My dearly beloved's company has a 2000 W plate Saab 9-3 2 litre coupe, non-turbo, coming to the end of it's lease period and she's wondering whether to try and buy it. It's done 80k, has a shallow dent about 6'' long just above the plastic sill trim on one side, a couple of ciggy burns on the driver's seat and may need front discs soon but otherwise is tidy. It drives well. It obviously has full saab service history, so what is it worth to the leasing company?
I've read HJ's comments on this model, does anyone have any experience of them? Is a clutch change easy and what about parts prices? I presume German and Swedish would do most bits for them.
Ta in advance.
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I had a 9-3 diesel as my company car for three years, but didn't buy it as the price wasn't right. The three door is worth less than the five door. The two litre non-turbo engine is now discontinued and was always the entry-level with just adequate performance. Is it it base, S, or SE trim? If it's base, then you are looking at a lowish price - try using the car price guides at motoring.telegraph.co.uk or Auto Express (can't remember address. It will certainly be solid & last well, most of the components are tried, tested, and can be obtained from non-Saab sources, as you suggest. Also consider joining Saab Owners Club (www.saabclub.co.uk) for useful forums & classified ads.
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It's an 'S'spec 3 door coupe. Seems to go fast enough for me! I'm interested in what the leasing company would get for it at auction so I'd have some idea of what they might accept for it.
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Hi Mike, still helping the SAAB owners I see! Other on line price guides from Parkers, Glass and the AA site. Regards Nick I
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Have seen many people buy ex-company vehicles with no problems - more interestingly have you had the dealership check for common probs and fix under warranty (or lease equiv) in particular- front susp., oil leeks and uneven tyre wear. Could give you an indication of any hefty bills due soon. I guess the manufacturer's warranty is over due to mileage...
Seen some of these around at £5k+ ish. If you buy cheap, you're probably going to have to sell it cheap aswell unless you can fix the ciggy burns and dent.
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I'd aim to run it into the ground. I'll put a lot of miles on so it'll be almost worthless in a few years.
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