Buying advices

Here we have gathered mixed buying advices for Saab 9-3.

Engines / Service

Make sure that the owner has a complete service book. Any engine warranty is only valid if the services has been done at the right time and the history is available in the service book.
Diesel: Verify that the diesel heater works.
Check if the car smokes during acceleration. If it does, this could indicate a bad turbo or broken head gasket.
Check for viisble leakages. Please note that the Air Conditioning can leave small puddles of water underneath the front doors, which is nothing to worry about.
When test driving, check if the car jerks or hesitates when accelerating.

Body and paint

Chassi

Check the shock absorbers front and back for leaks and if the car feels wobbly when driving.
Listen for clonking or grinding sounds when driving. This indicates bad bushings.

Breaks

Check the condition on the brake discs and brake pads.
Check that the handbrake is not slack. When you apply the handbrake the stick should not go all the way up.

Transmission

Manual transmission:

Make sure that the clutch does not take effect immediately, you should be able to press the pedal down a bit. Also make sure that it does not slip.
Make sure that you can shift into all gears.
Make sure that you can put the car into reverse gear without any noise.
Make sure that there are no whining noises coming from the gearbox.

Automatic transmission:

Make sure that the automatic transmission is smooth while changing gears.
Check the level and color of the transmission oil. It should be a clear red oil.
Check if there are any vibrations from the car while driving. Try higher speeds if possible.

Interior

Make sure that you can adjust the chairs in all ways possible.
Check if the radio memory is working by changing channels and saving it, then turn off the car and start it again.
Check that the jack and spare tire is located in the trunk.