What to do???

[Geoff1951]

Hi Jim - would anything like this of interest?

http://www.skoda.net.r66.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=605329758

Geoff

[Norfolk Jim]

Sounds good Geoff but it say's it's beige

[Geoff1951]

   Yes, I saw that.
Might be like my old 9-5 - Smoke beige. It was a dark bronze.
But this might actually be beige.
I think Skoda did a gold colour at the time, that might be it.
But it might not.

It doesn't have the poke of the others you've been looking at though, and I haven't a clue about tuning, though whatever could be done to a Passat engine is likely to apply to this, or something similar.

Purely out of academic interest, I'll check the colour in due course.

 

[sgould]

It seems that Audax is right (as usual!!) The diesel 9-3X is a "fake" it's only front wheel drive...

So get the 2.0T Aero version!

[Norfolk Jim]

Would be a huge slump in fuel costs for me though............at least 20 mpg I'd say.

[sgould]

You can buy a lot of fuel for the cost of an EGR blanking and a DPF removal.

[jmblack]

Jim

I'll sell you my sept 2009 9-5 that's had egr and dpf done and upped to 190 bhp. Only 150k miles.....

You can have your own dog guard free....

Or maybe not as I'd then become you with no idea what to replace it with!

😜

[Norfolk Jim]

I like it Jonathon.

SO would anyone buy a 2011 car with 133k on the clock with full Saab dealer history (and Kwik fit for tyres etc).....................2.0T 210 bhp?

It's a 9-3X 2.0T with 4WD. Pictures show all tyres the same and looks like michelin with loads of tread on.

Do these have cambelt or are they a chain engine???

[sgould]

2.0T is a standard chain driven camshaft. 

The engines seem strong.  The Swedes have taken them over 400hp!  With mods! But the block is good.  If it's a manual, it might be on the limit of the clutch.  But check it in reverse uphill around a corner.  If it goes jumpy on you, walk away.  The rear drive stuff may need replacing.  A new box is £3k.  If it's smooth, then make sure the fluids are changed at 35,000 miles.  It's not part of the Saab service schedule, but it seems to be gaining credence in the specialist market.

[Norfolk Jim]

Thanks Will.

If it's all motorway travel I'd expect the clutch to be pretty ok??

My Passat has covered 130k with mostly motorway usage and it's like new and that's a heavy 2.0 diesel

If they have the history I can look to see if gearbox and diff oil were changed. I also have an incredible ear for noises!!!!

[sgould]

I think that by 2010 the transfer boxes had been fixed, with modifies breather systems etc.  The early ones had a problem with internal condensation which caused the fluid to degrade.  Another Saab sludge issue???  That caused the thing to get sticky and jumpy.

The breather has been modified, but the guys that have taken the trouble to work out the fix is JP Auto Solutions in Bristol.  They found that a couple of fluid changes would restore most boxes but not all.  If the thing has been abused etc. it can cause problems.

The difficulty is that Saab reckon that the various items are sealed for life!  JP disagree and reckon 35K is the optimum point to change the fluids.  Our car came to us at 34,000 miles with a fluid change just done by JP Auto.

[Norfolk Jim]

SO why hasn't anyone snapped the car up now??  If I had got rid of my Passat already I'd be driving this around............ is there something I should know about it?

It's now on Autotrader for under 4500!!!!!

All main dealer history and lease owner http://www.powerlease.co.uk/used-saab-ampthill-bedfordshire

Just out of interest I called them and they said they'd hardly had any interest at all - the chap said 'we all say it buttttt this is actually superb condition and all surprised it simply hasn't gone even when we had it at just under £6k'.

[Audax]

SO why hasn't anyone snapped the car up now??  If I had got rid of my Passat already I'd be driving this around............ is there something I should know about it?

I reckon it's both that a combination of the mileage and that it's a petrol makes it unpopular to people looking for a car less than 5 years old (they can afford more on something lower mileage). Also that I think it's under priced to the point that people are missing it as if they have £6k to spend as they are looking for cars that are around 8 years old...

[sgould]

Worth a test drive.  I don't think it's got a lot of toys though.  I can't see much detail, it may only have the single disc head unit.  It does not have Xenon headlamps, it has halogens.  Might have  heated seats.  But otherwise the car looks OK. 

Might have the later modified 2 litre engine.  I can't check this as my data isn't new enough.

[Norfolk Jim]

I'm inclined to agree Audax that's people miss it being under priced and think somethings wrong?? At that mileage if, as it suggests, it's all been motorway use then in my mind the engine is always at optimum temperature, clutch will still be fine (like on my 130k Passat) and hasn't seen children??

Would you have any worries Audax??

It has got a detachable Saab towbar the chap said that didn't actually look used and has the 13 pin plug with adapter. The pictures show tyres all look decent. You can just make out heated seats and looks like clock symbol so single CD. Would be nice with xenon's but I'm used to normal projector type with good quality bulbs in. I assume it will have the day running lights for age - would that be the LED strip above headlamps??

After all they do a 7 day money back guarantee and up to 3 years warranty (for a price) - just need to see it in flesh.