Saab

[AirCanuck]

2003 Saab 9.3 Turbo - anyone know anything about saabs?  They bad for maintenance or anything?  I found a sweet one for a good price.

[gta_driver]

As a current Saab owner, I would stay away from that vintage of 9-3. They have multiple issues. Everything from engine sludging issues to gasket failure, issues with sensors to Harmon Kardon stereo problems. That's why they're cheap. Newer 9-3 are much better engineered and built.

If you want a Saab, stick to a 9-2x(Saabified Impreza) or a 9-5-only if it comes with its full service history(including all documented oil changes-there is an oil sludge problem on these cars too, but less frequent).

Saab's are fun, comfortable(the seats in the 9-3 and 9-5 are orthopaedic) fuel efficient cars that are great long distance and snow drivers. However maintenance and parts on non well maintained models can really add up.

Part prices and servicing in general is expensive. The turbos in 9-3's and 9-5's usually fail in the 140k km to 150k km range. The price of a brand new turbo(part only) is right around $1200 plus seals, plus installation plus taxes at a Saab indy shop. More at the dealer

[AirCanuck]

thanks helped to steer me away from a possible nightmare!