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Does anyone have any experience with Ramsey Saab in New Jersey?
What is a realistic purchase price for such model? Thanks to all who respond.
~jl
The SE has more horsepower aside from the options, for starters. Click on the car, then "specifications"
That being said, the driveability is not *that* different.
dave
Seeing as how Saabs have a notoriously poor resale value reputation , I figured that we might be able to find a suitable used 9-3 for a good price. But my major concern is reliability, and especially reliability of expensive components. The big thing for me is the turbo. As an engineer, I look at a turbocharged engine and see a lot of extra complexity (and high service charges) due mainly to the turbo system. In fact, in 6 years of owning my A4, the only $$$ repair that I had was a turbo-related item.
So what is the long-term reliability outlook of the 9-3 that we'd keep into the 70K+ miles range, and especially are there any typical problems due to turbocharging?
The other big thing against the Saab is that my wife and I are anxious to get away from the problems we've had over the years with the GM products that we've owned, so GM being Saab's owner may be enough to take it off our list (or her list) entirely.
Both cars are fast approaching 200K, and neither have required any mechanical engine work. And, both transmissions (a 5-speed and auto respectively) are both original. The clutch was replaced at 110K on the '85 900. Although I perform the majority of the maintenance on both, the mainenance has been minimal. Most importantly, the cars look extremely nice for their age. Very little rust, and still excellent paint . . .
Overall, we've been pleased with both. Heck, I wish they were still manufacturing the Classic 900 - I would buy another!
It shows how much "progress" has been made. The 900 was a great vehicle. However, as you suggested, I doubt if we can expect the same kind of durability out of today's 9-3. Saab components have been replaced by Opel/GM parts, and those aren't renowned for very high mileage sturdiness. The platform is GM Epsilon. Most of the 9-3's parts don't even come from Sweden anymore.
Did the old 900 use mostly local Saab parts, or were any major parts of it sourced from other companies?
They don't make them like they used to.
It seems that few of the moving parts are shared with other GM's. The 2.0T engine is made in Germany. The brakes, transmission, and steering are all unique to Saab.
I hope they are reliable - I'm being diligent with maintenance with it.
Quick question though:
Does it come with satellite radio?
There is no mention on bluetooth in the Saab brochure.
I am really looking forward to driving it see what the changes have been since the '84 900 Turbo I had back in the late 80's.
I see the postings on Bluetooth and understand that it is not availble in the US market; why I, too, do not understand. Is there any mod that can be done to activate it. Can Tech II do this?
Jeff
you can visit saabnet and more people can chime in on the Sport sedan versions,
you'll need to service the fluids, but otherwise mine was trouble free, the turbo was leaking oil, (so it would smoke on some startups) but it had 85k on mine when i let it go. and turbos aren't supposed to last for ever anyway.
I like it better than Passats and Jettas (had previously owned both turbo versions)
The only issue I had besides the failing turbo, was a dead pixel in the info display, and the CD eject function was getting lazy.
I miss the center key, and really liked the room of the hatch.
However, they have more torque steer (they are FWD), it was a great commute car
I got it an O'Neal Saab in Raleigh, NC. Took us a while to reach a conclusion, but they waived the document and delivery fees in order to get the business.
I hope this helps. Anything else, just ask.
Jeff
Congrats and enjoy your new ride!!
I'm seriously considering buying a 2000 9-3 SE Conv with 62000 miles on it. It's in perfect shape and the dealer wants $13k. Is this a good buy?
What should I look for in an inspection? Why do Saabs depreciate so fast? A 2000 Volvo C70 Conv is about $4k more.
Thanks for any info.
my take is this.
They depreciate faster because they are quirkier cars to begin with, the key, the look, the standard turbo, and the rareity. the funny way some things work, and the manual tranny is somewhat sloppy- so there are less people that want that type of car.
I think they are a good used car value though. Nice performance, roomy for a 2dr, and get decent milage,
Normal ducks usually aren't attracted to Saabs, volumes are low, so that will impact resale.
