Thinking of buying a 9-3

[ile2010]

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy an '08 9-3 in Southwestern Ontario. I have an '06 9-5 and have had an '03 9-5 before. I've posted in the 9-5 forums many times but this is my first time here.

I've come across a high mileage 9-3 (338,000km). He's asking $3000. If this was a 9-5, I'd probably take the chance but I have zero experience with the 9-3 and the 2.0 engine. I'm hoping to get some input from you guys.

Here's the ad:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...spd/1140441597

Thanks in advance.

[Dave T]

With the loonie down in value, that is just a little over US$2000. Around here, that's almost the minimum price for any car that runs.

The 9-3 is not quirky. The 2.0 turbo is a fine engine, better than the V-6. The car doesn't have XWD, which has some unusual parts.

I would be interested in the car if I lived nearby either as a hobby car or as a daily driver that you intended to use for 1-2 years. There's a chance that it could last another 300,000 km but I would assume that it won't be like that because you wouldn't be the first owner.

[ile2010]

That's good to hear. I'm hoping to get 2 years out of it as an daily driver.

[ile2010]

I'm also looking at this one:

2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan,
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/h...dan/1133757536

Significantly lower mileage, but twice the price. Thinking of gambling and getting the first one I posted. Thoughts?

[RoccoH]

I believe the B207 is a better engine compared to the B2x5's found in the 9-5's. For this one, it all comes down on whether the car has had regular maintenance. Bot cars are priced extremely low and significantly low, so I'd just check out both cars, check their maintenance history and just see which one feels right.