Potential new owner with a couple of pre purchase questions

[Mac9091]

Evening (afternoon to some) all,

I have been looking at purchasing a 2006 9-3 Aero 2.0 and would like to ask a couple of things (OK i lied its a few):

A. Is 205/55/R16 tyres meant to be fitted? As looking at the wheel guide it relates to 215 and not 205.

B. How difficult is it to remove the center display that shows faults such as an indicator not working? (there a block of about 5/6 lines all orange)

C. How difficult is it to remove the dash to replace the console (as above)

D. Is there any known issues with reverse lights not working other than blown bulbs/fuse?

E. Fairly simple to change the cambelt? and is there a recommended manufacturer for belt and water pump?

F. Worst case scenario, How much can you get when breaking for parts a Saab 9-3 2.0 TDi Aero?

Thanks for any input.

[Dave T]

A. Is 205/55/R16 tyres meant to be fitted? As looking at the wheel guide it relates to 215 and not 205.

In the United States, 215/55R16 and 235/45R17 were fitted to 9-3's of that era. Early 9-3 had 15" wheels. 205/55R16 was a possibility, according to the owner's manual, but I don't know about the UK.

C. How difficult is it to remove the dash to replace the console (as above)
I had a bad habit of removing parts from my classic 900 but stopped doing so with my 9-3! Sorry, I don't have the WIS CD (repair manual) anymore.

F. Worst case scenario, How much can you get when breaking for parts a Saab 9-3 2.0 TDi Aero?

Very little. I think one junkyard offered me US$800 in 2013. I ended up selling it to an individual who fixed the collision damage and drove the car.

[Digger]

Saab is like any other car, if you break it down yourself, have a place to put and patience to wait, you can make money selling the parts.
The 2006 Saab 2.0t doesn't have a timing belt, chain tension guides may break some day, but it takes some kind of work to break the chain. All water pumps eventually break, you don't have to worry about changing with the belt, but the bolts for the pump are not an easy to get at and it's a real bugger to replace if you don't have a lift.
You don't need to remove the dash to service the upper display, if you're right handed this might be easier to do in the UK. Odds are you aren't left handed and you can sit in the left seat and not have the steering wheel in the way.
Reverse light problems are the same on a Saab as any other car, bulbs, fuses, sockets, relays, wires and switches. Transmission makes a difference with switches, on an auto tranny the switch cost ten times more and it's ten times easier to change than it is with the manual gearbox.

[Mac9091]

Cheers guys,

I was hoping that (if breaking) i should be able to make the money i possibly pay for it back due to being in short(er) supply now, or is there not an issue getting original parts? That said i suppose you cant comment on the UK market.

I was pretty certain that it is a cam belt after a bit of reading (obviously could be wrong) and would much prefer a belt as they are far easier and cheaper to change.

Got small hands so access isn't normally an issue, unless its a Ford Mondeo that needs the gearbox oil changed (you need to drop/ lower the subframe to even get a socket in there.)

Having a look a 1.8t later today as well.

[Mac9091]

If the admin could close this, it is now irrelevant as I picked up a 1.8t earlier today from somewhere else.

Cheers