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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 52 of 54

#509 of 533 Time to trade by sastryb

Mar 20, 2005 (4:31 pm)

My 1999 Saab 9-3 is almost up on the extended warranty. I have 80,000km (50,000 miles) and have had minimal problems. In the past month, though, the head gasket needed replacing as well as the PCM. Thankfully, both repairs were covered under warranty, saving my a few thousand dollars. So now I am at the crossroads - do I get rid of the car, or should I hang on to it. Perhaps I am over-reacting based on my past month experience. Are Saabs good cars to own for the mid-to-long term (6-10 years)??

#510 of 533 Saab maintenance by beamer12

Apr 08, 2005 (6:09 am)

Once they get up in the 70k - 80k miles they start to get real expensive to maintain. Great cars in their early years, but I would dump it for a newby. I was told that from an ex-internal inspector for Saab. He inspected my car as I was returning a lease with high mileage. I was in the shop once a month on something that needed to be fixed with the final blow having to rebuild the engine.

#511 of 533 Re: Time to trade [sastryb] by ligart

Apr 16, 2005 (7:15 pm)

Replying to: sastryb (Mar 20, 2005 4:31 pm)
I'm assuming your extended warranty was thru Saab. You can also purchase extended warranties thru other companies, like Warranty Direct (though I don't think they do business in Canada?).

#512 of 533 Re: Saab maintenance [beamer12] by ligart

Apr 16, 2005 (7:16 pm)

Replying to: beamer12 (Apr 08, 2005 6:09 am)
Yah, but there's no newby like my Viggen!

#513 of 533 Tires by sastryb

Aug 27, 2005 (4:51 pm)

Well, I have 80,000km on my 1999 Saab 9-3 and it's time to change the tires. Any reccomendations on what I should replace them with? I currently have Michelin Pilots 205 50 R16 (stock). I appreciate the feedback.

#514 of 533 Tire replacement for 9-3 by mcclearyfl

Sep 02, 2005 (6:35 pm)

Sastryb, there will be many opinions regarding replacement tires, so I can only give you the benefit of my experience. My 2002 9-3 came with Pirelli tires that, after 20,000 miles (or approx 30K kilometers) became extremely noisy, and the rough, bouncy ride unacceptable.
 
I elected to purchase a slightly lower-profile, quiet-running tire, a Goodyear Assurance P205 55 R16 with an H speed rating (I believe the original equipment tire had a higher V rating). I have been very pleased. I have also been surprised at the roadholding, being unable to detect any deterioration in cornering or braking -- in fact the lack of uncontrolled bouncing has improved these. I live in snowy Chicago, and the snow performance has been very acceptable, not as fantastic as the Blizzaks on my Avalon, but certainly very good for a high-mileage rated, all season tire.
 
The Saab is, unfortunately, not a well-insulated car. Anything that reduces tire noise is a plus. By the way, the Assurance tires have a built-in permanent shine on the sidewalls, a very useful appearance attribute.

#516 of 533 RE: mcclearyfl by r34

Sep 22, 2005 (7:13 am)

Shouldn't the Pirelli have the same spec (except speeding rating & Max Load rating) as the Good year ? I thought Saab changed the OEM tires for 2002 9-3 to 205/55/R16.
 
I am living in the Chicago area too. I bought my 2002 as CPO and found that the dealer put some cheap Cooper tires on it. It may due to my heavy steering and longer stopping distance problems. I am looking for a good all-season tires (at least it will do ok on light snow). I heard good things about Kuhmo ASX but they don't have 205/55/16. I am thinking among Michelin Energy, Yokohama, and the Goodyear you mentioned. I am trying to stay away from directional tires.
 
How's the Goodyear tires perform on Dry and wet surface ? Do they provide good handling ? Thanks.

#517 of 533 Re: R34 and tire choice by mcclearyfl

Sep 24, 2005 (5:49 am)

I must admit I don't have a clear recollection of the exact Pirelli tire that came standard on the 2002 SE, so you may well be right.
 
As I get older my driving has become more conservative, so I rarely take my tires to the performance edge. Nevertheless, I have great confidence in the Goodyear Assurance dry road performance. Since you live in Chicago you will know that our summer has been remarkably dry, but my recollection of early Spring driving in the wet was very positive. Of course, my tires are relatively new, which always helps wet traction. We also received only moderate snow during the winter, but the Goodyear Assurance performed most satisfactorily.
 
On our Toyota Avalon, however, I installed Bridgestone Blizzaks on steel rims for the winter -- and I can change back to regular tires/wheels in my garage if no snow is forecast. During a very difficult winter in northern Kentucky (we moved to Chicago from Louisville) the Blizzaks were superb. I cannot speak too highly of them. Swopping for genuine winter tires is always a better choice than all-season, but I have not done this for the Saab. Maybe this coming winter will be a test ?!

#518 of 533 Re: 9-3 Hatch [superb_herb] by jchan2

Sep 26, 2005 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: superb_herb (Jan 08, 2004 10:12 am)
My son wants a 9-3, but he won't be driving for another few years. (he's 13)
 
It'll be tough to find one.

Messages Page 52 of 54

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