Attn: SAAB 9-3 Owners

[VooDooXII]

I have my eyes on a 2004 9-3 Aero. I really wish I could snatch up the 2006 one with the 2.8t V-6, but I need another $5,000 for one of those...so this one has the 2.0t. I plan on adding a bit of punch to it. I need a car anyway.

I like the car...it's stylish, quick I'm sure, and if it drives anything like my uncle's 9-5 Aero, then I know it's fun. SAAB's are quirky as hell too, and I love them for it.

This one has ~23,000 miles and I'm wondering if there's anything I should look out for. Any common problems, what fuel to use (Premium I'm sure), how to not get ass-rammed by little problems, etc. I've heard all kinds of things about SAAB reliability...good and bad, so I'm not sure. I'm pretty confident of the newer ones.

Also, you think I'd be able to swap out the 2004 steering wheel for a 2006+ Aero one? I love the aluminium accents and the pre-2006 9-3s don't have them.

Basically, I'm just interested in any information from owners...I can read magazine articles all day, but only owners will let me know how the cars are to live with.

Thanks in advance!

[Repost Squintz]

i read that you can swap wrx parts on to them. pretty much the same motor...go to nasioc.com there's alot of saabarus there.

[thegreatfnr]

Im a new Saab owner as of about a month ago. I bought a 2001 9-3 so its considered an Old 93 compared to the newer bodystyle your looking at.

As far as adding power the options that are out there for T7(engine managment system) are the staged kits.

http://genuinesaab.com/

^^^ this place has lots of good parts for these cars

Since I havnt had the car too long I havnt had any issues so far, but the PO did have the turbo replaced under warrenty at 60K

One thing your gonna notice is that the cost to tune the saabs are really high. At least compared to the Dubs and Bimmers Ive owned. I mean close to $1000 just for software is crazy :idb:

Lee

[thegreatfnr]

i read that you can swap wrx parts on to them. pretty much the same motor...go to nasioc.com there's alot of saabarus there.

He is looking at a 9-3 the 9-2x is the clone of the WRX

Lee

[VooDooXII]

i read that you can swap wrx parts on to them. pretty much the same motor...go to nasioc.com there's alot of saabarus there.

Yea, that's the 9-2x...and I'd rather save some cash and just get that car if that's what I was after. Good lookin' out though.

Im a new Saab owner as of about a month ago. I bought a 2001 9-3 so its considered an Old 93 compared to the newer bodystyle your looking at.

As far as adding power the options that are out there for T7(engine managment system) are the staged kits.

http://genuinesaab.com/

^^^ this place has lots of good parts for these cars

Since I havnt had the car too long I havnt had any issues so far, but the PO did have the turbo replaced under warrenty at 60K

One thing your gonna notice is that the cost to tune the saabs are really high. At least compared to the Dubs and Bimmers Ive owned. I mean close to $1000 just for software is crazy :idb:

Lee

Hah, my uncle told me about the ECU upgrade that he wanted for his 9-5 Aero...that was $1,200. Thank you for the website! I'm going to keep the tuning relatively mild...I need to give that place a look. I'll probably go cosmetic first though...hah, anyone have some BBS RKs for me?

Thanks again!

[aero1116]

Well, the 04+ 9-3ss models tend to be more reliable than the 03 models.

When it comes to tuning, you can get the BSR PPC reflash. It will boost your power from 210 to 250. Also, the 03+ 9-3's has a Bosch Motronic ecu (T8), I think.

I personally recommend a 02+ 9-5 Aero. However, I do have an Aero myself so I am a bit biased.

Register at www.saabcentral.com and www.saablink.net if you want more info.

[VooDooXII]

BSR PPC...perfect. 250 will be good for me, since I couldn't get my hands on the turbo V-6 model.

I do like the 9-5 Aero, but I like the body and interior on the 9-3...plus I found a great one.

How much would that Reflash cost? I bet it's pricey...seems worth it though, depending on how much.

[aero1116]

BSR PPC...perfect. 250 will be good for me, since I couldn't get my hands on the turbo V-6 model.

I do like the 9-5 Aero, but I like the body and interior on the 9-3...plus I found a great one.

How much would that Reflash cost? I bet it's pricey...seems worth it though, depending on how much.

I think it's around ~$1k, I think. What's good about it is that you can always reset it to the original stock settings etc. I'm not sure of the torque numbers but on the V6 models, the PPC will boost it to ~280hp and ~340lb/ft based on what I've read.

Good luck.

[VooDooXII]

Not as bad as I thought. My uncle talked about an ECU upgrade costing $1,500...so I don't know, we'll see.

I test drove one and it feels pretty quick already. The reflash, intake/exhaust...I think I'll have tons of fun with it. I'm guessing torque will be put up to about 230 - 240 lb. ft. with the reflash, based on your 250 bhp estimate.

They're still replacing a bunch of little things (buttons, switches inside) on the car...SAAB's CPO stuff I guess. The car will be ready by Monday.

Can't wait!