomph it has (of course, it's turbo, so that makes a difference, too...). Surprised at the wind noise lack, as well as the ability to hear the radio and talk at the same time, with the top down, going 80. Not that it would happen often, but it's nice to know it can be done. So thanks, Vint. Good to hear the quirks aren't necessarily a design/manufacture issue...and rather like any other car; it's the personality. I'll check out the group you linked; I've been everywhere this weekend, so I might've been there, too. But I don't remember, and haven't registered, so didn't ask there. Thanks again! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveStMarys 0 #8 August 14, 2006 Can you afford to repair it when it breaks down. My sister has an Audi and when it breaks down she just cringes at how much parts are that need to be replaced. BobbiA miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 August 14, 2006 Quotetheir asking price is definetly a bit high. Do you know if it is an SE with the HOT engine? Dunno what a HOT engine would be...but I agree, it's high. Quotechech the blue book on it, but a 3 yr old 2000-2002 9-3SE w/ 30k miles from the dealer can be talked down to 16-16.5k in my area (they ask 17-18k) and you could probably get it as a certified one if it can be. Since the car you are looking at is 5 yrs old you it should be 13.5-15k. depending on condition. I plan on offering $14K in the form of a pre-made cashier's check (with his name on it...), and explain my reasoning. The 30K mile service will be about $700, the pre purchase inspection at Saab will be $100, and Kelly Blue Book is $15,000 (good condition). Further, an extended warranty will cost about $2300 (I just got off the phone with them), so I feel that $14K is a good, solid, reasonable and reasoned offer. He doesn't want to make another loan/insurance payment, doesn't want to run another ad, and has three cars now (his hybrid, a Land Rover for his wife, and this one...). He's eager to get rid of it, and it is overpriced (even for the milage. So I bet I can get it for quite a bit less than his 17K obo... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #10 August 14, 2006 QuoteCan you afford to repair it when it breaks down. My sister has an Audi and when it breaks down she just cringes at how much parts are that need to be replaced. Bobbi, I can't afford a car. But here in this city, if you don't have one, and rely on public transportation, you're well and truly fucked. I checked the bus lines, and for what I need, it doesn't run often and is in a bad neighborhood. So the honest answer is I can't afford a car. But I have to get a car, 'cause my car is about dead. That's the issue, you know? Stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place...I am considering an expensive warranty package, but don't want to spend the money for that (although, see, I know how Murphy works. If I don't, then it will break into a million pieces. If I do, I'll never need it. Sigh...) Sometimes, it's just no fun living my life. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveStMarys 0 #11 August 14, 2006 If thats the case maybe you need to look at another car. Say maybe a Ford or Chevy, something that won't cost a small fortune to get repaired. Saabs and Audi, etc need maintaince DAILY/Monthly. It can be very exspensive just to have an oil change. I don't think they take regular gas, you need super unleaded, that is a small fortune right there. Good luck, I really mean that! BobbiA miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumpervint 0 #12 August 14, 2006 You want to hear my whine about why I couldn't make it to LP this year? That's a sob story, I tell ya... Vint. . . . . "Make it hard again." Doc Ed “A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free” Nikos Kazantzakis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #13 August 14, 2006 QuoteGood luck, I reall mean that! Thanks, Bobbi. I have looked at other cars (ford, honda,toyota, volkswagen, et cetera), and while they're cheaper, they really are "cheaper." The only car I want is mine...and it's dead. Sigh... Some Mondays are easier than others. I wanna go back to bed... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveStMarys 0 #14 August 14, 2006 "Some Mondays are easier than others. I wanna go back to bed..." Got back to bed honey, it will all be there tomorrow when you wake up. BobbiA miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #15 August 14, 2006 QuoteI really like the way the Saab handles, and I loved the top down...and it handles well going into LA freeway traffic at full speed (up to 80 mph in a heartbeat...). Be sure to get a nice long vintage Hollywood scarf/shawl to keep your hair in place while you drive your clients around Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #16 August 14, 2006 We've had a couple of Saabs. We were very happy with them, but when something does need to be repaired - it's expensive. It seems like the regular service was always very costly as well.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #17 August 14, 2006 QuoteGot back to bed honey, it will all be there tomorrow when you wake up. Yes, it will. And what's worse, tomorrow has it's own set of difficulties and issues to address...so it will be horrific if I just push it to tomorrow (but man, that's a consideration). But lemme tell you, I am so sick and tired of researching cars right now... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumpervint 0 #18 August 14, 2006 The computer will adjust it to run on low octane, but they do better on the higher. I run the medium grade in mine and it does well. I regularly get upper 20s mpg around town and 37-39 on the freeway for long trips, depending on how hard I push it. I have a 5-speed manual, and rarely use 5th until I'm on the freeway. And the higher price is because it's a convertible. Saab convertibles run higher than the sedans, both new and used. Yes, repairs are expensive, but if you attend to the routine maintenance and not let things get out of hand, then they last a long time. My transmission was going out for 15 months before it finally gave up. It was like your Jetta: do I spend as much repairing it as the car is worth or do I drive it until it dies and find something else? Obviously, I drove it until it died. Did I mention I love my Saab? Vint. . . . . "Make it hard again." Doc Ed “A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free” Nikos Kazantzakis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #19 August 14, 2006 QuoteBe sure to get a nice long vintage Hollywood scarf/shawl to keep your hair in place while you drive your clients around Bright pink or purple silk! 10 feet long!!! Wheeeeeeeeee!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #20 August 14, 2006 QuoteWe've had a couple of Saabs. We were very happy with them, but when something does need to be repaired - it's expensive. It seems like the regular service was always very costly as well. Yeah, I am aware of that. Sigh...but then again, I spent $500 on my Jetta in April, and another $500 earlier this month, and am now facing a $3-4K fix...so cars, in general, seem to be expensive. What I really want is a Saturn Sky Redline...but that's $30K, a two seater, and the waiting list is about 6 months....oh well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #21 August 14, 2006 I have a 2000 9-5 170hp with 112k on it. Every time the brakes get done; so, do the rotors. The 30k services are around $900 for everything they say. It's on it's 3d turbo (last one about 80k ago). They replaced the turbos under warranty and the ignition cartridge too. I've blown the center speaker twice; it's now disconnected. Other than the display loosing LCDs since the 50k warranty expired, I still like it . The book value is supposed to be around $5k for my car; so, I'm keeping it until it dies. -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #22 August 14, 2006 Vint, I expect to run it on midgrade with the occasional tank of high grade...so I am hoping I'll get good mileage too. In my Jetta, I never used 5th until I was on the freeway...usually not even 4th on the streets (it's LA...you're lucky to get to 3rd before the next red light!!!). During the test drive, I took it up to 5th, and it hummed along just as nice as you please. Yes, you mentioned you love your Saab...and that speaks volumes to me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #23 August 14, 2006 QuoteYeah, I am aware of that. Sigh...but then again, I spent $500 on my Jetta in April, and another $500 earlier this month, and am now facing a $3-4K fix...so cars, in general, seem to be expensive. Get a Toyota or a Honda. Yeah, I know, everybody has one, but there's good reason for that. Both makes are very reliable and not nearly as expensive to maintain or repair as the European imports are. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #24 August 14, 2006 The low output turbos are designed to drink the cheap stuff. -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #25 August 14, 2006 the HOT engines are 205 HP vs 170 or something. All SE editions are the HOT engine. they handle/ driver nicer IMO. Saabs are a little slow between 1-2 gear, but 2-5 (35+mph) they pickup great Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
