I am just recently purchasing a 2003 saab 9-3 linear with 88.5k miles.
I know saabs have their problems but most of the common ones have been worked out of this car already.
What i'm asking is do you know anyone who owns this car (specifically year 2003 please) and how reliable was it?? How many miles should i expect to get out of this car???
Hank Scorpio
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Linear...straight to the junkyard. I have to assume it's an ecotec I4 turbocharged engine (had to LOOK it up). Regardless...the only ecotecs that can take boost are the lsj and lnf...meaning this is not going to be a good purchase for you. How long do the sunfires and cavaliers last? Then add boost to that equation (light boost though). You'll find that past 75k the reliability becomes zero.
Oh and...175hp turbocharged. Weak sauce.
Anonymous
They are pretty reliable as long as you 1. get it inspected at a certified SAAB MECHANIC, have them check for sludge 2. keep your OIL CHANGED, with SYNTHETIC oil...Trust me this makes a huge difference. The main issues with the '03 is that it still can have an issue with engine sludge if the oil isnt changed regularly. A certified Saab mechanic can check for sludge by dropping the pan. If it runs and drives good, its probably ok but you may have to have the oil pan and everything cleaned out periodically to keep sludge out, but dont let that deter you, they are great cars. Not to mention half the cars now days have sludge issues. Aside from that, there will more than likely be little quirks that are not serious and not expensive. and make sure you keep up with general maintenance. I have loved and driven Saabs all my life, my 1999 has almost 300,000 miles and I can count on 1 had the problems Ive had, Its been very reliable.