So has anyone had experience with Saab 9-3s (second generation, '02-'12)? My roommate is looking at cars and he likes them and I know nothing about them except that I think Saabs are cool. Kelley Blue Book has generally positive owner reviews on them.
the second gens are much better than the NG900 and the original gen 9-3. The only thing I don't like about them is the lack of a hatch
The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?
Streetwiseguy wrote: The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?
You're talking to a dude that has/had a Yugo and likes British sports cars. I'm guessing he'll manage just fine.
MG Bryan wrote: Find a Turbo X. I know I'd like to.
This.
Or step backwards into a Viggen or a ~99 4 door H.O.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:Streetwiseguy wrote: The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?You're talking to a dude that has/had a Yugo and likes British sports cars. I'm guessing he'll manage just fine.
Except it is for my roommate. But I figure plenty of people drive cars no long supported.
93EXCivic wrote:92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:Except it is for my roommate. But I figure plenty of people drive cars no long supported.Streetwiseguy wrote: The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?You're talking to a dude that has/had a Yugo and likes British sports cars. I'm guessing he'll manage just fine.
I still doubt it'll be a big deal. It's not like Rockauto doesn't carry anything for them. It's not like they don't share MANY parts with GM cars that existed at the same time.
Streetwiseguy wrote: The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?
When was the last time you bought parts at a dealership??? Personally, I've done stuff from massive rebuilds to restorations and mild repairs on stuff as common as a Cavalier and as rare as an N600 and I've never NEEDED a part from a dealership. Sure, it's nice if you can order a brand new bumper cover and taillights from a dealership when insurance is paying for it because somebody rear ended you, but if you couldn't do that there are plenty of alternatives. Generally speaking, buying parts at a dealership is for the birds.
I have a Saturn, Pontiac, and a Saab. There are several cars I'm always on the lookout for that are from "dead" companies. I own multiple old cars from companies that still exist that have absolutely no parts available at the dealership aside from a few random screws and filters. I find this concern of dead companies pretty silly, but maybe I'm alone.
Bryce
My folks have an '02/'03 9-3, which they got a year or two old. Pushing 190k mi. with no major issues. They like it enough that they're giving serious consideration to buying an identical one that just came up for sale with about half the mileage.
It's a bit of a pig, but it's fun to hustle around. Nice motor if you're into boost. Holds a ton of stuff, fairly posh interior. Seems basically unstoppable in the snow, even on all seasons.
Our local Saab dealer also does Volvo, so they're still around for service and parts.
Streetwiseguy wrote: The company is dead. Like, not even zombie dead. Just plain dead. In the ground, never to be seen again dead. Where will you buy parts?
I find this answer interesting on a car more than 8 years old. What I mean is, for a 2002 model year of any car, lets say a Infiniti i30 (which likely sells fewer than the Saab 9-3); how likely are you to really buy "factory parts" and not AdvancePepZone sourced parts? Body panels on a car that old will typically be junkyard or reproduction parts, right?
What am i missing?
What typical parts will be so hard to find?
EDIT: I see others were thinking the same thing around the same time.
parts from the factory are hard to find.. (new body and interior parts) but everything else is availible
FYI re: OE Saab parts...
Tim Colbeck, President and COO, Saab Cars North America, Inc. From: Saab Cars [mailto:SaabNASaab-na.com] Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 12:01 PM To: Saab Cars Cc: Tim Colbeck Subject: Dear Saab Retailer, I wanted to give you an update on the situation regarding parts availability. I realize that information up to now has been very scarce and I do apologize for that. As we all know, the complexities of the SCNA Chapter 11 and liquidation have made the normal business of parts distribution, as well as the communication process more difficult. While SCNA has made every effort to make parts available and to purchase backorder parts for supply to North American retailers, the current parts supply situation is not ideal. The revenue generated from parts sales since the restart in January has been held in escrow for the benefit of creditors. SCNA will continue to sell parts to Saab dealers from the Allentown warehouse under the current process until a buyer is found for the parts or until the inventory is insufficient to generate enough revenue to cover the cost of doing business, whichever comes first. In the meantime, SCNA is preparing to sell the remaining Allentown parts in a manner which will maximize the value to creditors. This process is under discussion with the Creditors Committee and when finalized, will be presented to the court for approval. The intention is to complete the sale at the end of May or in June. As you may already be aware, Saab Parts AB is establishing a subsidiary company in North America with the intention of fulfilling the parts and technical services needs of North American customers. This company will be much like the company established in the U.K. for the same purpose. Saab Parts AB has also indicated their interest in purchasing the remaining Allentown inventory and would like to participate in the sale once the process is approved. Saab Parts AB intends to have the new company up and running during the month of June. I expect to see an announcement directly from the new company to all dealers in the near term. You may have seen a recent press release by Saab Parts AB announcing the company signed an agreement to use Saab�s press and body shop plant to manufacture replacement body parts. A second agreement was signed to acquire a large number of fully assembled parts and other components. I believe these new announcements along with continuing efforts to re-establish relationships with many suppliers, point to much better availability of parts in the near future for Saab retailers and customers. I appreciate your patience and understanding as SCNA winds down its operations and I look forward to the establishment of the new company to provide access to Saab parts and technical services in North America for the future. Best Regards, Tim Timothy M. Colbeck President and COO Saab Cars North America, Inc.
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