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Re: Advice buying 9-3 manual hopefully Aero ? Posted by iveand [Email] (#3155) [Profile/Gallery] (more from iveand) on Wed, 15 May 2024 07:59:03 In Reply to: Advice buying 9-3 manual hopefully Aero ?, jarrald, Thu, 9 May 2024 06:31:03 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Glad to see some others have chimed in here, I am fairly new to the 9-3 world (longer term C900 / SPG tinkerer) so I have a lot to learn still as I tinker on my 2006 9-3 SC Aero (V6, 6-speed MT).
MPG around town is disappointing, I didn't really want the V6 but I do use it to tow a tiny teardrop camper and it has been a great car for this. I don't even notice it behind. Plenty of power for this use case.
2007 is when the "new style" radio came, and that is a big headache in the older models with the fiber optic links to the amps and older communication method to steering wheel controls that mean it is virtually impossible to swap out / upgrade the head unit (and the amp below the driver's seat is a problem spot that mean I currently have no door speakers and tinny sound until I get that repaired). 2008 then has the front facelift. 2008 got the front facelift.
I think?? it is 2005-2007 4 cyl that have the valve composition issue (metal was soft or something, sorry I forget the basics), which means if there hasn't been a valve job then that is a concern. A bit of a review for me is in order as I would like to get a 4-cyl auto for my daughter :-)
Regarding the V6, so far so good for me: I had been lead to believe replacing the back 3 ignition coils would be a bear, I did have one go out so dug into it and it really wasn't that big of a deal. It is crowded in there though, I would have preferred the 4-cyl but again with a bit of towing plus the fact that this one was in good shape I went for this V6, and haven't regretted it (yet) :-) I do understand it is a reliable engine, but yes some of the accessories may be a headache down the road to get to.
Anyway, those are some of my experiences. I don't recall when the SC Aero variant came with a 4-cyl (maybe not until 2008?) but that would be the ideal 9-3 in my mind.
iveand
_______________________________________ 2006 9-3 Aero SC 2.8T 6-speed (current) 1990 900 SPG 2.0T 5-speed (current) 1985 900 2.0T 5-speed ("DOA" donor car) 1985 900 2.0T 4-door 5-speed (gifted to friend, RIP) 1996 900S 2.3L 5-speed (gifted to friend, RIP?)
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