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

 

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

 

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

Thanks,
Casey

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

Thanks,
Casey