Buying a 2007 9-3 convertible - advice please!

[mikeloadsasaabs]

....no, not me, my 9-5 Aero estate is perfect for my needs! Our best friend is looking around at various convertible options (VW Eos, Audi A3/A4) and mentioned that she had seen a 2007 9-3 convertible and asked my opinion on it as a second-hand buy. All I know is that it is a 1.8t auto, and given that it's 150bhp I'm assuming it has the 2 litre LPT, is that correct? Obviously it won't be a ball of fire, and given the likely usage pattern of short journeys I'm think around 25-27 mpg? Is there anything particular to look out for on this model? Any help appreciated! TIA.

[Audax]

Not really much too look out for on one of them, rear control arms and front springs might be needing replacement, check the roof and all the electrics work, check the seats haven't collapsed and it has a good history. The B207 is a pretty solid engine, if you want it to be much more nippy then take it to see Mr Hirsch. The 9-3 is quite a bit more fuel efficient than a 9-5 so you might see nearer to 27-29mpg but if it's for short journeys then whatever you do make sure she doesn't get a diesel (of any make!) and accept slightly higher fuel costs will be cheaper in the long run. It's also worth pointing out that a petrol is a far nicer car to own in winter if you only do short distances too. I have had people complain that their diesel was poor on fuel (kind of petrol level of economy) and cold to sit in, when you only do 4-5 miles to work and back then that's got to be expected in winter.

[mikeloadsasaabs]

Thanks for that Audax. Is there likely to be a sludging issue on petrol 9-3s around this age? And yes, totally agree that a diesel is out of the question. TBH the car they've seen advertised sounds a bit expensive at c.£6k, I did a quick check on Autotrader and found several around £4.5k. It's a bit difficult to advise them when I'm the best part of a thousand miles away  They have already had a couple of convertibles with electric hood issues so I'm sure they'll be looking at that particular area thoroughly! They currently have an Astra 1.6 n/a which has had a number of roof problems, which is the reason they are getting shot of it (ref your other post about why people move cars on!).

[Audax]

Thanks for that Audax. Is there likely to be a sludging issue on petrol 9-3s around this age?

The B207 has never had a sludging problem, that petrol engine is really solid with very few problems. I know of 1 car which needed a head gasket and 1 more that needed a turbo, of course that second car with the turbo problem was the one I'd advised a mate to get as the engine was bomb proof.

[sgould]

Our 1.8t saloon with the 195hp Hirsch upgrade, is faster than the 210hp Aero.  The torque is higher up to around 4500 rpm when the bigger turbo finally catches up!  Hirsch do discounts on older car ECU upgrades.

Ours is a 2003 model from the launch.  Only 54,000 miles.  Mostly local trips.  No sludging.  No nothing, regarding the engine.  Check front springs, they can break.  Check all the electrics work.  Check the colour of the power steering fluid.  The pump is a direct drive on the end of the engine.  If the seal goes, engine oil can get into the hydraulics.

Otherwise. Not a lot.  Sometimes the CIM fails.  That's the black box around the steering column that is the security centre/central locking/steering lock, etc. 

But generally a reliable choice.

[Audax]

Our 1.8t saloon with the 195hp Hirsch upgrade, is faster than the 210hp Aero.  The torque is higher up to around 4500 rpm when the bigger turbo finally catches up!  Hirsch do discounts on older car ECU upgrades.

It most certainly is, one variant I don't think I've driven is the B207R Aero with a Hirsch upgrade, I think that could have some potential.