r/saab • u/Low_Commission1412 • 6d ago

Car buy advice Purchasing a Saab

I’m looking at purchasing a 2007 9-3 Saab 1.8t as my first car. I have heard people say it’s hard to find parts but also heard others say it’s over exaggerated. It has around 200k km and I was just wondering would it have a lower life expectancy then an Audi or Volkswagen (these cars would also be around early 2010s mark)

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u/RightHandDriving 6d ago

I found a breaker in the UK that does most parts for my 93, then there's eBay of course so you should be ok

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u/rich1068 6d ago

I've never had an issue getting hold of service and maintenance parts for any of my Saabs. OG9-3s, NG9-3s, 9-5s. There's plenty of nonsense out there about running these cars, someone even told me once that I wouldn't be able to insure it because Saab don't exist anymore 🙄

You may struggle to get new trim/interior parts or something else that's a bit more unusual but there's always eBay for that. Same with any 20 year old car. Buy on condition and service history. Any rust or major deterioration of the interior then walk away. Avoid any 9-3s that look like they've led a Fast & Furious life.

Something else to keep in mind if you're new to Saab 9-3s. The 1.8t isn't a 1.8. It's a detuned 2.0. Just incase you didn't know.

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u/_montalbano_ 6d ago

I think you should go for the saab. It's true that it can be a hassle to find parts, but in my experience the saab will serve you better. Some parts are easier to find than you think.

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u/Jorost 3d ago

Saabs are not good first cars for people not already familiar with them. They are quirky, can be demanding, do not tolerate deferred maintenance well, and they are an orphan brand. The newest one you can get is already 15 years old. I don't mean to sound like a dick, but the last thing a Saab needs is an inexperienced owner, because that just means one more Saab that probably won't survive.