Help A Brother Out: Saab 9-3 Viggen

Jim Yu

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Saab-9-3-Viggen-Coupe-1999-2002-Photo-05

I need your help. I found a low mileage Viggen and I think I want it. But I have no personal experience with Saabs in general nor with Viggens in particular. Is the Viggen a completely different animal from the regular 9-3? Are parts difficult to source? Are they unreliable? What should I be on the lookout for? Are there any enthusiast websites or forums worth checking out? I understand the torque steer issue. I don’t know why, but I may have been bitten by the Saab bug!

Thanks in advance.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbNgdPqezJ0[/youtube]

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Jim Yu

Jim Yu

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35 responses to “Help A Brother Out: Saab 9-3 Viggen”

  1. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    Parts are easy* to find and they are astonishingly reliable* vehicles.
    *Relatively.

    Reply
    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      As in, it's astonishing when they're reliable. 🙂

      Reply
  2. I Think Not Avatar
    I Think Not

    It's my understanding that SAABs of this era share many mechanical bits with contemporary european GM models. That means that while parts might be a bit more expensive, they won't be impossible to source for quite some time.

    Reply
  3. Paul E Avatar
    Paul E

    They're reliable. Parts are available. They're quick and fun to drive. The torque steer is pretty easily managed. Stateside, Genuine Saab in Missouri (www.genuinesaab.com) is a great go-to for speed and handling pieces for modern Saabs, and with the Swedish gubmint owning the parts arm and still some remnants of a dealer/support network out there (see saabparts.com), parts should be available for a long time. There's some good forums out there including Saab Network, Saablink, the Turbo! mailing list, to name a few. Lots of knowledge, support and events through Saab Club of North America (saabclub.com).

    Reply
  4. Lotte Avatar
    Lotte

    Your two friends may laugh at the FWD-ness, but it will do 150mph.

    Reply
    1. Alcology Avatar
      Alcology

      that was a fun episode

      Reply
    2. craigsu Avatar
      craigsu

      And it will do it without the front end lifting at that speed. Incredibly stable at high speed.

      Reply
  5. NothingHappens Avatar
    NothingHappens

    Jim, oh boy.
    Former NG900 owner. Car cost me more in repairs than the purchase price……your experience may vary….but fuck did I love that car. I'd get a Viggen in a heart beat if it made sense.
    Head over to Saabcentral.com, used to be a good place for forums (fora?), as I think they have a buying guide. The issues with the NG900s/9-3s/Viggens included sludge/timing chain issues (ask me how I know $$$), DI Cassette failures (most smart folks just carry an extra) upper motor mount/steering rack/firewall flex. Check the firewall for integrity. Rust on strut towers (ask me….)
    The Abbott Racing 'Viggen Rescue Kit' is a must <a href="http://(http://www.abbottracing.net/product.php?id_product=205)” target=”_blank”>(http://www.abbottracing.net/product.php?id_product=205) to fix the handling/firewall issue.
    The stock Viggen wheels are fragile.
    All this said they're not expensive and if you can find one that's been cared for by a pedantic Saabophile (is there any other kind?) you can do well. Locate your local indie Saab place and have them inspect.
    Set aside a reserve fund.
    Good luck!

    Reply
  6. julkinen Avatar
    julkinen

    They're made in Finland.
    You're welcome.

    Reply
    1. Gary Scott Avatar
      Gary Scott

      Hi, I have owned a viggen for the last ten years and its been a great car. I have spent a bit of money on it but through choice, fun to drive and has an excellent mid range power range and even when it was standard it could pick its feet up a bit. All the work i have had done was by Abbott Racing and would recommend them regarding any mods handling or power.
      Regards

      Reply
  7. julkinen Avatar
    julkinen

    http://www.abbottracing.net/product.php?id_produc…
    Check this out. Abbott Racing dug into the handling issues the Viggen has, namely enormous torque steer.

    Reply
    1. mallthus Avatar
      mallthus

      Was going to suggest the same. Basically, these small changes manager the torque steer completely. It's not far off what GM later adopted as the HiPer Strut suspension, which has basically mooted the torque steer conversation.

