Looking to buy 04/05 9-3 - need advice
 

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy an 04/05/06 9-3. I was considering an 03/04 Audi A4 but maintenance looks more involved than I would like. I like the looks and price of the 9-3 in these year rangers - how do they hold up maintenance-wise over time? What are common problems and the expected life of the 9-3?


Thanks

RE: Looking to buy 04/05 9-3 - need advice
 

Maintainance-wise you can expect all the normal things you'd expect out of any car. Closer to 100K the timing components need to be replaced, closer to 150K you'll probably need to replace the rear main seal which will run you about $500...everything you'd have to do on any used car at high milage. It will certainly be cheaper that maintaining a German car:)

RE: Looking to buy 04/05 9-3 - need advice
 

How much does replacing timing components cost? How does the turbo hold up under normal conditions?


Thanks for your help

RE: Looking to buy 04/05 9-3 - need advice
 

The turbo is kind of a gamble if you're buying a used car. Even so, it's cheap to rebuild, http://www.blouchturbo.com/rebuild them for about half the cost of a new one with a quick turnaround. The timing components shouldn't run you more than $550-600... which is BTW exactly what it costs on a honda accord. All in all when buying used, any car is a gamble, so go out of your way to have it inspected by a reputable mechanic before commiting to it.