Considering 08 9-3 Aero 2.8 - Know little about Saabs

[r171mb]

Hi there,

I have always had a great admiration of Saab automobiles. Everyone here has excellent tastes in automobiles! Beautiful cars!

I found a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 2.8 that I am considering. 69,000 miles, but only 4 years since original purchase in summer 2009, and only $11,500.

However, with potentially limited repair options in the future, how have these cars been holding up?

It was a one owner car which makes me feel good, but still, I hate to spend the money to be broken down regularly. Have most of you not had many problems?

Would you be scared of the car or embrace it? Thanks!!!!

[nordwulf]

That sounds like a good price. I had the 2.8T in my 2006 9-3 Aero and I really enjoyed that engine. I don't have any recent experience with the 9-3 but parts shouldn't be a problem. There are still official Saab repair centers and many independent garages as well.

I am sure other 9-3 owners can give you more info on reliability but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a recent model 9-3.

Just one warning... Saabs are addictive. May cause obsessive attention to the brand, hang out with other owners, spend a lot of time on the forums. May also cause looking back to your car after you parked it quite often. Welcome!

[r171mb]

Thank Frank! Glad to hear some of those positives! I'm just hoping I wouldn't always be in the shop since the closest one is 60 miles away and closest independent is even a bit further than that.

I was also wondering if anyone knows on the 2.8 engine cars...who makes the genuine oil filter? Hengst or Mann? The cabin filter seems to certainly be Mann. Air filter I'm not sure on either.

Well, before I make a final decision on whether to get the car, I will continue to check back for any additional feedback on these Aero 9-3s from the 2008 time period.

Thanks so much!

[Burnsside42]

Buy a 2.0T instead and tune the balls off it. Those 2.8T do run well when they are running right. As a Saab tech - I hate those engines.

[r171mb]

Thanks Burnsside42,

That is a bit sad to hear that techs hate the 2.8 so much, but I can understand why. I saw a video about changing the spark plugs and it looked dreadful.

I simply fell in love with this car and my financing is about to expire. Not sure what to do.

I will certainly be keeping this V6 disadvantage in mind though. Thank you!! I certainly now wish it had the 2.0.

[Burnsside42]

Plugs are not too hard in those - sure there more involved - but you DO NOT need to remove the intake manifold to do them.

[r171mb]

Hi again everyone. I'm not ruling out the V6 2008.

However, I'm now considering a 2011 2.0 Turbo with manual trans that never sold, so new car. It was a very base model. Hum, well talked to them and thats not really working out. Probably leaning towards the Aero again.

[Brian Swank]

The 2.0 are lame, i test drove a few 5speed ones, very sluggish compared to my 2001 honda prelude 2.2n/a 5 speed,before i bought my 2006 aero2.8 6 speed with 90k. 99k now car is mint when it starts. Currently dealing with a battery drain problem believed to be the BCM, but otherwise great car, very fast and handles great, also dries nice in snow with snow tires. The 2.8 is a GM motor. Many advantages besides the engine with the aero including stiffer sport suspension that sits 10mm lower than the 2.0, lip kit, wider wheels, dual exhaust instead of no exhaust tips exposed, nicer 2tone interior, 6speed trans. You can get a plug and play tune from vtuner to bump the 250hp/250ftlbs to ~320hp/400ftlbs for $800. My vote is for the aero!

[Burnsside42]

the 2.0 ECOTEC is also a GM engine... as much as the 2.8 motor anyways FYI

[Peter Robson]

Have 08 2.8 Aero conv and 06 2.8 sportcombi. Best cars to drive. Only engine concerns have been coils. Center rear gets too hot, plugs last over 100K.