Saab 9 3 Linear, questions

[Ecocharge]

I am looking to get a different daily beater and ditch the truck. I found an 05 Saab 9 3 Linear with the 2.0T and automatic with 100K miles on it that I am planing on looking at this weekend. I have always liked the looks of the 9 3s, but I don't really know a whole lot about them. Are these cars pretty reliable for the most part with the 2.0T and the automatic? Any known problem areas with these cars that I should look for? Are mechanical related parts able to be purchased for these cars from GM dealerships, or are they hard to come by and usually Saab dealer specific?

Like I said, I don't know Saabs too well, but what should a car like this go for at the most? KBB says $8900, but that seems kind of high for it IMO. Maybe I can use the mileage and the fact that Saab is going bankrupt to my advantage and get a much better deal on it. If not, I found a few HHR LS in the 50K mile range that shouldn't go for a whole lot more

[Jn2]

- make sure you get 2 keys(if not you better get a spare fob made ASAP, you'll spend about $1000 on getting new keys if you lose all your fobs)
- 05 models is not a troublesome year, the 03's are the ones who exhibit the most issues
- 5spd auto is fine; nothing special about it, just make you you feel for the shifts and make sure its running ok
- chassis related parts are Saab only
- long block wise its a ecotec and those parts are available at GM dealers and other places

[Jn2]

ps: if you want a car that is easy to find parts for and easy to work with, not to mention cheap...the saab is not for you...its marketed as a executive vehicle so expect to pay more than average for parts and service...remember the brand was meant to compete with Audi, BMW, and Volvo.

[Ecocharge]

Thanks for the info. I passed on it, dealer wanted too much for what it was worth. Looking at HHRs, VUEs, Equinoxes, and Torrents

[Maven]

unless your a big Saab fan and have deep pockets I'd avoid Saab's now. They are dead, no warranty on any car made after 2010, and parts are going to become harder and harder to get.