Saab's....

**touringlegend** · 9 Feb 2005, 21:18 (Ref:1221362)

I'm betting their expensive buggers to repair if something goes wrong, and expensive too to get serviced.

I've spotted several 01 Saab 9-3 models around, that surprisingly are within my budget, but definitely at the extreme sharp end of it. Model in mind is the 2.2 TiD 125BHP version, I'm assuming this is some sort of GM related engine used in Vauxhalls - is it the same 2.2 as used in Omegas, Vectras etc ?

I'm assuming too that they are right comfy motors to own?? My Escort at the mo is too rough for my liking I need a motorway cruiser. Saab has cruise control pity it can't brake and steer for itself too!

**bella** · 9 Feb 2005, 22:34 (Ref:1221422)

bit worried they only get 125bhp from a 2.2tid or whatever it is... that seems like a heck of a lump and not much speed.

**garcon** · 9 Feb 2005, 22:51 (Ref:1221439)

I don't suppose 125bhp is much, but the '01 9-3 has all the chassis control of a Tesco trolley with 3 wheels so you wouldn't want much more.

Solid, comfortable, get it properly independently checked and it should be reliable. And service it at a specialist instead of a dealer to save a small fortune. Similar age 9-5's aren't much dearer so it might be worth looking at them too - depends how much of a comfy barge you want really.

Dunno if that unit is GM sourced or not. Probably is.

Truckosaurus · 10 Feb 2005, 08:46 (Ref:1221705)

Saabs are second hand bargains.

Servicing is reasonable if you find an independent specialist, of which there are many.

The 2.2 diesel is the Vauxhall one, and the 3.0 diesel in the 9-5 is an Isuzu unit.

The petrol engines are fairly economical too, due to long legged gearing and plenty of torque so there's no need to rag the engine to make decent progress.

Any handling deficiences can be sorted with £500 worth of Eibach suspension.

Some Links from the top of my head:

http://www.saabscene.co.uk
http://www.saabcentral.co.uk
and for tuning:
http://www.maptun.co.uk <- I've got their Stage3 kit on my 9-5.
http://www.abbottracing.com
http://www.elkparts.com
http://www.speedparts.se

**touringlegend** · 10 Feb 2005, 18:26 (Ref:1222203)

Not too keen on a petrol, something like 30mpg at best ?

bella, I suppose it's really the torque that's most important in a diesel anyway. No engine expert but I'd guess 125 from a 2.2 figures in quite a 'lazy' engine ?

Guy, top links that's awesome, cheers

429CJ · 10 Feb 2005, 19:36 (Ref:1222303)

There hasn't been a good Saab since they ceased the 99.

BillyT · 13 Feb 2005, 17:22 (Ref:1224450)

Saabs are Ok aslong as you can put up with, what I found, the windscreen being so close to your face. Maybe its just me.

daz90 · 14 Feb 2005, 15:37 (Ref:1225250)

My cousin had a 2.2tid 9-3 as a company car a couple of years ago, i had a drive in it one day, i thought it was very smart indeed, it had all the gadgets that anyone could need, and i found that it was easily the fastest car i have ever driven (although there arn't many).

It is a quick machine, and i personally like the Saab's styling and individuality, lots of little querks with it. The 2.2 tid is indeed a Vauxhall engine, and is the same in many of the later mk1 Vectra's, (i beleive they are in the process of replacing this unit along with the 2.0dti/tdi with a smaller 1.9tdi). Having said that i recently drove a VW Golf 1.9115bhp, tdi, this seemed a better engine to me, even though it is smaller in size, probably better fuel economy and cheaper to insure/run.