Getting a new Swede

[Rondo]

Hey all, I know this is a Volvo site, but I have the opportunity to buy my father's 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0t M6. It has 65000 total miles on it but the engine was replaced at 40000 because of a thrown rod. I have all of the service records and it was meticulously dealer maintained before Saab went under. I guess I'd like to know if anyone has experience with these cars and can give their opinion reliability-wise. It's going to be very hard to turn down as he is giving it to me for under 5000. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks. (BTW, not getting rid of the S70, my son is getting it for graduation.)

[eEuroparts]

I have personal experience with an '08 9-3 2.0t (auto though) and it is a pretty darn good car. Put 70k mostly highway miles on one over about 4 years and never had any real mechanical problems with it. I have had near endless tire pressure monitor sensor problems, but only after a cheap shop changed the tires. The coating is peeling off the trim near the driver side mirror and I recently had to do strut mounts. Did the struts while they were off as well. That's about it.

Car has always felt solid, extremely smooth at speed and I love the way it looks. I might even say its beautiful. It's polar white with dark gunmetal Aero double-5 spoke wheels. I still like the interior in my '03 9-5 Aero more but that's down to personal preference. The engine swap gives me some reservations, but for that price I would pull the trigger in a heartbeat.

[Rondo]

Thanks Matt. That's certainly the way I'm leaning. I know that the vast majority of the 65000 miles were highway and the engine swap was done probably because the dealer knew that saab was on the way out and didn't want to do a lower half rebuild. Can't say I blame them. I've driven the car several times and love the way it handles and the upgraded equipment package which includes the bigger wheels and tires is pretty nice.