Things to ask about 2003 9-3 Arc

I'm going to look at a used 9-3 Arc tomorrow, and I was curious about questions I should ask the dealer, or things I should be on the lookout for.

It's got 34,000 mi., was a lease, and is listed for 16, 900. The specs from the ad are below. Thanks in advance.

Features: ABS, Air Conditioning, Alarm, Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Radio, Bucket Seating, CD Player, Cruise Control, Driver-Side Airbag, Heated Seats, Leather Interior, **Low Mileage**, Memory Seats, Moon Roof, One Owner, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Seats, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Remote Keyless Entry, Side-Impact Airbags, Tilt Wheel, Tinted Glass, Traction Control, Xenon

Standard Equipment: Pass key Security System, Air Conditioning, 16 inch Rim Size, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Dual front air bags/active belts, 5 speed manual Transmission, AM/FM CD, 121 Cubic Inch Displacement, Daytime Running Lights, Tilt Wheel, Front Wheel Drive, Power Windows, 4 wheel standard Anti-lock Brakes, Turbo Engine, 4 Cylinders

Reply to
Daniel Anderson
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Take it to a service person you trust for a look over. Take it to a high pressure car wash. Test all electronics. Do hard braking test repeatedly. Take it to a parking lot and do some slalom moves at high speed.

Reply to
dan

Ask for the maintenance record...they should have it. If they don't beware.

It sounds like it should still be under warranty...in which case, you should rest a bit easier. My suggestion (assuming you're in the US, not sure about other countries)...if you plan to keep the car a few years, and I don't see why you wouldn't want to, get the extended warranty (certified pre-owned Saab warranty). Expect to pay a $1500-2000 (USD) premium for it, but it's worth it....the 2003 9-3ss's are known for problems (being in their first model year).

I talked to some of the dealer mechanics (on an off-duty basis), and they said whenever a car comes in under that warranty, it's practically exactly the same as the original warranty. In other words, if they need to call to get an authorization for a repair, it nearly always gets authorized.

- tex

Reply to
Tex

Is this a certified pre-owned? If not how much of the OE warranty do you have left in terms of time? They will have to give you the original in-service date to calculate when the 4 years expires. It was 4 years /

50k miles BTW...
Reply to
Fred W

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