2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members see ZERO ads on the bulletin boards and get more feature. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
06 9-3 Aero is now approaching 24K, with virtually no faults (required reprogramming of window lifts). worst mileage in town w / bad weather: about 20. Best mileage in good weather at freeway speed (75mph +):about 30. Mostly in the 25 - 27 range. Performance, handling, comfort: generally excellent. Dealer service in Central Illinois remains excellent. One intermittant problem reported on this site earlier: loss of brake power assist after car has been sitting -- restores with several strokes of brake pedal or if engine idles for a few seconds before driving. Dealer has pursued and recognizes "problem;" Saab says "case closed" since no fault was identified. Problem appears to be more prevalent in mild - warm weather. Auto transmission valve body appears to stick from time to time, but not been significant problem. Interior could be more Audi-like, but am satisfied with Saab treatment.
Tires: Replaced original ContiProContact -- which I liked -- today at something less than 24K. Had about 3/32 remaining, but opted for early replacement because of weather, noise, ride. Replacement Yokohama W4S (ultra high-performance all-season) performed extremely well in today's mix of snow, packed snow, slush, wet pavement, and dry stretches. Probably quieter than OEM, and very good straight-line stability. Cornering impressive. Appear to be slightly wider than Conti. Cost was about $136 per tire, plus installation at dealer. Total was within about $10 tire for Tire Rack after shipping and considering cost at local Tire Rack installation partners. See tire test data / reviews at Tire Rack website.
Filled tires w / nitrogen at no charge, since old ones were already on dealer nitrogen program. Some benefit in tire pressure control, especially in cold weather, but jury still out on this one. Personal preference should probably rule this decision.
Maintenance and oil changes: I follow Saab schedule. Modern engine casting techniques, finishing processes,and improved lubricants make extended oil changes OK. See comprehensive report in Feb 93 Road & Track by Tech Editor Dennis Semanaitis (former SAE engineer and authoritative source). I have used synthetic oils in American and European cars for nearly 30 years with outstanding results, and in my view, early / frequent oil changes in modern vehicles are a waste of oil and money (again, see Semanaitis article). Another personal choice issue.
Overall, extremely satisfied. Car remains fast, tight, stable. Yoko tires an enhancement.
Questions / comments?
SEN
posted by 207.179.248...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
