Buying First Saab Today!
 

Hello all! I just joined the forum as I am buying my first Saab today! It's a 1999 9-3 SE silver with charcoal leather interior. I am stating the modding this weekend. Any suggestions? Glad to be here!

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

Sounds like you've got a nice car there. What are your plans for it? What's the milage?

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

Actually have a minor hick up. I went to pick it up this morning only to find out there is a problem with the heate box. I have been researching this online for the past hour or so and see that this is a common problem with the Saabs. I am still trying to find out a quick and easy fix without having to replace the heaer box. If we have to replace the heater box I think I am going to pass on the car. Oherwise the car is really nice.

It's a 99 with 115K. The first things I want to do is make some exterior mods with some Viggen touches. I really like this rooftop window spoiler I saw on a 9-3 but have no idea where to find it.

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

What kind of heater core problem? Is it the couplers that are leaking?

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

https://saabforums.com/m_1067/tm.htmtake a look.

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

No it's actually from the heat control unit not moving well. He replaced it but the control knobs still don't move freely. They are telling me it's a common problem but major bucks to repair if it's the heater box binding up.

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

.... I'm really upset about this b/c I was so looking forward to buying this car as my first Saab (actually it's for the wife but I think I may sell my Wrangler and get another Saab b/c I'm falling in love already!). and I may have to pass on it!

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

Oh that one....I've had that happen on my car...I had to tinker with it for a few days, but I got it fixed...

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

.... and how did you fix it? I am on the fence with this car. If he drops the price enough I will buy it and try the fix myself. From what I understand, I have to remove the entire dash and console, remove and replace the heater box (which I think is really called a Distributor Box) then re-assemble the car. It's suppoed to be like a 9 - 10 hour job!

RE: Buying First Saab Today!
 

9-10 hours is an optimistic estimate for a first timer...you don't need to dismantle the entire dash though...just the center console, glove box and side covers. I took the passenger side of the "drum" out and filed it to make it slimmer and than also used silicone lubricant....haven't had a problem for two years now...