Passerby wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I just bought my first Saab - '08 9-3 2.0 sedan (auto, although I'd
> prefer manual). Love the handling, interior space (size considered)
> and the workman****p, for most part, seems very good (a bit too much of
> plain black plastic in the middle of dashboard, looks cheap compared
> to the rest of the interior, although to be fair still fairly tasteful
> and not ugly). A few questions, though, to the people having more
> experience with the brand:
Just wondering why you bought an auto in a new car when you say you
prefer manual? Manual used to be fairly available in SAABs, especially
the 9-3 as opposed to the 9-5. Has this changed? I hate auto.
>
> - the manual says oil change every 10K miles, the dealer****p suggested
> every 5K, what do you think ? Also, is there anything special about
> oil change in Saab - the dealer sounded as if it absolutely had to be
> done by a mechanic. Changing the oil filter, draining old oil &
> pouring new synthetic oil shouldn't be any different from any other
> car, IMHO. For me, at least, doing this at home is much more
> convenient.
For the warranty, I would have the 10,000 mile oil changes do***ented.
And, yes, they might be free of charge with your maintence. However, I
would recommend at least 5,000 mile intervals if not 3,300 mile
intervals. Use a good synthetic oil and do the changes yourself or at an
independent for the in-between changes. These newer engines are not as
bulletproof as the older classic 900 and 9000 engines.
>
> - the break-in period of 5K seem a bit high ? I'm going to stick with
> it just to be safe, but isn't it usually 1.5-2 K ?
I dunno. Last time I bought a brand new car (SAAB) was in 1969 and it
was 500 miles as I recall.
>
> - It appears that both 12v plugs are turned off when the key is
> removed, now this is different - every other car I ever owned kept
> them powered, allowing e.g. cell phones to be charged in the car
> overnight. Am I missing something ? I found no reference to it
> anywhere in the owners manual.
In my 99 Cherokee, only one is turned off with the key - the cig
lighter. I haven't checked my 01 9-5's yet. This is common for radar
detectors, for instance.
>
> Also, am I the only one put off by the sound quality of base audio
> system ? It seems severely lacking in high-frequency and rather wooden
> in low. How much of money / hassle is it to replace it with a better
> aftermarket system ? (not top of the line, just something with better
> sound quality).
I have outgrown my audiophile stage about a decade ago, so I have no
comment here.
>
> Any tips specific to this car would be appreciated, too.
>
> Thanks !
Good luck!
Charles
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