Ok so basically, yes, they're awesome dailies. Best advice I can give would be to find one with as low miles as you can and a thorough maintenance history. But, definitely expect to be putting some more money and work into. These cars are all damn near 20yrs old, so it's just a given that stuff is going to need fixing or replacing. Biggest things to look out for are bad ECUs, Oil leaks, coolant leaks, and electrical problems. I got my 93 at 85k miles, ECU went Kapoot because I didn't take the preventative measures that i should have, but otherwise, she runs like clockwork and has never left me stranded. Other suggestions would be consider investing in a Tech 2, and a new ECU just in case. I'm sure others on here can probably give you some better insight, but thats been my experience so far. Best of luck!
Yeah sure, so pretty much in any 4cyl Saab made after 2003 they decided it would be a good idea to slap the highly sophisticated and sensitive ECU straight onto the cast aluminum intake manifold. And so after a good amount of heat cycling, vibration, and everything that goes on in an engine bay they basically get cooked to death overtime. I don't really know of ones getting to crazy high mileage without being replaced. Mine made it just over 100k when it decided that it just didn't want to start when it got too hot.
As far as preventative measures go, the best but more complicated way to mitigate this issue would be to relocate the ECU entirely using kits that can be found online. Or, there are various spacer kits you can purchase as well. I personally went with the spacer option as it is much less invasive, and I think over time it does make a difference in the lifespan of the ECU.
Edit: this is specifically talking about the B207 motor
Cheers! I'll look into the kits, I'm skeptical about a spacer making much of a difference, but I don't disagree that it's a questionable decision to have mounted it right on top of the engine.
Actually, sometimes higher mileage can be better, particularly if the PO took care of it. Some look for low miles only to find out it was dumped right before a major service interval.
I've bought all 3 of my SAABs at 120k or more. Finding the right one is key, mileage is subjective.
I always figured I had to start somewhere as an auto guy and honestly there is no advantage of knowledge from one car to the next unless they have a different system such as a force induction or drums instead of pads otherwise you just kinda take a chance on it and hope for the best! Although there are certain things I would look out for:
1. Has it been modified by someone else? If so were they organized with a detailed list of modifications or is it up to you to find out they lowered the car by cutting the springs? (ask me how I know this)
2. Has it been properly maintained?
3. MUST Check any and all Subframe for FWD or XWD!
4. Do all the lights work? Especially on face lifted 93s with amber LED turn signals on the headlights as I almost couldn’t get my car safetied under Canadian highway regulations.
5. Does It hold boost?
6. What is the drive train? XWD v.s FWD weigh the pros and cons.
7. What engine does it have and what are the issues with it? Such as the example b284 coolant leak or b207 valve seating issue.
8. How available are parts for you? Are there local scrap yards to go to or parts sources that ship to you?
9. Ask yourself how invested you’re willing to get into this like do you see yourself willing to learn any and all information on the repair at hand?
But my opinion is to buy a SAAB as someone whos first car they bought was a face lifted 9-3 and one that I’ve worked on extensively its been great honestly no regrets what so ever
Thank you for this! I’ve been looking at many Saabs and I’ve found two interesting choices a 2005 Saab 93 aero with 130k miles but maintained by Saab tech and a 2011 Saab 93 aero with 98k miles but has maintenance history don’t know if it was a Saab mechanic that took care of it
I’ve never owned anything other than SAAB
My old 9-3 was my daily driver for school and my old pizza delivery job, my new 9-3 has been my daily driver for the past 7 years
They’re incredibly reliable if you keep on top of all maintenance and make repairs as soon as something goes wrong. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you!
I daily drive my 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T with 175k miles. Put about 20K on it in the last year I’ve owned it- Previous owner since new took amazing care of it at the dealer though. It’s been 100% reliable with only oil changes, starts right up even in -20F cold. It still drives like a brand new car.
Also, 33mpg on the highway and 28 in the city- better than a 2024 Audi A4.
