Learn Me 2nd Gen Snaab 9-3

Going to be seeing fellow GRMer AWSX(some numbers)'s 03 Saab 9-3 either tonight or this weekend and I'm basically clueless on these cars. I gather that this is the first year of the 2nd generation 9-3, with the 210hp 2.0l turbo GM Ecotec and that's about the extent of my knowledge at this time. Looking at this as a DD for at least the short term while I build the LS1 FC and sort the XJ's electrical issues at my leisure.

A quick Googling tells me the 03s can have some electrical bugs and the water pumps apparently suck to change, but what else is there to look out for? Parts availability still OK? Do these still have the Saab open source engine management that's wicked easy to tune?

I don't know about body and interior parts, but you are correct in thinking quite a bit of the mechanical bits are GM. If they are anything like the NG900 I had, you will be dropping the subframe for some of the work, but it is not too big a job to do

I have had a couple of them and still have a 2010 sedan, and my mother has an 08 vert. They are stout cars. the 4cyl cars are fairly easy to work on the 6 cyl are a nightmare. the 03's did have more electrical problems that later years, however I would think if things work now they probably will continue to or have been fixed. if you have other questions let me know.

2003 being the first year has some unique parts. They have a secondary air injection system that is nightmarish to diagnose and fix if it fails, Saab ditched the whole system for '04. Probably fine on that car but something to look out for in general because it can cause a chronic CEL.

Also I hear that some of the earlier Ecotecs like to pitch timing chains but I'm not sure how widespread the problem was.

In reply to cdowd:

Basically I just want to know if there are any big known problems I should be on the lookout for. The hope is to run the thing for maybe ~6ish months, putting as little into it as possible, and have a fun, decent, and reliable daily while planning and saving for a longer term solution.

What kind of fuel mileage are you seeing?

In reply to pointofdeparture:

Good info! I'm assuming if there's no CEL, the secondary air injection is probably fine?

hows the aftermarket and modifying them?

Opti wrote: hows the aftermarket and modifying them?

Check out the performance section at genuinesaab.com and you'll have your answer. (Basically, not bad)

In reply to Furious_E:

Or the CEL bulb burned out from being on for so long.

Sorry- Saab humor, not serious

The things I can think of off the top of my head. Sway bar end links, wonky fuel gauges, door handles need to be kept lubed, the early cars can break coil springs in the salt belt. we have put hundreds of thousands of miles on Saabs. My wife is still upset that when hers wears out she won't be getting another one.