Results 11 to 20 of 34
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18 December 2016 #11
- Join Date
- 17 Dec 2016
- Location
- Calgary
- Posts
- 2
- Saab(s)
- 2008 9-3 Sportcombi
Hello, I am considering buying a 2008 9-3 combiwagon. It has 113,00KM on it with a manual transmission. What should I be looking for and asking questions about? Thank you for your time!
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18 December 2016 #12
Frank Administrator
- Join Date
- 30 Jul 2010
- Location
- USA - Netherlands
- Posts
- 7,901
- Saab(s)
- previous: 2006 9-3, 2001-06 9-5, 2011 9-4X
Is it the 2.0T 4-cylinder or 2.8T V6? If it is the 2.0, I would be concerned about the valve issue: http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=28085
But besides that, just inspect it like any used car. Maintenance records and the overall feel of the car are most important. If you're buying it from a private seller, you can often tell about the person how he treated the car.
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18 December 2016 #13
- Join Date
- 17 Dec 2016
- Location
- Calgary
- Posts
- 2
- Saab(s)
- 2008 9-3 Sportcombi
Yes, it's the 2.0T. I'll check out the valve issue. Thank you for your reply!
S.
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08 April 2017 #14
- Join Date
- 08 Apr 2017
- Location
- Indiana
- Posts
- 3
- Saab(s)
- None
Hi, I'm new to the forum and am trying to sort out the trim levels on the U.S. versions of the cars.
I've been looking at the Wikipedia page for the 9-3, as well as the page for the actual engine I'm looking at and its all a bit confusing to me. Which version had the 280 hp 2.8l v6, all wheel drive and the manual (5 or 6 speed) transmission? And what years was it available? It seems to be the Aero, or the Turbo X? The Wikipedia page for the 9-3 says the 280 hp version with 'XWD' was available from 2008 through 2010, but only lists the model for it as 2.8T V6. The Wikipedia page for the engine itself however says that the 280 hp version was only put in the 2008 Turbo X, 2009 Aero, and 2009 Aero Convertible, but it doesn't list which ones were AWD, or 'XWD' and then the page for the transmissions only has the blanket statement that it was used in the 9-3 overall, but doesn't list trim, engine or years used.
Anyway, any help sorting this out would be greatly appreciated.
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08 April 2017 #15
Frank Administrator
- Join Date
- 30 Jul 2010
- Location
- USA - Netherlands
- Posts
- 7,901
- Saab(s)
- previous: 2006 9-3, 2001-06 9-5, 2011 9-4X
The last year for the Aero with V6 was 2009. The 2010 and 2011 9-3 Aero used the 2.0T engine. For 2008, the Turbo X included XWD but was optional on the Aero models. For 2009, all Aero models had XWD as standard equipment. Except for the convertible, they were only available with FWD.
More details about the different versions and equipment for the 2008-2011 models can be found in this sub-forum: http://saabworld.net/forumdisplay.php?f=98
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08 April 2017 #16
- Join Date
- 08 Apr 2017
- Location
- Indiana
- Posts
- 3
- Saab(s)
- None
Wow, thank you for such an informative response. The archive section basically had everything I was looking for. I've been looking through everything and I think I've got it all straightened out.
So basically, if I understand this correctly, I would be looking for either a 2008 Turbo X (which from my understanding is exceptionally rare), a 2008 Aero with the XWD option (which then gives the Aero the same 280 hp tune as the Turbo X), or a 2009 Aero (which had xwd as standard), and it seems like the 2008 models had the option of a 6 speed manual, while the 2009 models only had a 6 speed automanual.
Additionally, what exactly is the difference between the 2008 Turbo X and the 2008 Aero XWD? From what I can tell, they both have the 280 hp tune, both have XWD, and both have 6 speed manuals. Considering the Turbo X was a limited production one year only model, I would understand the 2009 Aero with basically all the same options, but as a standard production model, but considering you could get an Aero in 2008 that seems to be the exact same, cheaper actually, I don't get it?
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08 April 2017 #17
Frank Administrator
- Join Date
- 30 Jul 2010
- Location
- USA - Netherlands
- Posts
- 7,901
- Saab(s)
- previous: 2006 9-3, 2001-06 9-5, 2011 9-4X
The Turbo X was introduced before the 2008 9-3 Aero that was available later in the model year. So at the time, the Turbo X was the only 9-3 with V6 and XWD. It has unique wheels and some different exterior and interior bits that make it a bit more special. But technically, the Turbo X is the same as the 9-3 Aero XWD for 2008 and 2009. The 2008 Aero did not have the Electronically Controlled Rear Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) but the 2009 did.
As it is a special model, the Turbo X will usually fetch a premium on the used market. So if you don't care for the special edition like the Turbo X, the 2009 9-3 Aero will probably have the most value for money. But the Turbo X came with a lot of optional equipment as standard which may not be on the 2008 - 2009 9-3 Aero.
Some prefer the 2010-2011 FWD Aero with 2.0T engine. It can easily be tuned for more hp and is a lighter, more fuel-efficient engine. From what I have read, it is also easier to work on. And the XWD system needs maintenance and possible repairs. So it is not that there is a certain year that is the best for the 9-3 Aero. They each have their unique qualities.
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09 April 2017 #18
- Join Date
- 08 Apr 2017
- Location
- Indiana
- Posts
- 3
- Saab(s)
- None
I see, that makes a lot more sense then. Anyway, thank you very much for clearing everything up and providing all the useful information I was looking for. This was actually the most helpful forum post I've ever used, and the quickest response as well.
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04 November 2017 #19
- Join Date
- 04 Nov 2017
- Location
- Doylestown Pa
- Posts
- 1
- Saab(s)
- 05 9-3
I'm looking to buy 05 sedan and trying to determine what trim package owner tells me aero but from what I've read it shouldn't have 16s wheels. Anything else I can look for to identify or inspect? I did the vin search but that doesn't tell me much. the trunk is badged 2.0t not capitalized, that mean anything definitive?
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04 November 2017 #20
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