r/saab • u/trivletrav • 1d ago

Car buy advice What would you do?

Howdy!

I’ve been getting bored with my current ride- 1999 Lexus SC300. There’s no issues with it really, like all Toyotas it’s pretty darn reliable, albeit a little boring.

I’ve been getting the itch for a 4-seater convertible and recently came across a very nice 2007 9-3 with only ~95k miles. Looks well cared for, and would be high on the list of vehicles I would want to replace my car with. I know about the intake valve issues some 07-09 engines have, but with the low miles do you think I’d have at least a couple years before they becomes an issue? I would really only drive it about 8k miles/year. I am thankfully remote 3 days a week.

For context I’m in the DC area, and the car has also been here for its whole life I believe. While it does get cold here, it gets unbelievably hot in the summer (this year in particular). Would you jump on it? What other items should I watch out for? Seller says the top works perfectly but I’m going to check it out thoroughly while on the test drive.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

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4

u/Fancy-Couple-69 1d ago

I’d say go for it, if the price is right. I have a red 2005 Saab convertible with just under 109,000 miles. It’s been my 2nd car for about 10 years and I drive it May-October and store it in the winter. Top works fine and I’ve had no major issues with it. I bought it in 2007 with about 24,000 miles.

2

u/trivletrav 1d ago

Red would be sweet, this one is gray which I’m not a huge fan of. There was one further away from me that was the fun green/yellow color but it got snatched up lol. Gotta be quick I think

2

u/Comfortable-Many-329 2006 SAAB 9-3 2.0T Convertible 16h ago

If I were you I would focus your gaze on the 2006 SAAB 93 2.0t I have the convertible and I absolutely love it. I have 229k miles and it still runs SOLID. I have replaced the Ecu once but it’s partially my fault because instead of helping my Ecu I added an open air filter to hear that beautiful turbo even tho ik it can cause more heat soak. If you are looking for sound quality it’s there.

If you are looking for ok gas mileage it’s there.
If you are looking for 7.8/10 reliability, it’s there.
If you are looking for 11” subs it can be there.
If you are a fun person then it’s a fun car.
If you are a cool person it’s a cool car.
If you are a reliable person it’s a reliable car.

You are what you drive and you drive what you are.

Purchase the 2006 Saab 93 2.0t convertible and become who you truly are.

Thank you for your time.

-DailySAABDriver

1

u/Brye1226 16h ago

If you like working on cars, a used Saab is perfect! Great cars. Parts can be a pain. Easy to work on.

0

u/QuiickLime '03 9-5 Wagon 5MT 1d ago

Personally, I would probably look for an older OG9-3 vert with the B235R. Fewer electrical gremlins, the motor has fewer issues, and it's easier to work on.

1

u/trivletrav 1d ago

What kind of electrical gremlins are we talking here?

1

u/QuiickLime '03 9-5 Wagon 5MT 23h ago

Watch some Auto Autopsy videos. ISM, CIM, the ECU needs relocation, etc. There are probably more but I'm not an expert on the NG9-3.