Question mainly for Chuck because I saw he is a Saab guy. I'm looking at this Saab w/ 38k original miles for around 6k. I was pretty excited until I saw this note on the report. For whatever reason, at 35k miles, the dealer serviced the fuel and transmission system. Whatever that means. I doubt I'll be able to get the details on that. Do you think that is a red flag? If I go to check out the car, what should I make sure of? No slipping?
Fuel System Serviced
Transmission Serviced
Electrical System Serviced
Lights or Signals Serviced
I've owned and worked on Saabs since the early 1980s but never dealt with the 9-3. The car is more GM than Saab, especially the 2003+ models which, unlike the 9-5, don't even use a Saab engine - it has a "GM Global" engine.
Probably "transmission serviced" means the fluid and filter (if applicable) were changed at that point. "Fuel system serviced" is likely they poured some Gumout or Techron in the tank and charged the customer a couple of hundred dollars. What is most concerning is the low mileage, it's hard to believe on a car that's over 20 years old and would need to be verified.
I don't recommend Saabs for most people because the company is long dead and although the Saab Parts company still exists as "Orio" some parts are becoming scarce. I've ordered some things from European sources when necessary. It's a specialty/enthusiast car.
If you decide to proceed your best bet would be to have a Saab expert check the car out before purchase. There are not as many around as there used to be but you may be able to find a Euro specialty shop that still has some Saab familiarity. Also Saab Parts maintains a thin network of official Saab service centers and if there is one in your area they may be able to help you out:
https://saabparts.com/us/book-a-service/
@chucktobias "What is most concerning is the low mileage, it's hard to believe on a car that's over 20 years old and would need to be verified."
Right. I am looking at the report. It says the first owner only put 20k miles on it from 2002 to 2018. Too bad about it being more GM than Saab. I'll prolly have to pass then. What a bummer.
I appreciate the info.
@sophistikage No problem. If you do buy the thing there are some Saab specialty boards you'll want to become familiar with for support, such as:
https://www.saabnet.com/tsn/bb/general
https://saabworld.net/forum.php
There are others you can find with an internet search. Also, a Tech2 is required for most diagnostics and programming of the car.
@chucktobias Ok good stuff. I might still buy it. Since it is a GM engine on this thing, would it still use the DIC (Direct Ignition Cassette)? Or did they switcht o straight up spark plugs?
@sophistikage The GM engine uses conventional coil-on-plug ignition, not the Saab ignition cassette.