I am looking to pick up a used 2001 9-3SE convertible with automatic. I know that to truly expieriencethis car I should get a stick, but I live in the Washington DC area and Traffic here is always rated as one of the three worst in the country and I do not want to be rowing in traffic.I want one with some waranty left if at all possible. My buying options are:
ebay at around US$14,500 -15,500 Sellers have good feedback with cars but I think not.
A semi local non Saab dealer ~120 miles away for around $17,000. Doable, but I don't know the dealer
A local Saab specialist Repair/used dealer (Scandinavian Imports, a sponsor of Saabnet.com if that means anything) for around $18-19k. I do feel comortable with them after talking with them. High end of my budget range.
A Saab certified from one of the 2 local dealers (VOB Saab or International Saab) at about $21,000 really pushing the budget, but with 2 additional years of factory warranty
I am not a shade tree mechanic by any means. Any comments or expeiriences good or bad with one of the above choices?
A couple of additionl questions:
By any chance does the factory CD play MP3 cds?
Are the stock tires sufficient for mild winters? I am going to keep my
4x4 that I am drivng now as a "beater" so I will have something for the "heavy" snows, 12" or so, we get every couple of years. But are the tires OK for a few inches?I am looking at a car with mileage in the mid 30s to low 40s. Should I save up and get a spare DI module to carry with me, and learn where and how to change it?
Any good links to the care and feeding of this car? The last "sporty" car I owned was a 66 mustang in the late 70's when it was just an old car, but not yet a "classic". I have never owned a convertible, either. I just want to feel the wind in my hair, while I still have enough hair to feel it.
Thanks in advance for any and all replies/comments.
Len