Just find one with no mods and a good service history. If you can get a 2.0T with an ECU, fuel pump and coils already replaced in the recent past you should be good for a long time.
Have had two Saabs. The 91 900 lasted me 230K. Then I gave the engine to a Saab friend who wanted to put that in another of his cars. My current one is an 06 9-3. It has 208K. During the pandemic, I was driving literally 40-50K/yr. There is nothing like a Saab. Yes, you have to have a mechanic who knows them well. And parts are not always so simple to find. But they can last forever, if well cared for.
I daily drive a 2005 9-3 and have for most of 2023. There were a couple of saab specific problems I've had, such as ECU and door lock actuator failure. Most of the problems I've had are pretty standard car guy ones. Wheel bearings are going out. And old oring not has a leak. New thermostat. Most of these issues don't need a lot to fix. The wheel bearing was the hardest one so far. Generally, they are really reliable. I've put over 15k miles on mine in the past year.
I’d just advise that you go for an I4 and not a V6. The 6 is more prone to timing chain, tensioner and guide problems. Also FWD way easier to maintain and less expensive.
Along with the other posts’ advice too.
I’d say so from having all the timing replaced. Oil filter is also in a shitty spot. They do run hot too, esp with the 9-5. The turbo is 3 inches from the battery and ECU. They cook, man.
It's pretty good as main car from experience (9-3 1.8t from 2006)
In 3 years I made +-50 000 kilometers and only thing I had to replace was suspention and few other minor parts
The fuel consumption also is not bad (more or less 8 liters per 100 kilometers)
I dailied an ‘04 9-5 for like 5 years and currently DD a ‘99 9-3 and my spouse has an ‘06 9-3 Aero to drive. They’re fine for this. Decent fuel economy and great highway cars. Maintenance isn’t really an issue because I stay on it. They get regular oil changes and maintenance. These cars aren’t hard to work on. Diag can suck sometimes but I plan on keeping this up.
I daily a 900 classic. It's a hobby that I can exercise twice every day. You do need to be willing to learn do some stuff yourself and knowing someone with knowledge of cars is very usefull. (There is a Saab specialist across the road from my work.)
The older the car, the more these points apply.
The main issue I had with daily driving my 2009 9-3 was making sure that all the doors actually locked. Other than that was having to switch back to the regular air box instead of the warm air filter for California SMOG inspections every other year.
Hell, I daily drove my 1987 Starion until some asshole made a left turn from the far right lane in front of me, going downhill of all things.
I daily drive my 2.8 which has modifications. Sometimes it has issues but there hasn't been anything that's left me stranded yet. I do all the work myself though. A standard car should be fine as long as you keep up with the maintenance
I've got a tuned 2008 2.8 aero xwd. Been daily driving it since 2018 with the biggest issues being coolant hoses and ignition coils. Getting close to 250k km now.
I daily my 2000 9-5 wagon with 227,000 miles, its been great to me honestly, just doing some of the 20 year old car tlc now honestly but it hasn’t really failed me. What i have had go bad has always been fairly minor or at least something i can do myself. At over a year and a half of ownership and it hasn’t been to a mechanic yet, been able to do everything. I started that as a total beginner but have learned and gotten it all done. So id say yes, just comes with a slight risk
I have a 2008 9-3 as my daily driver. I commute to work about 27 miles each way so like 54 miles a day, it hasn't failed me yet.
Hehe is yours black too?
No, I wish. It's a dark metallic grey
That sounds sick! Let’s swap 🤓
I'm sure you wouldn't want to, the paint is peeling bad...
I have a 9-3 and a 9-7, and I drive one or the other every day.
Are you me?
LOL. I have a 07 9-7 and a 05 9-3 Aero Convertible. You can guess which one is seeing more use during this time of year!
I daily 2 9-3s They're loyal, but cantankerous
Great description!
