buying a 03 9-3 2.0T

[pureadrenaline]

I am currently looking to purchase a 2003 Saab 9-3 2.0T with Manual Trans and was wondering what I should expect from the car and what I should be cautious of. I have read that the 03-05s had a few transmission issues, should I be worried about this? Since I first drove a friends I have loved the car! I am far from a professional manual driver, but this car made me feel like I was.

Thank You,
Casey

[Roto]

A sedan or a convertible? Have the engine checked for sludge...

[pureadrenaline]

Sedan. what should I be looking for, and what would be a fairly easy way to check?

Thanks,
Casey

[Roto]

Pulling the oil pan off should be an easy way to check. I'm not sure if the 03 sedans were affected. I'm sure about the convertibles though.

[pureadrenaline]

I'm not sure if that is going to be possible, since I am planning on buying it threw a friend at one of the local dealer auctions.

[ardenevoiv]

Just bought one of the same year but auto. The one thing I had to do, because it had 78k miles on it, was take it in for a full diagnostic and service check. Not sure where you are but that ran me about $800. Don't know to much about Saabs So I took it to the professionals. I lao heard the same about the transmission, so I am in the process of trying to find a 6/5 speed manual to swap out. New here so hope someone can lead us both in the right direction.

[Roto]

$800??? I'm in the wrong profession!

[boostpowered]

sorry to say but it sounds like youve been had by that mechanic.

[ardenevoiv]

Yeah I know that's high but. I took it to the dealership service centre. My first bad move. They always scam you at the dealers.

[pureadrenaline]

If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for the car and what options did it come with, I'm ***uming it's a Linear?

Thanks,
Casey