1999 Saab 9-3

Introduction

The 1999 Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car that was available in sedan, convertible, and hatchback body styles. It was powered by a variety of gasoline engines, ranging from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to a 3.0-liter V6. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic. The 9-3 was praised for its handling, performance, and safety features, but it was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing a loss of power and increased fuel consumption. The turbocharger will need to be replaced. $1000 - $2000+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak and rough idling. The gasket will need to be replaced. $200 - $500
• Camshaft position sensor failure: The camshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run erratically. The sensor will need to be replaced. $100 - $300

2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The head gasket will need to be replaced. $1500 - $2500+
• Turbine blade failure: The turbine blades in the turbocharger can fail, causing a loss of power and increased fuel consumption. The turbocharger will need to be replaced. $1000 - $2000+

3.0-liter V6

• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage. The timing chain will need to be replaced. $2500 - $3500+
• Oil leaks: The 3.0-liter V6 is known for developing oil leaks. The source of the leak will need to be identified and repaired. $500 - $1500+

Transmission

5-speed manual

• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers in the transmission can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears. The transmission will need to be repaired or replaced. $500 - $1500+
• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or chatter. The clutch will need to be replaced. $500 - $1000+

4-speed automatic

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or chatter. The torque converter will need to be replaced. $1000 - $2000+
• Valve body failure: The valve body can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. The valve body will need to be replaced. $500 - $1500+

5-speed automatic

• Solenoid failure: The solenoids in the transmission can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. The solenoids will need to be replaced. $300 - $800
• Transmission control module failure: The transmission control module can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. The transmission control module will need to be replaced. $500 - $1000+

Suspension

• Strut failure: The struts can fail, causing the ride to become rough and unstable. The struts will need to be replaced. $500 - $1000+
• Ball joint failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the suspension to become loose and unstable. The ball joints will need to be replaced. $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power. The alternator will need to be replaced. $500 - $1000+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The starter will need to be replaced. $300 - $600+
• Electrical gremlins: The 9-3 is known for developing electrical gremlins, such as flickering lights, faulty gauges, and intermittent starting problems. The source of the problem will need to be identified and repaired. $200 - $1000+

Exterior

• Rust: The 9-3 is known for developing rust, especially on the underbody and wheel arches. The rust will need to be repaired or prevented from spreading. Varies greatly
• Dent/ding: If the dent and ding is shallow enough, it can be repaired using paintless dent repair. If it is too deep, the panel will need to be replaced or repaired by a collision center. Varies greatly

Interior

• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the AC or heater to not work properly. The climate control unit or other components will need to be replaced. $500 - $1500+
• Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail, causing the windows to become stuck or inoperable. The window regulator will need to be replaced. $200 - $500+
• Door lock failure: The door locks can fail, causing the doors to become locked or unlocked. The door lock actuators or other components will need to be replaced. $200 - $500+

Summary

The 1999 Saab 9-3 is a reliable vehicle, but it can develop some serious issues, especially with the engine and transmission. The cost of repairs can be high, so it is important to factor this into the cost of ownership. However, the 9-3 is a fun and rewarding car to drive, and its unique styling and features make it stand out from the crowd.