      Reply
    2. Battles Avatar
      Battles

      A massive +1 for Abbot Racing. My Dad ran Saabs for years (never anything as exotic as a Viggen) and they were always dead helpful and surprisingly cheap. I've lost count of the number of times we need a part and found the uprated or higher performance option from Abbot or Neo Bros (http://www.neobrothers.co.uk/) was cheaper.

      Reply
  8. MVEilenstein Avatar
    MVEilenstein

    Are you an architect?
    [youtube jemRabq74WA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jemRabq74WA youtube]

    Reply
  9. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    The keys are only issues with the 9-3SS (2003 to 2011)
    The OG9-3 doesn't have that problem, I got mine from my local Saab dealer (Concours Motors in Milwaukee) for about $300 a key. Which is costly I agree but they aren't impossible to get for a car of Viggen vintage. You'll love it, they are amazing Saabs!

    Reply
    1. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      mr. mzs zsm msz esq

      Can Jim borrow your time machine to visit his local SAAB dealership though?

      Reply
      1. Maxichamp Avatar
        Maxichamp

        Mine is still open. One "new" car left in its inventory.

        Reply
        1. Mike Avatar
          Mike

          I should have said that my local is still open and selling what little inventory there is left. They have a nice service department (as long as you don't show up just before the manager is about to go on lunch :/ )

          Reply
  10. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    The only thing I have heard bad about parts availability is that replacement keys can be a major PITA and expensive. This is mainly due to total lack of dealer network and since there is no one to reprogram it, you have to replace the "decoder" module.
    Also make sure you get maintenance records. I believe most Saabs put the turbo right next to the catalytic converter, make regular oil changes even more important.

    Reply
    1. mallthus Avatar
      mallthus

      There is a service network now, administered by Saab Parts (which is owned by the Swedish government).
      http://www.saabparts.com/en-us/usa/the-company/se…

      Reply
    2. facelvega Avatar
      facelvega

      The keys are expensive, but if you lose your only one you're in for much more expense. I just got a spare key for my NG900 from a local saab mechanic– he ordered the key itself direct from Saab ($60 or so), and then had a spare fob and chip sitting around that he could reprogram to match my key. It was about $110 all told, compared to $250 quoted by a former dealership.
      The turbo and cat arrangement is as you say for normal NG900 iterations, so I imagine the Viggen has the same situation.

      Reply
  11. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    also, I should point out – the front bumper is a mother%)#*@. It scrapes on everything.

    Reply
  12. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    mr. mzs zsm msz esq

    Is it that gorgeous blue? If so, buy it.

    Reply
    1. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      mr. mzs zsm msz esq

      Oh and if not, buy it.

      Reply
      1. Maxichamp Avatar
        Maxichamp

        It's silver, and I just came back from the test drive.
        http://karakullake.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-impres…

        Reply
        1. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
          mr. mzs zsm msz esq

          So guess it's not the one for you. The shifter does tend to be rubbery like that and the screen also tends to not work. So when you find one that has a working screen and less cracked plasti-bits, jump on that one.

          Reply
          1. Battles Avatar
            Battles

            The missing pixels on the screen are a total non-issue, very simple DIY job.
            RE the body-flex, the best fix is the above linked Viggen Rescue Kit from Abbot but you could get away with just the steering rack clamp. Unless, of course, the bulkhead is already rubber-ducked…

        2. craigsu Avatar
          craigsu

          The pixel issue is well known and can be fixed on a DIY basis or you can ship the unit off to BBA Reman where they will correct it for less than $100 and guarantee the work for life.
          On my '99 9-3 SE I uninstalled the headlamp wipers and plugged the washer feed tube rather than repair the motors (also a DIY, just time-consuming) since here in the southern US they really aren't needed.
          Torque steer can also be quite fun once you get accustomed to anticipating it. My daughter learned how to drive in our Saab and got quite good at inducing and controlling the torque steer to impress her friends.