For a 60K Saab, I would expect the timing belt to have been done, or the price to reflect that it needs to be done, 2000 saabs had a coil issue that was always throwing misfires codes and a CEL, so it should have been replaced, if the DIC hasn't been replaced, then there is actually a SAAB extended warrenty for it (DIC is Direct Ignition Coil)
There are two other things to consider, the seals can go bad in the turbo, causing them to burn oil, so you need to see if there is any white smoke on start up, and inspect the front of the engine for a misting of oil. so you can make some judgement on the state of turbo.
Some have had sludging issue, so verify that the oils been changed reqularly
and expect a dead pixel or two in the computer display
I've been looking at buying a Conv now for some time and this one came up on my searches. I'm hesitant because my family and I all drive Nissans which have proved very reliable so I'm spoiled. Plus I love the style of the 9-3 and found it drove great with plenty of power.
Let us know how it goes.
I just joined the list... I am considering buying a used '03-'04 93. noticed that you decided on a lease and leased your car from david o'neal saab. I was wondering why you decided on a lease vs buying and how your experience was with david o'neal? I have been to the dealership once and the experience was good. the salesman was not pushy and I will probably buy a used/certified from them.
thanks,
molly
Well, a few things went into the decision.
1. I really wanted the Acura TL. The cars are priced similar but the navigation, long-term reliability, and size of the backseat were the winners for the TL. However...
2. The military pricing on the Saab could NOT be beaten. Period.
3. We already have a $633 payment on a Volvo XC90 and I am selling my RX-8 ($267/mo) for the new car. Ideally, I would like to break even or pay a little more than what I am currently paying.
4. To do this, I would need nothing more than a $20k loan. With the difference in payoof and sales price of the RX-8, I would be just able to do this on the Saab purchase and close on a used 2005 Acural TL. Not new.
5. Since I am concerned about the long-term reliability of the Saab (sorry die-hard Saabers), I really don't want to worry after the warranty or free service runs out.
6. If I take the difference in sales price, apply that to the principle of the Volvo loan, I get that paid off 2 years early. If I don't do that and get another $20k loan, in two years I will STILL have two car payments. The lease will allow me to pay off one car completely at the same time the lease comes due. I will then be able to buy the car I really wanted--or whatever my whim may be at that time.
7. Bottom line. the price was right ($350), no operating expenses other than gas for the two years, and I have a couple options at the end of the lease. I am like a used car lot anyway...I can't keep a car for longer than 3 years before I get tired of it. Why waste my 10k downpayment and risk not getting it back when I resell it.
The dealership was ok. No, they are no pushy. However, I found them to be a little absent minded, lost, and unknowledgeable at times. This led me to believe that they were somewhat unprofessional. Not rude unprofessional, but not all together, professional. If you know what I mean.
Sorry for the long post. But you did ask. Anything else, please feel free to inquire. I have no problem helping someone out. By the way, I am COMPLETELY satisfied with the car. So far, it has beena pleasure to drive.
jeff
Which 9-3 did you get, exactly? The 9-3 is no rx-8, interesting change in cars.
dave
I got the 9-3 Aero with no navigation. It does have the cold weather and touring packages.
You are right, it is no RX-8, but with the addition of a second child this past Monday and the flooding issue (although they say it is fixed) in the rotary and my local dealerships insistence that they will NO LONGER honor the warranty on that particular problem, it was my time to depart from Mazda.
Interesting experience with the mazda. From anecdotal evidence mazda has a massively bimodal dependability distribution; they are either the best car ever, or god-awful.
thanks for replying and answering my questions. it sounds like you had numerous reasons for leasing vs. buying.
I usually keep my cars for fiver years or so. therefore, leasing is probably not the best way for me to go. I would like to buy a new 9-3 but cannot afford the sticker price. I can afford a used 03'-04'. however after reading numerous posts and talking with even die hard saab owners, I will only buy one if it is certified. I am a little concerned about buying a used saab without some sort of "extended" warranty due to the questions of reliability.
thanks for the input with respect to the dealership. I am almost certain that I will go to david o'neal to buy the 9-3. I can deal with them being a little scattered and less professional if I get a good deal and don't feel pressured.
