kmkrcek

I just bought a 2000 95 2.3t last saturday and was driving to the mountains when I heard psshhht phissssss. The engine began to lose power engine and oil light came on then the car stalled. Opened the hood and whit smoke was coming out of a hole on the upper left side of the engine. Let it cool down for a little bit restarted it and a HUGE black cloud of funk came out of the tail pipe. luckily I bought the car from a dealer and we have a 30 day lemon law in Colorado so he has to take it back, check it out and do all repairs, if it can be repaired. So here goes my q's

1. Do all Saab's have turbos? is that what the 2.3t means? I don't have a turbo gauge on the dash I'm told over and over that it was probably the turbo- I'm a girl I understand that some guys still think that girls don't know anything about cars- but, I'm pretty sure that if I don't have a turbo gauge, I don't have a turbo.
2. Is there any hope? I loved that car until this happened. I had a VW before I bought it and fell in love on the test drive. I WANT MY SAAB BACK!!!

Roto

I'm pretty sure your particular car is supposed to have a turbo...oil light coming on is a very bad sign though. Id make use of the lemon law and find another 9-5 without what sounds like major issues.

kmkrcek

So the dealer took the car back apparently the turbo went out and will cost too much to repair so he is going to replace it with a 2000 9-3 with 60k miles on it. What should I look out for?? I've read mixed reviews on the 9-3 stating oil sludge problems?

Roto

WHAT? Too much to repair a broken turbo??? That's unheard of. The 9-3 is ok, but you gotta realize that it's smaller and has a beam rear suspension rather than independent...

kmkrcek

wellhe's gone back and forth between it's the turbo it's the whole engine back to the turbo he said at one point of time that it would cost him $2500 to replace the engine. Not really sure if I want to deal with the original 9-5 that I bought from him. He's now saying that if I do want the orig car, that he's waiting on a part (assuming the turbo) to get in from MN- then he will have his mechanic repair it and give it back to me. The 9-5 I bought has 113K miles on it. The 9-3 he wants me to take has 60k. I haven't seen the 9-3 yet. Assuming it's in good condition and doesn't puke black crap out of the tail pipe I just might take it for now, so that I have a car then turn around and sell it? How much smaller is it? I guess I will see! Besides that any tips on checking the 9-3 out? Should I wait it out and get the 9-5 back? any advice is welcome!!!!

Roto

Sounds like your dealer is an idiot. Honestly, stay way clear from him. I'd ask for money back and buy a car elsewhere... if the 9-3 is in good condition than it could be acceptable, but can you elaborate how much you paid for the 9-5 and how much he's equating the 9-3 to??? The 9-3 can be considerable cheaper than the 9-5 of the same year.

kmkrcek

Bought the 9-5 for $4500- And yes, the dealer is an idiot. But I'm holding on to an idiot card as well for not doing my homework

Roto

You're the customer...you're allowed to be an idiot And for $4500 the two cars are pretty much identical in worth. Go for the 9-3 if it suits you.

kmkrcek

Thanks sooo much for helping me out! We'll just call you the Saab Psychologist from here on out! Guess I'll have to switch over to the 9-3 forum if I take on the option!

Roto

Just keep in the family and don't go for a BMW... hehehe