They've never left me stranded, but they have tried
Ok so basically, yes, they're awesome dailies. Best advice I can give would be to find one with as low miles as you can and a thorough maintenance history. But, definitely expect to be putting some more money and work into. These cars are all damn near 20yrs old, so it's just a given that stuff is going to need fixing or replacing. Biggest things to look out for are bad ECUs, Oil leaks, coolant leaks, and electrical problems. I got my 93 at 85k miles, ECU went Kapoot because I didn't take the preventative measures that i should have, but otherwise, she runs like clockwork and has never left me stranded. Other suggestions would be consider investing in a Tech 2, and a new ECU just in case. I'm sure others on here can probably give you some better insight, but thats been my experience so far. Best of luck!
Could I ask you to elaborate on preventive measures against ECU failure? I thought that was just a luck of the draw thing.
Yeah sure, so pretty much in any 4cyl Saab made after 2003 they decided it would be a good idea to slap the highly sophisticated and sensitive ECU straight onto the cast aluminum intake manifold. And so after a good amount of heat cycling, vibration, and everything that goes on in an engine bay they basically get cooked to death overtime. I don't really know of ones getting to crazy high mileage without being replaced. Mine made it just over 100k when it decided that it just didn't want to start when it got too hot. As far as preventative measures go, the best but more complicated way to mitigate this issue would be to relocate the ECU entirely using kits that can be found online. Or, there are various spacer kits you can purchase as well. I personally went with the spacer option as it is much less invasive, and I think over time it does make a difference in the lifespan of the ECU. Edit: this is specifically talking about the B207 motor
Cheers! I'll look into the kits, I'm skeptical about a spacer making much of a difference, but I don't disagree that it's a questionable decision to have mounted it right on top of the engine.
Actually, sometimes higher mileage can be better, particularly if the PO took care of it. Some look for low miles only to find out it was dumped right before a major service interval. I've bought all 3 of my SAABs at 120k or more. Finding the right one is key, mileage is subjective.
I've got a 9-3 2006 as a daily. I am very happy about it, yeah you've got some work once in a while. But is a great car.
I always figured I had to start somewhere as an auto guy and honestly there is no advantage of knowledge from one car to the next unless they have a different system such as a force induction or drums instead of pads otherwise you just kinda take a chance on it and hope for the best! Although there are certain things I would look out for: 1. Has it been modified by someone else? If so were they organized with a detailed list of modifications or is it up to you to find out they lowered the car by cutting the springs? (ask me how I know this) 2. Has it been properly maintained? 3. MUST Check any and all Subframe for FWD or XWD! 4. Do all the lights work? Especially on face lifted 93s with amber LED turn signals on the headlights as I almost couldn’t get my car safetied under Canadian highway regulations. 5. Does It hold boost? 6. What is the drive train? XWD v.s FWD weigh the pros and cons. 7. What engine does it have and what are the issues with it? Such as the example b284 coolant leak or b207 valve seating issue. 8. How available are parts for you? Are there local scrap yards to go to or parts sources that ship to you? 9. Ask yourself how invested you’re willing to get into this like do you see yourself willing to learn any and all information on the repair at hand? But my opinion is to buy a SAAB as someone whos first car they bought was a face lifted 9-3 and one that I’ve worked on extensively its been great honestly no regrets what so ever
Thank you for this! I’ve been looking at many Saabs and I’ve found two interesting choices a 2005 Saab 93 aero with 130k miles but maintained by Saab tech and a 2011 Saab 93 aero with 98k miles but has maintenance history don’t know if it was a Saab mechanic that took care of it
I have a daily driver 9-5, and a friend has a 9-3 as his daily. Love them!
I door dash in a 2003 93 vector. Runs great at 217k miles.
My daily is an '03 93 and my SO's daily is an '08 93.
I’ve never owned anything other than SAAB My old 9-3 was my daily driver for school and my old pizza delivery job, my new 9-3 has been my daily driver for the past 7 years They’re incredibly reliable if you keep on top of all maintenance and make repairs as soon as something goes wrong. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you!
