2000 Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 (2000)
for sale

Price: US $3,400.00

Description:

With an extremely heavy heart, I am selling my 2000 9-3 Saab Convertible.I am the original owner, and have just about every receipt during the car's ownership in about a 1 1/2 thick folder. You get the folder and original sales brochure as well.
Why am I selling?The Louisville area just does not seem to be able to support the reasonable maintenance of my car.My main mechanic, unfortunately, has passed away.If you're not from a major metropolitan area the size of at least Indy / Cincy / Nashville, do not buy this car!!!If this is the first time you would be owning a Saab, do not buy this car!!!!
Let me tell some problems that I have run into during my ownership:1. There was a time when the engine was just not operating correctly. The problem was a crack in a plastic coupler that connected a number of vacuum hoses. The dealer solution was to order a $50.00 replacement part via overnight shipping ($20), and install the part (+$$). My main mechanic, who I switched to, recommended fixing with $0.15 of JB Weld. It's lasted for years now.2. Every time the car was taken in for service, the service desk recommend the replacement of a metal flex hose ($400.00+) in the exhaust system because it was rusty.3. Finally, as Saab owners are well aware, the exhaust system/turbo tubing gets very close to the oil pan. The heat would bake the oil on the bottom of the oil pan. This requires the occasional remove of the exhaust system in order to drop the oil pan for cleaning in order to prevent the screened oil pick up tube from becoming clogged with sludge and starving engine of oil. I have come to find out that there is a modification to the oil pan that allows access to the pan to inspect the oil pick up tube. This solution has never been offered or recommended to me in 15 years. I only recently learned about the solution.
So, why would you want a 15 year old convertible?While the body has 220, 000+ miles (but less than 230, 000), the following items should be noted:1. the replacement engine only has 80, 000 miles.2. the fabric top was replaced approx. two years ago.3. a lot of money was spent on the brakes, rotors, etc this summer.4. The radiator was just replaced this summer.5. The catalytic converter and tubing was replaced this summer.6. The head was shaved in order to stop the anti-freeze leak.7. The oil pan was dropped and cleaned. No sludge build up.8. The transmission has been replaced as well.
Options and extras for your consideration and included in the sale:1. Dealer installed trailer hitch with 1 1/4' receiver, tow bar with ball hitch.2. Dealer installed sliding arm rest.3. Dealer installed smoked grill (original grill included in sale)4. Dealer installed smoked side maker/turn signals (original lights included in sale)5. Saab rubber floor mats (original tam mats included in sale)6. Dealer installed cherry dashboard installed. Please note, after 15 years the acrylic (?) cover separated from the cherry veneer. Cherry is intact. It could be covered with a varnish, but I will let the new owner decide what to do.7. Viper alarm system and remote start. System has a life-time guarantee. I do not know if the guarantee will transfer with the sale of the car, but I have all the documents and product literature.8. After-market modification to charge and play your iPhone in the car's stereo system. System will support a iPhone 4 (maybe a 5), but definitely not a 6. The stereo place says they can update the cable to about $100.00.9. I have 5 (five) extra 10 spoke rims. These are all used items with a little curb rash, etc. Four of them are road ready. The fifth wheel would need to be checked and re-rounded by a mobile wheel service. (included in the sale).10. Nice Saab jumper cables in zippered pouch that fits in the spare tire well area included.11. One original key fob. It's a simple key with the door & trunk controls on a separate fob.12. Two upgrade keys from model year 2001 or 2002 in which the door and trunk controls are integrated in the single key fob.
Final, full disclosure:1. The engine light is always on. A real mechanic (versus just a replacer) would be able to solve this problem, but not here in Louisville.2. At times, the car just does not start!!! This is totally frustrating, and no one can find the cause. However, my recently deceased mechanic was able come up with a solution that works great. He installed a flip toggle switch that by-passes all the electronics and remote start module. If the car does not start, just have the key in the ignition in the run position (just prior to actually turning the key all the way to start), and momentarily flip the toggle switch, and the car starts. This is required about once a month. The ignition switch has already been changed, so who knows whats going on.
Gawd, is this enough info?!!!
I have spent so much time and money, but I just can't do it anymore.I am certain that who ever buys this will have a great car if you have a great mechanic to work out these bugs.
No tire kickers.If you bid and win, its yours.
$400.00 deposit within 24 hours of winning the vehicle.Full payment in cash or via PayPal.If you back out of winning bid, you forfeit your deposit.
You are welcome to come look at the car prior to the end of the auction.
This car is for sale locally.
Thank you for your time and consideration.Reluctantly, Bill

update: 2015-12-24

Features:

Condition:UsedVIN (Vehicle Identification Number): YS3DD78H0Y7006160
Year: 2000Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: SaabTransmission: Automatic
Model: 9-3Body Type: Convertible
Drive Type: FWDWarranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Mileage: 225,000Vehicle Title: Clear
Exterior Color: Green, Dark, Scarab(?)Fuel Type: Gasoline
Interior Color: TanFor Sale By: Private Seller

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