"By the way, I am COMPLETELY satisfied with the car. So far, it has been a pleasure to drive."
excellent to hear especially given your previous car was an RX-8. my first car was a 76' datsun 280z. great car and hard to compare with another.
thanks again for your help.
molly
We've driven SAABs since 1958. Properly maintained (and, the first word is most critical), a SAAB can outlast any car. We have an '85 900 and an '87 900S (each purchased new), both of which still run like new, burn no oil, and look almost new. Each Classic 900 has over 150K on the clock, and absolutely no engine repairs to either, including the original timing chains, and transmissions. I would hope this is a reasonable representation of SAABs better than average long-term reliability. On the other hand, these two cars also represent some of the last examples of "real" SAABs, if you will. Simply placing an ignition switch on the floor, does not make a SAAB.
As with anything, take care of it, and it will take care of you.
You are correct. Take care of it and it will take care of you. However, and I guess I should caveat "reliability", if something does go wrong with a Saab it is incredibly expensive to fix.
My '84 900 Turbo had the sunroof motor go out on it in 1988. If I remember correctly, it was something like $300. Well, that money in 1988 to a struggling college student was a big deal. A friend of mine has a 2001 9-5 wagon and the info display is going out. 4 years? With these two examples (and I know that there are only 2), there was not alot of preventive maintenance that could be have been performed.
In fact, as I was looking at the screen of my 9-3 today and noticed that it said RADIO, CD, and SYSTEM with a big bright green bar across one of them I wondered how long it would take for them to burn in and ruin the display? Any way to turn these off?
In any case, I do agree with you. I will follow the maintenance schedule to the "T" and it should be a great car.
Holly
Good luck on your purchase. Look at the paperwork twice. They made some errors that I caught; some in my favor, some in theirs. But they did not do a perfect job with that aspect of the sale.
Jeff
Don
Does anybody else feel this way?
"Good luck on your purchase. Look at the paperwork twice. They made some errors that I caught; some in my favor, some in theirs. But they did not do a perfect job with that aspect of the sale."
thanks for the heads up and for all of your advice!
I will be sure to let you know when I purchase my 9-3. needless to say I am very excited!
thanks again,
molly
I do agree with the w9cw's statement "As with anything, take care of it, and it will take care of you." but I also agree with your take. it is always best to maintain and take care of anything you own but things happen. my brother owns a fairly new bmw 3 series and the motor for the rear passenger side window stopped working. the replacement price was not cheap. they also had a few other issues with the car that were on the expensive side and not something that would have been under the preventative maintenance header.
I may pay a little more for a used certified 93 but if there are repair issues out of the normal preventative maintenance then I would rather pay for the peace of mind in knowing that the repairs will be covered.
molly
I will get all of my figures out tonight and post them to make it easier for any others who want to go that route.
Jeff
I can't tell you for what that package will be, but I will give you my numbers. I just leased last week, Jan 25th.
2006 9-3 Aero
6 spd manual transmission
Touring package
Cold weather package
Metallic paint
Sticker: $34,915
Military pricing: $29,749
I got them to waive the $398 document fee. During the signing, I also noticed that they forgot to add in the tags and license fee. I noticed it, brought it to their attention, and did not put it back in.
Saab now does not do the leasing. This just changed last week. All leases are through GMAC. No money factor, they now talk normal interest rate.
Residual: $22,793.05
Interest Rate: 3.94%
Downpayment: $2070.34 (incl 1st month payment, fees, etc.)
Term: 24 Mos
Mileage: 18k / year
Payment: $361.57 / mo (incl the 3% NC tax)
I hope this helps you.
Jeff
Can anyone help? I may have no choice but to drive up to Raleigh and take it to the dealership.
Thanks.
jeff
So thank you to contributors who have brought this phenomenon to our attention.
She drove the Volvo S40, Audi A4, Acura TSX, and liked the Saab over them all. Now I am beginning to question the reliability of this car. Thank god its a lease and has a great warranty. Still, that doesn't make it less frustrating when its time to take the kids to school and the car won't start!
I just drove the car 2 hours previously. It has gas. Temps in the 50's. All lights, radio, electrical items work with no issue. We even tried to jump it just to make sure but to no avail.
And to think, I got rid of my RX-8 because of the flooding issue with the rotary engine. :-) Oh well. We will see what the dealer says on Monday.