Would you recommend I buy a Saab 9-3 Linear SE?

In a past life I have owned a Saab 9000 LPT and an early 9-3 LPT, both of which I enjoyed. For the past year I have been running my late wife’s Skoda Fabia. I am tempted to look for an older Saab at around £4000. Since the demise of Saab prices seem reasonable, spares are still being made in Sweden and there must be small garages still doing the business with Saabs. I thought a 9-3 Linear SE 1.8 might do the business and help my bad back. What are your thoughts?

Asked on 9 November 2013 by BS, Westhill, Aberdeenshire

Answered by Honest John

Be careful buying a 9-3 1.8. The basic 1.8 model has a belt cam Opel engine. To get a chain cam Saab 9-3 LPT engine you have to go for the 1.8t. The good news about Saab is that production of the 9-3 is apparently about to resume.

Tags: reliability chain cam comfort belt cam

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