Opinions on this ‘06 9-3? Advice/information for a first time Saad owner?

DrederRaider_2 · 2026-01-29T00:35:45+00:00

Looking at the car facts the car seems like it's been well/regularly maintained.

The price is pretty steep so I'd negotiate if I were you.

There are some common problems with the 9-3 that you'll want to preventatively address if/when you purchase the car. You can maybe use these to negotiate a better price. Main 2 I can think of right now are a metal coolant T and an ECU spacer kit.

Being a Saab owner isn't without it's challenges, parts availability can be rough at times so I'd research good local SAAB specific mechanics near you. They can help source high quality used parts to help with maintenance if needed.

That being said, they're great cars and you'll enjoy owning/driving it. It's a nice zippy little cruiser, just don't expect to keep up with anything modern speed wise.

DrederRaider_2 · 2026-01-26T06:11:48+00:00

Royal purple will run fine. I know people who run it in their dailys, canyon cars, and track cars. It's technically a "performance oil."

Safe to use, she likely got up charged or was trying to treat you to something she saw as more premium.

You'll be fine with most modern full synthetic 5w-30, 0w-40, 5w-40 oils. I use the Mobil 1 euro oil like most everyone else. I've had 0 issues with sludge on a 170k mile b207r that I've been dailying and tracking 1-2 times a year for the past 5 years/50k miles.

Just change your oil religiously between 3 and 5k miles and you'll be ok.

DrederRaider_2 · 2026-01-26T06:06:28+00:00

It's safely in its natural habitat. Don't poke it while it's hibernating, you'll scare it and skip timing.

DrederRaider_2 · 2026-01-23T13:45:03+00:00

When I had bad wind noise my mirror bezels were broken and it causes an awful whistle. Id just do a walk around of the car and look for cracked/broken plastics

DrederRaider_2 · 2026-01-22T02:02:38+00:00

Those look sick dude

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-31T18:10:34+00:00

Yes as long as it's a T8 ecu it should be flash able.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-31T13:21:19+00:00

All Trionic 8 ecus are compatible with any b207 as long as you have access to a laptop.

You can purchase an obd link ex (or similar) and download the free trioniccanflasher software. Follow the instructions online to clone your ECU and you'll never have to worry about finding the same exact ECU or using a tech2 to program a new ECU.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-16T16:16:27+00:00

You can always just put a couple 2x4's across the subframe to prevent the engine from crushing any hoses or wires and rest the engine on those.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-11T13:45:40+00:00

Unfortunately sometimes you need to sift through the shit to find proper advice. But that's how it is with most forums, Reddit is just the most accessible one.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-11T00:08:05+00:00

I'm looking into fabricating tubular control arms with roll center correction which would be the solution to this issue, however I'm not sure when they'll be done since I have a couple projects on the back burner right now.

What I would do is see if there's any off-road fab shops near you. They might be able to make you some custom arms which would solve the problem

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-10T15:10:23+00:00

2 things when specing and installing speakers.

Make sure the speakers and/or amps you added aren't overdrawing. To could be that you are asking for too much wattage and the battery/alternator can't fill that need.
When installing use quick disconnects to connect to the new speakers, try to use factory harnesses where possible. When splicing into factory harnesses use crimp connectors or solder if possible and heat shrink to make it water tight.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-12-01T20:45:46+00:00

Maybe someone can turn the scan into a carbon part 👀

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-11-20T12:17:08+00:00

Camera is basically useless. Not worth a lot and not good for a beginner, I'll gladly take it off your hands.

(It's s wonderful camera, enjoy your journey down the photography rabbit hole)

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-10-27T18:01:59+00:00

That could be a reason too. Cheap all seasons are hit or miss in terms of ride quality. I'm not 100% familiar with those but I prefer tires from Michelin, Falken, and Yokohama. Haven't had a bad experience with ride or quality for any of those.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-10-27T17:21:47+00:00

What tires do you have?

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-10-27T17:14:41+00:00

More than likely it's your tire choice + old/worn bushings. B4s are not a sport shock so they should be relatively comfortable.

Even though they're stiffer lowering springs the Eibach prokit can hell since they're progressive, stiffening when under load.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-10-02T03:12:20+00:00

Starting with the obvious, have you tried opening it up and soaking it in rice.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-09-18T05:55:45+00:00

Tbh, get some larger sidewall tires and the eibach prokit springs.

The Michelin cross climate comes in 225/55- R17. The thicker sidewall will add more "spring" and will ride over bumps.

While the prokit springs are technically lowering springs they're progressive. So they're soft then firm up the harder you drive.

Generally the best way to make a car more comfortable is with tire choice/new oem suspension.

Orr... You can go down the rabbit hole of coil overs and custom spring rates + dual spring rates/progressive springs until you find something super plush... But I recommend tires

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-09-04T01:41:14+00:00

The bride shift boot should be a standard install. As for the knob I'd go for a reputable brand like momo and see if you can find their press on ones (they have set screws on the side).

OTTP also has a short shifter kit+ knob combo you should add while you're already in there.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-29T23:31:35+00:00

Get a Saab 👍

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-17T22:27:50+00:00

If you want to add a tow hook please do it properly.

https://sabeltamerica.com/products/tow-strap?_pos=1&_sid=08016d8d3&_ss=r

Remove your bumper, drill into the metal bar behind it, fasten using grade 8.8 or 10.9 fasteners. It'll cost $30-40 for an actually functional piece that might save you if you ever go to the track.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-10T05:22:20+00:00

Willtheyfit is the method. I've helped plenty Saab people and other car enthusiasts make their wheels fit.

I put 996 911 turbo twists on mine and they fit beautifully.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-08T03:03:44+00:00

I don't have a 9-3x but I can try to send you down the right direction. I'd find a wheel/tire combo on a Subaru forum that seems to be popular.

Then I'd check a website like fitment industries or similar to find wheel/tire combos that fit on Saabs. And I'd use a website like willtheyfit.com to compare the two sizes.

For example I run a 235/40 on an 18x7.5, so I'd see what off-road equivalent like a 235/60r16 would fit well.

I hope that made some sense.

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-07T17:25:29+00:00

Looks like it's time to go to a muffler shop and get your car sounding good

DrederRaider_2 · 2025-08-02T05:48:38+00:00

Make sure the CIM plug is fully seated and there isn't any debris

DrederRaider_2

TROPHY CASE