I really need advice on 2006 9-3 Linear

[Dsvorc41]

Hey guys,

I'm very close to purchasing a 2006 Saab 9-3. I currently have a 1999 9-5 SE. Both cars have manual transmission. I read a lot about newer Saabs and I'm becoming a little bit skeptical about 9-3. My initial impression that late 90s Saabs were still more Saab than GM, but that changed in mid-to-late 2000s. In know that my current Saab has a b235 engine with a timing chain, while the 2006 9-3 has a b207 with a timing chain (or at least that's what I've read). Some people claim that older Saabs were built to last (other than sludge issue which can be solved by cleaning the oil pan). My 9-5 has about 170,000 miles while 9-3 has about 130,000.

I guess I've become very comfortable with my current car and I feel confident in taking it on a 2000 mile trip any day. How does the 2006 9-3 compare to the older ones? What are some of the best and the worst things I can expect? For example, I couldn't find a tutorial on how to replace a timing belt on 2006 9-3, and it seems that there is less tutorials for that car in general. If you have any experience with the newer 9-3's please share it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Dan

[9-3 Aero]

With regard to a timing chain replacement procedure/tutorial, could a request for it on the forum give you the WIS procedure.

Saab 9-3 Buyers Guide: http://saabworld.net/f8/saab-9-3-buyers-guide-24606/.

Good luck

[Dave T]

The person from the top of the world (Tromso) is correct! Only a few Saabs have timing belts and any of the 9-3SS (except I don't know about diesels, which aren't sold in North America)

I bought a new classic 900, new 2005 9-3, and a used 1999 9-3SE. From that perspective, the 2005 9-3 was the most reliable and nicest car. The worse thing I had was the rubber key fob wore out, which everyone has that problem. The radio buttons are rubber and are prone to wear but mine did not due to very careful handling. The black trim above the doors has a habit of slowly migrating forward over several years, including my car. I had the 2005 from 2005-2013 and spent only about $65 on repairs! The number of warranty repairs were also small and minor.

[Dsvorc41]

Thank you Dave T. and 9-3 Aero! So 2006 9-3 Linear definitively has a timing chain. That's good to know because I trust chains more than I trust belts anyway. Now that you mention 9-3ss, I think that's the model I read about. It shared engine with Cobalt SS or something like that?

How can I request a WIS instructions on changing the timing chain in 2006 9-3?

[9-3 Aero]

Whatever engine is in the Cobalt, are the various B207 turbos and B284 really made by GM, i.e. Ecotec (1.8i by Opel), Ectotec LK9 and LP9, all pertaining to petrol engines.

The WIS instructions to be requested on the forum in due course - and hope for it

[nordwulf]

SS stands for Sport Sedan, the official Saab designation. Not sure what the SS for the Cobalt stands for but I am sure it is not the same.

There was no Linear for 2006 in the US, only 2.0T (comparable to Arc) and Aero. I used to have a 2006 2.0T sedan and enjoyed it. I can't say much about long-term reliability but you don't often read about major, recurring problems.

[Dsvorc41]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your replies. Frank you were right. The owner of the car told me Linear, but it is 2.0t. And it's mine now! I couldn't resist. I washed it inside and out, and now it looks amazing! Check out the picture:



Now that I own it, I need a second set of advice in order to keep it running strong! Please check the link with my other post. I have some interesting things going on and I'd like to solve them quickly!

http://saabworld.net/f8/i-just-bough...529/#post61451

Thanks guys!