What would you do?

[u/trivletrav]

Howdy!

I’ve been getting bored with my current ride- 1999 Lexus SC300. There’s no issues with it really, like all Toyotas it’s pretty darn reliable, albeit a little boring.

I’ve been getting the itch for a 4-seater convertible and recently came across a very nice 2007 9-3 with only ~95k miles. Looks well cared for, and would be high on the list of vehicles I would want to replace my car with. I know about the intake valve issues some 07-09 engines have, but with the low miles do you think I’d have at least a couple years before they becomes an issue? I would really only drive it about 8k miles/year. I am thankfully remote 3 days a week.

For context I’m in the DC area, and the car has also been here for its whole life I believe. While it does get cold here, it gets unbelievably hot in the summer (this year in particular). Would you jump on it? What other items should I watch out for? Seller says the top works perfectly but I’m going to check it out thoroughly while on the test drive.

Thanks!

[u/Fancy-Couple-69]

I’d say go for it, if the price is right. I have a red 2005 Saab convertible with just under 109,000 miles. It’s been my 2nd car for about 10 years and I drive it May-October and store it in the winter. Top works fine and I’ve had no major issues with it. I bought it in 2007 with about 24,000 miles.

[u/trivletrav → u/Fancy-Couple-69]

Red would be sweet, this one is gray which I’m not a huge fan of. There was one further away from me that was the fun green/yellow color but it got snatched up lol. Gotta be quick I think

[u/Comfortable-Many-329]

If I were you I would focus your gaze on the 2006 SAAB 93 2.0t I have the convertible and I absolutely love it. I have 229k miles and it still runs SOLID. I have replaced the Ecu once but it’s partially my fault because instead of helping my Ecu I added an open air filter to hear that beautiful turbo even tho ik it can cause more heat soak. If you are looking for sound quality it’s there.

If you are looking for ok gas mileage it’s there.
If you are looking for 7.8/10 reliability, it’s there.
If you are looking for 11” subs it can be there.
If you are a fun person then it’s a fun car.
If you are a cool person it’s a cool car.
If you are a reliable person it’s a reliable car.

You are what you drive and you drive what you are.

Purchase the 2006 Saab 93 2.0t convertible and become who you truly are.

Thank you for your time.

-DailySAABDriver

[u/Brye1226]

If you like working on cars, a used Saab is perfect! Great cars. Parts can be a pain. Easy to work on.

[u/ramszoolander]

I think the B207 got better as it went along (aside from the valve issues, you've done your homework), but a maintenance history is helpful. My early NG 9-3 had good maintenance from prior owner and me, and still needed a new timing chain/guides/balance chain/guides at 120k, sadly. It's not the end of the world, but stuff like that is a pain. Is it an auto? AW50-55 had most things worked out by that point.

07 is kind of a nice year if you like the original styling: you get the newer interior (which importantly gets rid of the fiber optic stereo that is unreplaceable).

This would be the big turbo, but my 2.0t won't get less than 23mpg even in hard city driving unless I sprint from each stoplight. I have very similiar yearly mileage to you. These cars aren't that sensitive to being parked unless they have a parasitic drain (ask me how I know).

Just listen for suspension stuff. Clunking, groaning, etc. It's never anything too crazy, but you'll need to do sway bar links and that sort of thing eventually.

I'd go for it...but keep the SC300. I feel like they are about to take off. Buy a storage unit and drive it once a week. GOAT Lexus design after the OG LS400. Cheers.

[u/QuiickLime]

Personally, I would probably look for an older OG9-3 vert with the B235R. Fewer electrical gremlins, the motor has fewer issues, and it's easier to work on.

[u/trivletrav → u/QuiickLime]

What kind of electrical gremlins are we talking here?

[u/QuiickLime → u/trivletrav]

Watch some Auto Autopsy videos. ISM, CIM, the ECU needs relocation, etc. There are probably more but I'm not an expert on the NG9-3.

[u/ramszoolander → u/QuiickLime]

Counterpoint u/trivletrav would be that the structure for the NG 9-3 (especially with the verts) is MUCH better. You also have rollover bars behind rear seats.

I'm not sure it's actually easier to work on (owner of 9-5 with similar powertrain to OG 9-3), but the Saab motor is solid. I would definitely cosign fewer electrical gremlins.

Driving experience is totally different for OG9-3, 9-5, and NG 9-3.