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.
subrew
Reader
4/30/12 4:53 p.m.
Yes, you should buy one. Right up your alley.
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?
Find a Turbo X. I know I'd like to.
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:
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.
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.
Nashco
UltraDork
4/30/12 6:08 p.m.
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
alex
UltraDork
4/30/12 6:09 p.m.
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.
jrw1621
PowerDork
4/30/12 6:15 p.m.
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
They come with a turbo ecotec and a 6 speed, whats not to like.