          Reply
  13. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    I've owned an '02 Viggen for the last three years (now 104k miles) and the only major issues I would point out would be the wheels (likely need to be replaced), rear OEM shocks often leak, DI Cassette *may* fail (good idea to keep a replacement on hand because it is extremely simple to replace), and potential engine sludge issues if the previous owner(s) didn't change oil on time. It has a different engine than the rest of the same MY 9-3s, the 2.3L 4-cyl from the 9-5 and is reliable. Parts are readily available from a good Saab mechanic. I am in Seattle and go to Scanwest, they do a terrific job and often source parts for other regional Saab shops.
    It's not a perfect car but for the price its terrific and very rewarding to drive on the freeway and road trips. Comfortably cruises at 125 🙂

    Reply
    1. Battles Avatar
      Battles

      Who are you trying to kid with your "DI Cassette *may* fail " line?
      Of course it will fail, and frequently.
      Not sure how common the GM EcoTec engine is in your part of the world but here in the UK it's so common (as is the DI failure) that every recovery guy worth his salt has one in his kit. It's used in loads of Vauxhalls and Opels, both cars and vans, so by happy coincidence Saab owners tend to be very well looked after when it fails.

      Reply
      1. Paul Avatar
        Paul

        I only say *may* because mine has yet to fail but it is a known issue. It has not been an issue for me. The stock wheels are more of an issue because they cost many times over the cost of the DI Cassette to get decent replacements.

        Reply
  14. facelvega Avatar
    facelvega

    General Saab NG900 comments, as a (non-Viggen) owner: don't judge from the first one you see, I nearly wrote them off after trying a low mile but beat convertible, but the next one I tried was wonderful. These cars are durable and easy to maintain, but really need to be stayed on top of, i.e. like an old Benz and not an old Volvo. A well-loved one should be easy and relatively cheap to run, and not too hard to find considering the typical Saab owner.
    I imagine Viggens are more likely to have been beaten, actually, but don't write off the normal turbos as practical, semi-sporting, econo-lux daily drivers. This is one car where the manual versus autobox really is a tossup: the manuals are ropey and lack clutch feel, while the Aisin Warner auto is reasonably responsive and very durable for an automatic. Somehow Saab mated lots of body roll with really good cornering grip in these, just part of the charm. Excellent highway cruisers, and pretty solid fuel economy for a fast car of ca. 2000. Of course, a turbo volvo 850 or 1st gen s/v70 is maybe even more practical and easy to maintain, with about as good speed and handling, but the Saab has more charm. I'm honestly thinking of ditching my Subaru beater and grabbing a second NG900.

    Reply
  15. Rob Avatar
    Rob

    Hello,
    I have a similar question. I'm looking at a 2000 Viggen convertible on ebay that has "low compression" and sounds "bad". Current owner does not know what is wrong and basically repeated what he said in the ad when I emailed him. Looking at pictures, the exterior and interiors are in generally good condition, the car has 122k miles on it, with one noticeable dent on the driver's side door which I am not worried about.
    Would it be worth bidding on the car (he says around $1,950 obo) if it is that low, especially with the engine in such questionable condition? I am willing to do the work on the engine, but would it be better to swap another in? Would the turbo need replacing at 122k miles? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Since I have learned of the Viggen I have desperately wanted to own one.
    Also to think of would be any mods adding on to the price, which so far I've heard is a must in most cases. Thank you for any help.
    Rob

    Reply
  16. Markac Avatar
    Markac

    The steering rack clamp and brace is probably essential for Viggens and recommended for less powerful OG9-3s and NG900s, as it help tames the somewhat vicious torgue steer in more powerful versions. It also helps protect against Firewall/Bulkhead cracking which is a defect in RHD models. However if cracking is already evident, the rack clamp/brace wont help. LHD cars aren't prone to this defect, so if in US or Europe don't worry about that one.
    DI cassettes are not the same as Opel/Vauxhall models as they part of Saab's own T5 (9000, NG900 and earlier OG9-5 and OG9-3s) engine management system. The Viggen and later OG9-3s and OG9-5s use the T7 engine management which has a black DI cassette. The T5s have a red DI cassette.

    Reply
  17. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    I have had my Viggen since it was 1 year old. yes, that is 14 years. Would I swap it — NO. It is too practical and too much fun.
    Do check the Abbott Racing site, their advice on rear toe and rear camber is invaluable and if you are practical you can check yours meets the Abbott recommendation and, if not, fix it for a couple of hrs and some simple metal shims.
    Then go for at least the Abbott front sub frame brace, or, better, the 6 point version available on ebay etc.
    Then stffen up the std top front strut brace by having a bar welded across it just clearing the engine.
    All this is not expensive but assumes you have the rack clamp.
    Now She will handle well, not brilliant, but pretty well for an old girl.
    Enjoy.

    Reply