On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:27:52 -0800 (PST), OldTau <zwremi@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
>Hi,
>I am looking at a couple Saab 9-3 Convertible SE vehicles, between the
>years 2002 and 2003. I test drove one today and the engine light was
>on, and it seemed as though the gas gauge was malfunctioning.
>Additionally, the car seemed to hesitate when the accelerator was
>pressed down.
>I am not used to driving a Saab, and am not sure how it
>should drive, but it didn't seem quite right.
Engine light is indicative of an emissions component failure. That's
not horrible since most of those items are minor, but it's not good.
I'd find another car.
Also, Saab engines don't suffer from any flat spots. There is a delay
before the turbo kicks in, then you start to fly, but you should get
normal acceleration until it does. Drive another couple to compare.
>I guess I would just
>like to know how these vehicles drive, as well as any problems I
>should be looking for.
They drive well. Soft, smooth, comfortable with good handling. Many of
use put in a set of Koni adjustables for a much improved ride and
handling. Some also install a steering rack brace kit which cuts way
down on tramlining under high boost (something that feels like torque
steer, but isn't).
If you are coming from a ****sche, you might want to do both. Keep in
mind that it's FWD, so you have to relearn a bit compared to driving
the ****sche RWD. Great in the Winter with All Seasons - pull out stuck
SUV's with snow tires. Off the top of my head, Koni's are about $550
and the brace about $200.
>Are there any common malfunctions or problems
>with these vehicles?
There are a couple of wear items like an idler pulley ($50) that needs
50K replacement - 10 minute DIY job. There was a potential sludge
issue with a motor redesign on some engines in those years. I don't
know whether those specific motors were affected as I own an earlier
unaffected motor but check out the details before purchase.
The electronic ignition/spark module, known as DIC, typically expires
around 70K miles. Since they can fail without warning in some cases,
most of us who are knowledgable carry a spare ($230 new or Ebay $50)
just as insurance. It's a 10 minute replacement job with a hand torx
driver that's in the trunk that anyone can do.
Look for maint records with regular synthetic oil changes (best for
the turbo itself). For a 2002/3 you should find that the only things
done were oil, brakes (maybe), and tires.
>I own a Toyota FJ Cruiser as my main car, and
>have an older ****sche as a summer car (which the Saab will replace).
>As many of you probably know, ****sche is not the epitome of
>reliability.
Didn't but I will take your word for it.
>I want something I do not have to worry about so much,
>and something that is a little bit less expensive to fix.
Saabs will cost more than the Toyota for some parts, less than the
****sche to repair. Like a ****sche, it's best to find an independent
mechanic to work on it instead of a dealer - unless you do your own
work.
>So what are
>the best qualities of the 9-3?
It will be much smoother and comfortable than any Toyota. The turbo
give you lots of whoosh and it's a blast. It does take a little
learning to pull out in traffic quickly and then avoid going too fast.
You will notice the "pull out" issue when test driving. We can teach
you :-)
Lots of nice gadgets if you like bells an whistles - Saab engineers
like to automate and put in little extras. You can seat 4, although
the rear two can't be large people. The trunk is fairly roomy with the
top up - and with it down, you can put some really large items in the
rear seat.
If your ****sche isn't a convertible, you will love having one. Saabs
'vert tops are very well insulated and finished and you can drive it
year round and it's as warm or warmer than any sedan.
>I was also looking at a Z3 and an
>SLK230, but I think I really like the Saab more. Thank you for your
>help.
Z3 and SLK will cost you more cash. The Z3 does not have the best of
reputations for reliability - at least according to my friend who owns
one... he's been very disappointed. Other than that I can't comment on
the others.
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