Buying a used Saab 900/9-3 (1993-2002)

Saab's first new 900 series delivered under GM stewardship was still a generation away from challenging BMW 3-series supremacy yet its reduced maintenance costs and improved reliability were welcome additions to traditional Saab safety, style and presence. Joe Kenwright looks at a classy medium car alternative…

Because the new 900 launched in Australia in February 1994 was Saab's first all new medium-sized model since 1967, it marked a major departure from the traditional Saab mechanical layout.

Like the larger 9000 first seen here in 1986, it featured a transverse drivetrain with side-mounted transmission for significant reductions in service and repair costs. The more complex Saab arrangement that placed the engine back to front with the transmission underneath was gone.

Because Saab could wait no longer for a 900 replacement and was dependent on a General Motors platform after GM took a controlling interest, this all new 900 was based on the GM J-car that was about to be replaced by the Vectra.

This earlier J-car platform, which was a later development of the model Australians knew as the Camira, was sold as a Vauxhall Cavalier and the Opel Calibra coupe. Australians saw the Calibra badged as a Holden but not the Cavalier. Saab heavily re-engineered this platform for big gains in torsional rigidity and crash safety levels commensurate with the Saab reputation for safety and taut handling.

Styling was a clever development of the previous model with the usual benchmark ergonomics and classy dash design inside. Suspension was a Saab development of the GM J-car layout including the space-efficient torsion beam rear axle. This was re-engineered to provide additional rear oversteer for a more neutral handling stance.

Engines were an upgraded range of Saab's own four-cylinder engines re-developed for the new drivetrain layout including a 2.3-litre variation with balance shafts shared with the 9000. A GM 2.5-litre V6 shared with later Calibra and Vectra V6 models was new to the range.

Built on a 2600mm wheelbase with a length of 4637mm and a width of only 1711mm, this Saab 900 series is compact enough to provide an alternative to today's small cars. Although this 900 series was quite competent in most areas, its pedestrian origins showed up in the ride and steering, a legacy of the less than rigid steering rack location.

The June 1998 upgrade with its change in model name to 9-3 addressed several of these issues following a quality drive at the Saab factory and suppliers. Key improvements added refinement and extra driver feel. These included a faster steering ratio, reinforced steering rack mounting and upgraded front suspension which increased suspension travel and improved ride quality.

Saab's clever active head restraint system was added and the climate control system was totally reworked. There were minor styling changes and the range was further rationalized after the V6 models were dropped earlier in that year.

Overall, this series is proving to be outstanding value as a used model and very reliable in service with much lower repair costs than earlier 900 models. Some examples which are approaching 400,000km have only needed routine maintenance.

The car's worst enemy is the over long prescribed service intervals. Those owners who service their cars on a six monthly basis or even more frequently are reaping the benefits. A documented history is more important than most when a skipped service can sometimes mean an example has covered 30-40,000km without an oil change for a disastrous long term outlook.

This series was replaced with an all-new 9-3 late in 2002. It featured a much stronger Saab character that was built into the next generation Vectra platform and remains in another league hence the big jump in used prices.

Specific Check Areas
Experts advise semi-synthetic oil changes every six months or 5000km to extend turbocharger life where fitted, timing chain and hydraulic lifter life. Listen for loose timing chain, rattly lifters and whistly turbo. Check for oil build-up around base of turbo and inside inlet tract. Worn turbos can also generate excessive white smoke at idle. Exhaust manifolds can split over time so listen for ticking noise in this area.

Timing chains on Saab four-cylinder engines dispenses with the need for regular cam belt changes but can wear especially with dirty oil and may require replacement of chain, tensioner and sprockets on cars with poor service history. There is also a balance shaft chain on some four-cylinder engines which may also require similar routine attention.

The GM V6 engine where fitted needs careful checking for oil leaks in virtually every location where it can leak oil. Like most European engines, its seals go hard with Aussie heat and age. Its timing belt must be replaced at every 40,000km when its pulleys and tensioners must be inspected and assessed by someone who knows when to replace them.

On the worst, least serviced engines the oil pick-up can be blocked causing severe tappety noises and a buzzing suction noise as the engine starves of oil.

Plastic radiator end tanks and seals are reaching the age on the earliest examples where they can fail. Routine coolant flush and change essential to avoid damage to alloy components and welch plugs.

Hood may require replacement on cabriolet especially those often driven with it down. Early cabriolets in this series relied on expensive electric motors for the hood which can fail. Later cars had hydraulic hood operation which was more reliable.

Brake rotors and tyres last well but both need checking for even wear. Genuine brake pads reduce noise.

Aisin auto transmissions when driven sensibly with routine servicing are lasting well. Early automatic versions suffered vibration at idle which is normal and therefore difficult to fix. Hydraulic clutch operation on later manual models must have routine fluid flush and replacement to avoid seal failure.

Steering rack mounts on the firewall do it hard especially with wheel and tyre upgrades and can amplify any flex if worn. Check that all bushes and mounts are in good shape.