Saab 9-3SS Aero

I got a smoking deal on an '06 tonight. 2.8 Twin turbo; 6 speed manual; 90k miles. I already have a 2.0T wagon and just couldn't pass on this deal even knowing nothing about the aero model.

I know it needs a front spoiler, something with a rear window regulator and has some kind of water leak into the back seats that just started.

So what's the deal with these cars? Any trouble to look for under the hood? Car has been serviced at the Saab/Cadillac dealer since new and I'm getting it from the original owner.

My plan is to fix the known issues and either make it my DD or flip it.

Pics or it's really a Chevy Lumina

If only I had them! The car is currently in FL and I am in OH. The owner will be bringing it up here at Thanksgiving for me. Its a family friend and I saw and drove the car in September.

My understanding was to stay away from the V6, but it sounds like you have one.

Fix it and flip it.

Can't help ya with the water, but we've had an '07 93 aero wagon for the last two years and LOVE it. Typical daily driver stuff, with your basic maintenance and nothing's broke yet (aside from a CEL for the fuel pump that's a common ignorable problem). I'm extremely impressed with the grunt and road holding capabilities of this car. Very nice. Goes when you flog it, settles down nicely for the commute.

I'm insanely jealous of your 6-spd. As this is Mrs. Hungary's DD ours is an auto. However, there was a time or two I took it to work and may or may not have been pushing triple digits coming off an on-ramp

That front spoiler catches on EVERYTHING though. I say replace it if you HAVE to, otherwise DD the heck out of it and have one beast of a cool driver

NGTD wrote: My understanding was to stay away from the V6, but it sounds like you have one. Fix it and flip it.

The 9-3SS 2.8 V6 is a good engine. It's the 3.0 V6 in the 9-5 that is an absolute nightmare. They are very, very different engines. The 3.0 started life as the Catera engine before they added a turbo (on only one bank of cylinders!) and turned it sideways to create the world's most insane timing belt job...the 2.8 is a more modern timing chain design with a proper turbo setup and is actually quite well-regarded.

In regards to OP, there have been a TON of threads about these recently. Was just one yesterday: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/2007-saab-9-3-20t-6spdthoughts/107708/page1/

Thanks guys. I am fully aware of the greatness that is the Saab 9-3, I was just unaware of how good or bad the 2.8T is. It sounds like I did alright on it; just need to decide if I like the power more than the function of my wagon.

They tend to go through ignition coils regularly. The older they get the worse the vacuum problems will be, because everything gets brittle under the hood due to extreme heat. The cooling system tends to leak around the turbo and reservoir. Quite a few module issues for the ignition.

Changing the rear bank of plugs is fiddly because you have to remove the ECU and there are all those brittle hoses and valves to watch out for. The serpentine belt is also difficult to change because you need to undo an engine mount, at least on the XWD cars.

The real nightmare is the XWD system, but you are all good there.

The good stuff: seats, leather, headlights, engine, brakes, paint, rust resistance, roof rack option, tow rating The bad stuff: handling, 1/4mile time, no bluetooth,so so stereo, squeaks and rattles everywhere, batteries last less than 3 years, some parts are rare and/or pricey like front air dams.

I had a 2.0T sportcombi anniversary edition and a 2.8 TurboX manual sportcombi. I like the 2.0T much better. If I were you I would stay with the your 2.0T.

In reply to asoduk:

Yeah, the 2.8T is solid. The biggest disadvantage is your typical transverse V6 stuff: difficult rear spark plug changes, tight engine bay, more weight. The 2.8Ts are positively MONSTROUS (310hp/350tq) with nothing more than a tune though!

Pardon my asking, but what's a smoking deal on these - are they challenge territory or beyond?

My sister ran an auto 2.8 single turbo wagon 160,000 highway miles with no problems.

oldtin wrote: Pardon my asking, but what's a smoking deal on these - are they challenge territory or beyond?

It depends on the year. The 2.8T cars are still holding $6-8k in some places, especially the newer facelift models (and the wagons are a separate market entirely) but I am starting to see the earlier turbo Ecotec cars around or just above challenge cash.

asoduk wrote: If only I had them! The car is currently in FL and I am in OH. The owner will be bringing it up here at Thanksgiving for me. Its a family friend and I saw and drove the car in September.

Nice Lumina

mtn wrote:

asoduk wrote: If only I had them! The car is currently in FL and I am in OH. The owner will be bringing it up here at Thanksgiving for me. Its a family friend and I saw and drove the car in September.

Nice *Corsica*

FTFY

OK... I got the car today. I was wrong about it being the 2.8... It is a 2004 Aero 2.0T. Picked it up this morning, but haven't really gotten to mess with it yet.

https://goo.gl/photos/UcQnXLsfz5QabBVf8

Not a Corsica or Lumina!

So far what I've found wrong with it: missing front spoiler, radio doesn't turn on, something weird with one of the back windows. I was pleasantly surprised to find the original window sticker, original bill of sale and the nice fleece Saab blanket that was included with cars of this age.

At this point I need to decide if I want a 6 speed aero with 90k miles, or an automatic wagon with 170k miles.

Do we have any Saab radio experts here?

The big saab sites point to AMP1 under the driver's seat. I pulled it and tested it in my other car and it works. I have light coming through the fiber going into it, have replaced all fuses, but no dice. I get lights on the radio, and the SID works, but nothing pops up on the radio display.

Could just be a bad display, I tend to over think problems with this car because, well SAAB, but its usually something simple so far. I drive a 2003 9-3, swapped to the aero turbo and injectors with a tune and boy it is a fun car!

Did I see you in Bridgeville, PA yesterday?

Wasn't me. The car hasn't left the house yet.

asoduk wrote: I got a smoking deal on an '06 tonight. 2.8 Twin turbo;

You'll find that it's not a twin turbo. SAAB hung a single turbo for the whole engine off of one bank. Yes, really. They made a big deal over it at the time.

Knurled: ya, i was wrong. Its a single turbo 2.0l. It is pretty quick though.