SAAB 9-3 v VEC-C

[CLOMP]

I dont know much about diesels, had a firms VEC 150, BUT I have been offered a SAAB 9-3 TiD 150 ON A 57 PLATE 37,000 miles, from a family member, is this basicly a VECTRA 150? Will I get the same problems as a lot of VECTRA 150 owners have had? I have known the car from new and it has not had one problem,,yet, it drives nice. I can only have the car at silly money if I am going to keep it,but I am worried about reliability, is it worth a go for £3000?

[Sten]

Same engine yes. I think the problems with this engine are blown out of proportion. They are a very common engine and typically cover high mileages hence problems with them are going to occur. I know plenty of people who've had no issues at all with the engine, myself included.

[CLOMP]

Thanks for the reply Sten,

[bembo449]

nothing wrong in applying the same rules when buying to ensure you dont buy a pup though

[accveccysriturbo]

Yes same engines as used in vaixhalls and alfas and fiats. Same issues to look out for.

[marktaylor]

I dont know much about diesels, had a firms VEC 150, BUT I have been offered a SAAB 9-3 TiD 150 ON A 57 PLATE 37,000 miles, from a family member, is this basicly a VECTRA 150? Will I get the same problems as a lot of VECTRA 150 owners have had? I have known the car from new and it has not had one problem,,yet, it drives nice. I can only have the car at silly money if I am going to keep it,but I am worried about reliability, is it worth a go for £3000?

can only say yes , i had an 08 plate tid and it was superb really comfy and no mechanical issues either

for 3k you cant go wrong

[Jezzy]

can only say yes , i had an 08 plate tid and it was superb really comfy and no mechanical issues either

for 3k you cant go wrong

Yes you can. If it's going to need a new manifold fitted soon, a new EGR valve and then the DMF packs up, after over a grand of repair bills, will it still look like good value?

[Jezzy]

Same engine yes. I think the problems with this engine are blown out of proportion. They are a very common engine and typically cover high mileages hence problems with them are going to occur. I know plenty of people who've had no issues at all with the engine, myself included.

So it's the commonness of the engine that means the inlet manifold needs replacing on so many of them? Got it. There was me thinking it was the bad design of the swirl valve mechanism.

[Ziggy]

Yes you can. If it's going to need a new manifold fitted soon, a new EGR valve and then the DMF packs up, after over a grand of repair bills, will it still look like good value?

If he spend a grand sorting it thats still only 4 grand for an 08 plate with 37k on the clock. Still a good price is it not?

[marktaylor]

So it's the commonness of the engine that means the inlet manifold needs replacing on so many of them? Got it. There was me thinking it was the bad design of the swirl valve mechanism.

i can see your point on this but im lead to believe from 07 plates the swirl valve mechanism was modified and didnt seem to be a problem any more ???