| Author | Message | ||
     Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2977 Registered: 06-2009 |
I may up my price range a bit, depending on the feedback I get here. This 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible just showed up yesterday. The Aero model is the one with the V6 while the base and Arc variants both have the inline 4. I have always preferred a V6 engine to an inline 4, whether turbocharged (and in the case of the Saab 9-3, both are) or not. I tend to keep cars many years and even with the vast improvements in 4-cylinder engines I still prefer a V6 (and like V8s, but they're not an absolute "must have"). In doing what research I've done it appears that the V6 used in these cars is sourced out of Australia. Since GM owned Saab for a number of years by the time this car rolled off the assembly line, I am presuming it is a V6 that was used in an Australian GM car, but it's possible that it was not. If anyone happens to know any specifics about this engine, and its reliability or the lack thereof, I'd love to hear any input. Brian, who is also contemplating a 2008 9-3 (also red, but it's got the 4 cylinder) and a 2006 Chrysler Sebring (V6) at the moment | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1895 Registered: 04-2009 |
Dear Brian, I will be biased towards Saabs as I have always liked these cars. I have had many 900s and they have been amazing cars. I have never owned a 6 cylinder Saab. But in general their build quality is excellent. Good luck with it. Omar | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3499 Registered: 04-2003 |
Brian, The Australian V6 was the American GM V6 engine with some modifications for Australian requirements. GMH here built a dedicated V6 engine plant for the Commodore [based on a German GM vehicle]. The engine proved to be a success and GMH became the main source of V6 engines for their subsidiaries outside the USA. If you want further information on the reliability and maintenance of this engine, the Australian Commodore enthusiast sites would be a good starting point as would the Saab forums. The V6 would be a safe choice for you given the availability of parts and service knowledge of the US GM dealer/service network plus the US Saab enthusiast websites. Do your research to be sure but I expect you will find the V6 models are an ideal acquisition for use in the USA. . | ||
| Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2978 Registered: 06-2009 |
Omar & David, Thank you both for your input. The fact that the engine is a GM engine is a comfort to me, as it at least suggests that parts will remain available for significantly longer than had the engine been of Swedish origin. I have loved the look of Saabs for some years. The rear seat is a bit smaller than I had hoped for (as I like to be able to carry passengers on occasion in relative comfort). I do need to take a look at some Saab forums, as that will be the main source of information going forward now that the marque is a thing of the past. Brian, who's never owned a turbocharged car, either | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2181 Registered: 04-2016 |
Fantastic looking car Brian, the price is very reasonable. As David says, we made many engines at Fisherman’s Bend, Victoria for many makes under the GM banner, these V6 are bullet proof. Production ceased in 2016 However we didn’t run a 2.8L turbo version here in Australia at all, nor did we run any east west V6, but the architecture is the same and very reliable and super fuel efficient. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_High_Feature_engine https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/holden-shuts-melbourne-engine-plant-104824 | ||
| Mike Thompson Prolific User Username: vroomrr Post Number: 1041 Registered: 04-2019 |
As a parts specialist many of the customers came in needing parts for Chrysler Sebrings, personally I would not buy one. Although I do like the back of the Chrysler Crossfire, I saw one for the first time the other day. But I don't like the front. (Same with a Cadillac CTS or STS though.) I will stick with a Cadillac I am the only person I remember buying parts for one, but maybe that is because the rest take it to a shop. https://di-uploads-pod11.dealerinspire.com/hollywoodchryslerjeep/uploads/2018/07/HCJ-Chrysler-Crossfire-manufacturer-shot.jpg | ||
| Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2979 Registered: 06-2009 |
Patrick, Thanks for those details. Mike, I've owned multiple Chryslers (three), a Cadillac, a Jaguar, and a Buick and never had major problems except with the Buick and its transmission (it's on number three at 200K miles). It has the LT1 engine and I don't think that the match with the transmission in the Roadmaster Estate Wagon. The Sebring came on the scene in 1996 and was in production through 2010 and was quite popular. I'm not surprised that there is a high demand for replacement parts. I loved my 1996 Sebring convertible. Brian, who never cared for the Crossfire, but does like the current iteration of the 300. |
