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Saab 9-3 Coupe (2002 and earlier)

533 messages,  Last post on Nov 20, 2006 at 3:24 PM

You are in the Saab 9-3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 19 of 55

#172 of 533 clutches...jonw2 by huntzinger

Sep 20, 2001 (10:44 am)

IMO, the '87 clutch system is apparently a more robust design than what's in the 94- NG's.
 
But note that I said "system".
 
In neither of my Saab clutch failures was the problem attributable to the clutch's pressure plate. Nor to User habits/driving styles. Both times, it was a binding and seizing in the actuation system, most likely attributable to a defective bearing or bushing design.
 
I believe that I mentioned that my 3rd clutch had different part#'s than the 2nd, which had been done in 1999. This says that Saab has running Engineering design changes coming through their logistics support system between 1999 and 2000.
 
Logically, its expensive to obsolete and supersede parts. These running changes signal a recognized shortcoming...the old designs weren't good enough...that needed correction. It is also not hard to put 2+2 together and realize that this redesign infers that all pre-2000 Saab NG's are technically suspect for the reliability of this particular subsystem. I suspect it is more time based than mileage, so IMO, don't be at all surprised when we hear of 9-3's hitting the same failure mode when they turn 3-4 years old.
 
Please understand that if I had only had one isolated repair incident, I would accept it as "bad luck" and get on with life. But it hasn't been just one...there have been three, summing to an outlay of $4600 before I even got to 50K miles. Now explain to me why I should even consider buying another one.
 
-hh

#173 of 533 clutches--Huntzinger by jonw2

Sep 20, 2001 (2:47 pm)

HH, Sorry I broke in on this subject thread without reading your experience with Saab clutches etc.I can understand your despair with your Saab. Yes, I believe the 1987 Saab was an unusually good year. Unfortunately, in the 1990s Saab reliability was spotty, at least by Consumer Reports ratings from the years 1993 through 1997.
 
As I mentioned, I have never been enamored with the "throw" of the Saab stick. Someone equated it to driving a school bus. And I agree the problem must be in the design that necessitates a fairly long cable run. However,I am surprised that Saab hasn't improved the ease of shifting markedly over the years. Last year I test drove several new cars, including a Passat and a Saab 9-3, and the Passat won hands down in driveability. As it turned out, we ended up buying a Subaru L station wagon, largely from financial considerations, and it has been an excellent car.
 
Sometimes the only thing left to do with a trouble-plagued car is to cut your losses and trade it in on something more reliable. Last year we did just that with a troublesome '93 Ford Taurus. If you are looking for a sporty car and space isn't a problem,I would recommend taking a look at the Subaru WRX that just received rave reviews in Car and Driver. In any event, best of luck. -- Jon W.

#174 of 533 Sticky throttle cable by echocharlie

Sep 25, 2001 (12:42 pm)

I have a 98 9-3 turbo 2-dr. Throttle cable has been binding some lately. Have taken it apart and lubed it up and that worked for a couple of weeks but the problem has returned. Seems to be worse when engine is warm. Any ideas?

#175 of 533 Clicking noise in rear of my 2001 SE 4dr. w/auto by dstrau

Sep 25, 2001 (4:33 pm)

Have heard the following noises in my new saab.......(now w/1700 miles
 
a) a clicking/pusling sound when I apply the brakes...
b) doesn't take bumps well.......rattles in the back.......(dealer originally installed a few wahsers in the back seat to help the noise.but returned)
c) brakes squeak when applied only in reverse.......
 
Anybody have something similar????????
 
thanks

#176 of 533 dstrau RE: clicking by snaab93se1

Sep 25, 2001 (10:28 pm)

Greetings again Dstrau....I have noticed some similar things with my SE some of which I might be able to help you with.
a)Clicking when applying the brake....I think this is the interlock with the transmission...You hear the noise coming from the shifter (auto) when you brake...not sure that this can be fixed but try raising the volume on the stereo...its pretty good in the SE
b)Rattle in the back....first make sure the headrests are completely stable...if they are not locked then they tend to rattle....if this does not work try placing foam under the seat hinges.....if this helps then you can have your dealer fix the hinges....it may also be coming from the hatch area which they found on mine and I thought it was coming from the seat. Try looking on Saabnet.com for fixes for rattles by doing a search under the bulliten boards...lots of useful info on there.
c)Brakes sqeaking...1st I would try blasting the wheels with a garden hose to clean out the brake dust...most of the time its just due to the dust accumulating
Hope you are enjoying your 9-3 SE as much as I am..6700 miles right now and no problems.

#177 of 533 anyone know when the 2002s arrive? by eman5

Oct 01, 2001 (10:48 am)

#178 of 533 eman5 by GBrianK

Oct 01, 2001 (11:12 am)

2002's should be here anytime now....

#179 of 533 in time to "Keep America Rolling?" by eman5

Oct 02, 2001 (7:16 am)

#180 of 533 Eman5 by GBrianK

Oct 02, 2001 (8:31 pm)

Yup, to Keep America Rolling.... One thing they don't tell you about the 0% financing is that you have to put 20% down to get it.

#181 of 533 Take the Plunge? by dmf000

Oct 07, 2001 (5:15 pm)

Hi, Saab-owners. I understand that for 2002, Saab will no longer be offering the Base 9-3 models. Maybe that's why I found a price online from Carsdirect.com that seems incredibly low - $22.7 for a 2001 Base 3-dr with auto. Is this a good deal? I test drove one and it drove great. I'm partial to hatchbacks, but I noticed, compared to my lowly Ford Probe, that the Saab had very limited cubbyhole storage spaces (where do u put CD's?), that the "armrest" isn't one at all (unless you're under 4' tall) and that the gas cap door does not lock. Picky, but I know the Saab's got a reputation for being different, so I can live with this. Should I take the plunge? The offer expires 10/31. Feedback appreciated.

Messages Page 19 of 55

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