More specifically, how do you feel about the Viggen?
230hp, 250 lb-ft/tq.
Mods are sorta pricey, though.
Just to give you an idea
http://www.genuinesaab.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=56
So what do you all think?
ugh, effing gawgess
my mom has an 06 9-3 aero.
plenty of power
shitty auto trans
i enjoy driving it
i think its sharp
as far as the viggen…i think soloIIscoob had the exact car so hopefully he chimes in.
Wow, if you like that… then here’s a couple more.
IB4 “Saab’s were good 'till GM ruined them.”
Looks nice in that color. I’d say from what I know, never having owned one myself, that high cost of repairs and mods is the main [and possibly only] downside.
i owned1
i loved her very much. i only wish i would have found one in better condition.
a joy to drive and a pleasure to look at youll easily get used to staring at her.
saw one on ebay(1999 like mine) with like 5K miles going for 15K$
also know of a few others that could possibly be for sale. tho the price is much higher than that. like 12K miles for 28K lol.
Um…late model Saabs are funding my retirement.
I’d rather drive a Ford Aspire.
Truly can’t stand the GM era cars.
I really like the blue viggens, always sort of wanted one.
mmmm Those are tasty lookin.
I wouldn’t say those cost too much. Awesome torque increases. I wish I had a HP to Torque ratio like that.
I love Saabs. You will find people going out of their way to park next to you with a similar Saab, stop and chat with you in a store parking lot, sometimes wave as they drive by. This has never happened with any other cars I’ve owned, even the more unique ones. As for the GM thing, GM owned only 50% of Saab from 1990-2000. It wasn’t until 2000 that GM purchased the remaining portion of the company, and its only the 9-3 sport sedan and onward that are completely ‘GM’ cars.
General thoughts on the ng900-9-3 platform:
2.0t and 2.3t (viggen) are decently quick in stock form (high 14-low 15 et, mid 90s trap). From a stop they are terrible, but are quick at highway speeds. Stock handling however, isnt that hot. An upgraded rear swaybar and steering rack brace/clamp should be considered a necessity. Add springs and struts and they’ll handle pretty well for a fwd platform. If you want a race car, I’d look for something else though.
If you want to go for big power without doing internals, the 2.0t in the regular 9-3 is a better base, as its pistons are much stronger. The viggen uses lightweight pistons, so while it has more power stock to stock, you cant get much more out of it without doing internals. 99 9-3 and prior 900s use the t-5 engine management, and as such are easier to mod. All viggens and 00+ 9-3s use t-7 so getting power out of them is more expensive.
Reliability wise, I’d say they are average or below average. Its not a Honda thats for sure. Parts are expensive, and most are dealer-only purchases. For me its worth it because I do my own shit and I like the car. If you’re looking for maintenance free, move on. Make sure any Saab you consider has as few owners as possible and fully documented service history.
Mine was immaculate and well maintained with 105k when I bought it, here are my repairs/maintenance in the past 2 years:
fuel pump: $900 (done at dealer, middle of winter)
front pads/rotors: $200 parts
hub & wheel bearing: $400 parts (lug broke off in hub doing brakes)
all coolant hoses: $150 parts
starter: $150 reman parts
serpetine belt and idler pulley: $120 parts
alignment, upper strut mount, and driveshaft are on the list for later this month.
If you want to do more reading, go to http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/index.php
To get an idea on parts: http://www.genuinesaab.com
My 900se 2.0 turbo started as a daily driver when I had my hatch for a fun car, but I’ve since gotten older, more boring, and saving for a house, so I now have it as my only car, slightly modded.
not bad, i always thought they were semi girly though
2.3NA verts are girly 
My parents owned a 9-5. Drove it a bunch. Very nice ride, quick stock, interior was one of the best interiors I had ever sat in as far as comfort goes.
They had some issues with a few things that were pricey to repair though. Oh, and it got stuck in snowy driveways INCREDIBLY easy, heh.
Mine was terrible in the snow with wide summer/all season tires (not surprisingly), but with blizzaks its great.
I appreciate the heads up, REDRUM. I’m a member of SaabCentral. Have been for a while. Been researching the car for some time now. The piston issue changed after 99 from what I heard. I know parts are expensive. I’ve driven 2. One being a black on black with well below 40k and it handled as well if not better than my Probe. Fact, the car was perfect. I’m not really going for ‘big power’, fact 1 T7 upgrade, an exhaust and open air element sounds like enough to keep me happy for the time I have it. But I do appreciate your input. Genuinely.
As far as I know all model years Viggen pistons are weak, but if you’re not going for more than 240-250whp then it shouldn’t be an issue. GL with your search.
99-02 saab 9-3 FAQ, good stuff:
http://thesaabsite.com/93/93faqs.htm
In the end though, if you want one and are aware of their pluses and minuses, then get one. They are a niche car, and you’ll find that people either like them or hate them. It is nice having something different though.
ugh that fuel pump was a dick in your ear. Other parts pricing isn’t that bad though.
Yeah the fuel pump and direct ignition cassette are the two high priced common problems. Fuel pump requires the tank to be dropped :bloated: