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The V6 may be the best choice when buying used.... Posted by MI-Roger [Email] (#882) [Profile/Gallery] (more from MI-Roger) on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:26:44 In Reply to: it's V6 - sorry I thought SE = V6, Eugene, Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:57:14 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The L4 engine can be susceptible to sludge problems if the previous owner(s) failed to change its oil every 5,000 miles or used something other than full synthetic.
The V6 engine has not been reported to have sludge issues. The bad news is that the V6 engine needs both the timing belt and timing belt tensioner changed each 60,000 miles at a cost approaching $800 or more. Failure to perform this maintenance can destroy the engine if the belt or tensioner breaks and the valves strike the piston crowns at speed.
Do you have service redords witht eh car? Is there some way to verify the timing belt and tensioner were changed 30,000 miles ago?
The only other disadvantage of the V6 is the location of the thermostat. I believe it is buried under the intake manifold and is time consuming to replace.
Search for posts from BMillar and Swedecar (among others). BMillar bought a used SE with the V6 and did a lot of maintenance work himself, between his college classes. My experience has been with the L4 engine. Swedecar is the name of the repair shop owned by Anders, a professional Saab mechanic and a tremendous source of information for all of us D-I-Y'ers.
And you were mostly right regarding the SE disignation and the V6 engine. For all model years other than 1999, SE indicates a V6 equipped car.
Enjoy your car!
posted by 24.23.71...
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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