Is it wise to purchase SAAB since corporation is no longer doing business?

2006 SAAB 9-3
115,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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IMAGING
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Is it wise to purchase one of these vehicles considering the SAAB corporation is out of business? Parts are surprisingly available nonetheless.
May 6, 2021 at 11:01 AM
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KASEKENNY
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I would not worry about the parts availability at this point. Many of the parts are available through other sourcing. When GM bought them in the later years many of the parts became more mainstream and were picked up by the aftermarket.

So the only thing I would worry about is the turbo as that is a costly part that was known to fail. As it sits that is very available but if you are planning on keeping this for another 10 years then it may be an issue.

The part number is attached below.

However, as it stands now, I would not hesitate on buying one of these vehicles as they are reliable and not that hard to work on.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks
May 7, 2021 at 7:45 PM
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IMAGING
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I checked under the hood and notice some wetness on a hose which could be one of the radiator hoses. Could this be an issue?
Also, I was reading that after 100,000 miles all the parts like the mounts, sensors, oil pan seals, the exhaust need replacing.
May 7, 2021 at 8:37 PM
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KASEKENNY
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As for the leak, if you can get a picture of this hose then we will be able to confirm it is a coolant hose. However, if you have not purchased it yet, I would ask that they fix the leak prior to purchasing it.

As for changing each of these components, they do not need to be replace after 100,000 but instead when there is an issue that requires their replacement.

The word "need" to replace them is what I suspect is misleading. They may fail and require replacement after 100,000 miles but they are not required to be replaced just because it reaches 100,000 miles.

Let us know what other questions you have. Thanks
May 8, 2021 at 4:27 PM
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IMAGING
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Okay, thanks. Now, how can I tell if they fixed the leak and not just used brake cleaner or some degreased to clean up the leak?
May 8, 2021 at 5:18 PM
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KASEKENNY
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There is no way to know for sure so all you can do is use your best judgment. If you think they are doing that then have them show you what they did to fix it and then get them to commit to fix it if it comes back for 30 days.

Also, take it for a 20 mile test drive before you buy it and then check it again. If it is an active leak it will show signs again in that amount of time.

If you are not comfortable with it then don't buy it. Your instincts are rarely wrong on these types of things so trust them.
May 8, 2021 at 6:29 PM