katalyst Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I'm mildly entertaining the idea of purchasing a used Saab, just wondering how bad of an idea that really is at this point. Would like to hear some opinions on reliability, parts availability, known issues with the cars etc. The model I'm considering is a 2006 9-3 Aero SportCombi Wagon. I really like the body style and interior as well. This one has the 2.8L V6 turbo powerplant. http://media.caranddriver.com/ez/images/news/car_news/first_look_2008_saab_9_3_aero_xwd_car_news/2008_saab_9_3_uber_gallery/2006_saab_9_3_aero_sportcombi_short_take_review_2006_saab_9_3_sportcombi_wagon_image_004/806242-1-eng-US/2006_saab_9_3_aero_sportcombi_short_take_review_2006_saab_9_3_sportcombi_wagon_image_0041_cd_gallery.jpg I'm open to other alternatives if you guys have any suggestions, preferably a wagon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I have always liked that Saab 93 wagon as it's rare and very good looking. But where do you get parts for it if it has issues? GM? Sweden? I'm not sure... Edit- looks like there is an authentic website for ordering genuine parts. saabparts.com for North America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 Parts are the issue I've heard of with many Saab models. There's a couple around my area and they are great looking wagons though. Get a 92x if you want a Saab wagon. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katalyst Posted May 10, 2013 Author Share Posted May 10, 2013 I have always liked that Saab 93 wagon as it's rare and very good looking. But where do you get parts for it if it has issues? GM? Sweden? I'm not sure... Edit- looks like there is an authentic website for ordering genuine parts. saabparts.com for North America. I agree, I really like the style of the vehicle, probably one of the best wagon designs out there. Thanks for that tidbit on parts, I'll keep that bookmarked. Get a 92x if you want a Saab wagon. I've remotely considered the 9-2X but the interior appointments are quite dated at this point and definitely fall short in comparison to the other Saab models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssTeeAai Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I've owned a 9-5 for a couple years and it was good to me. Awesome car, and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, parts cost an arm and a leg, if you can even find them that is. If anything needs to be replaced, prepare to pay. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Catalyst. Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I had a 2000 9-5 Saloon. Solid car for the most part. As mentioned - parts can be spendy but there are some online retailers that are pretty good. Interior quality was great fit and finish, handling was meh, really comfortable though. Pretty sure 06 was when they brought in the 2.8 Cadillac motor (VVT) with a twinscroll setup if you get the Aero (as you mentioned in the OP). My spec.B [#163] Project Thread with Pictures Get CryoTuned! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katalyst Posted May 10, 2013 Author Share Posted May 10, 2013 Thanks for all the input so far. Unfortunately, parts cost an arm and a leg, if you can even find them that is. If anything needs to be replaced, prepare to pay. Good luck. Yea..not quite what I was wanting to hear but deep down was expecting. I am a bit weary of the turbos running into issues on this model sometime down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talkgtr Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 That's a new generation SAAB (06) w/ a GM motor, not know for reliability or longevity. I'v owned over two dozen SAABs, the last one, a 2002 9-5 wagon (4 banger, last of the SAAB powered models) was a great car BUT I had access to great SAAB mechanics in a small shop. Parts really aren't that expensive but at a dealer or at retail, look out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drogos Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Funny, you should mention .... I've just thought about it yesterday. I was scratching my head between 08 turbo X and spec B for at least 6 months. I couldn't find turbo x for good money and I found great deal on spec b plus between me and 6 of my friends we must have close to 20 subarus on the driveways. try to beat that maintenance plan I always loved 93 aero. Especially 07( or was it 06) and older. Turbo X is really rounded when it goes to stock look, wheels, exhaust sound. I am glad I am in spec B but I am really entertaining the idea of turbo X. Such a rare, great looking car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drogos Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 does anyone know how tunable these are??? turbo x with 2.8 V6 is boosted stock at around 10psi I think. Seems like a lot of room to play with little bigger snale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carambolavirus Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 does anyone know how tunable these are??? turbo x with 2.8 V6 is boosted stock at around 10psi I think. Seems like a lot of room to play with little bigger snale. Search VTuner Saabs I have a 2006 93 Aero Sedan. They are very comfortable loaded with many features not even available on my 05 Gt wagon, but in the end I much prefer driving the Legacy. Stock for stock from about 35 on the Saab is much quicker and with only a tune from VTuners it becomes even faster yet. But I still prefer the Leggy. I just think the Saab is less fun to drive. You'll probably need front and rear rotors and pads if is over 40K and these things eat tires like mad (probably 2x as fast as out Legacy). Our stock HID bulbs are also pretty dim at this point and the car has 38k on it. Lastly, for a stock car the front lip is really low, I cannot keep my wife from ramming it into curbs when she parks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssTeeAai Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Saab's are great looking, well rounded cars. The interior comfort and luxury is outstanding. My 1999 9-5 had front AND REAR heated seats. There aren't many 2013 luxury cars that come with this feature (maybe a 6-figure BMW 7-series or S-class Benz). I heard a lot of horror stories where the turbo Saab's blew their turbos and motors at just over 150,000km. But I bought mine with 290,000km and drove it until 330,000km and had no issues except a dead starter. It all depends who drove it and how they maintained it. I really wish they didn't go out of business. After owning one, I would definitely own another and recommend it to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamajack Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Viggen prices are low now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Seriously sweet car though, Saab Viggen... EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katalyst Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 I wish they didn't fold either. I would love to own a 9-3 Viggen, but the wagon format seems a little more practical. But, unfortunately, I think I am going to shy away from the whole idea, seems a bit too sentimental rather than logical. Considering maybe a E46 wagon now...we'll see what crops up on the used market over the next little while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamajack Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 E39 wagon 540i. Auto only though. Magnum srt8 prices are pretty low too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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