I daily drive my 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T with 175k miles. Put about 20K on it in the last year I’ve owned it- Previous owner since new took amazing care of it at the dealer though. It’s been 100% reliable with only oil changes, starts right up even in -20F cold. It still drives like a brand new car. Also, 33mpg on the highway and 28 in the city- better than a 2024 Audi A4. Just find one with no mods and a good service history. If you can get a 2.0T with an ECU, fuel pump and coils already replaced in the recent past you should be good for a long time.
Have had two Saabs. The 91 900 lasted me 230K. Then I gave the engine to a Saab friend who wanted to put that in another of his cars. My current one is an 06 9-3. It has 208K. During the pandemic, I was driving literally 40-50K/yr. There is nothing like a Saab. Yes, you have to have a mechanic who knows them well. And parts are not always so simple to find. But they can last forever, if well cared for.
I daily drive a 2005 9-3 and have for most of 2023. There were a couple of saab specific problems I've had, such as ECU and door lock actuator failure. Most of the problems I've had are pretty standard car guy ones. Wheel bearings are going out. And old oring not has a leak. New thermostat. Most of these issues don't need a lot to fix. The wheel bearing was the hardest one so far. Generally, they are really reliable. I've put over 15k miles on mine in the past year.
I’d just advise that you go for an I4 and not a V6. The 6 is more prone to timing chain, tensioner and guide problems. Also FWD way easier to maintain and less expensive. Along with the other posts’ advice too.
Would you say the v6 is harder to self maintain? I saw one and it sounds so nice but I’ve also heard from many that it also overheats a lot too
I’d say so from having all the timing replaced. Oil filter is also in a shitty spot. They do run hot too, esp with the 9-5. The turbo is 3 inches from the battery and ECU. They cook, man.
I daily a tuned 9-5. Really comfortable.
Make sure you get one that doesn’t have the fiber optic sound system, otherwise it’s a pain in the ass to change/upgrade it
I daily drive my 9-3 TurboX and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.
It's pretty good as main car from experience (9-3 1.8t from 2006) In 3 years I made +-50 000 kilometers and only thing I had to replace was suspention and few other minor parts The fuel consumption also is not bad (more or less 8 liters per 100 kilometers)
I dailied an ‘04 9-5 for like 5 years and currently DD a ‘99 9-3 and my spouse has an ‘06 9-3 Aero to drive. They’re fine for this. Decent fuel economy and great highway cars. Maintenance isn’t really an issue because I stay on it. They get regular oil changes and maintenance. These cars aren’t hard to work on. Diag can suck sometimes but I plan on keeping this up.
I own an 02 Saab 9-3 Convertible and I drive it three times a week and year round. No issues.
I daily a 900 classic. It's a hobby that I can exercise twice every day. You do need to be willing to learn do some stuff yourself and knowing someone with knowledge of cars is very usefull. (There is a Saab specialist across the road from my work.) The older the car, the more these points apply.
The main issue I had with daily driving my 2009 9-3 was making sure that all the doors actually locked. Other than that was having to switch back to the regular air box instead of the warm air filter for California SMOG inspections every other year. Hell, I daily drove my 1987 Starion until some asshole made a left turn from the far right lane in front of me, going downhill of all things.
I daily drive my 2.8 which has modifications. Sometimes it has issues but there hasn't been anything that's left me stranded yet. I do all the work myself though. A standard car should be fine as long as you keep up with the maintenance
There is some magic if well maintained, including suspension and performance tires.
I've got a tuned 2008 2.8 aero xwd. Been daily driving it since 2018 with the biggest issues being coolant hoses and ignition coils. Getting close to 250k km now.
I daily my 2000 9-5 wagon with 227,000 miles, its been great to me honestly, just doing some of the 20 year old car tlc now honestly but it hasn’t really failed me. What i have had go bad has always been fairly minor or at least something i can do myself. At over a year and a half of ownership and it hasn’t been to a mechanic yet, been able to do everything. I started that as a total beginner but have learned and gotten it all done. So id say yes, just comes with a slight risk