I completely agree, we lost a fantastic car maker in Saab. We had several in my family and they were fantastically engineered motor cars. (90's and 99's anyway)
As an owner of 2007 9-3 1.8t Biopower estate - can confirm that these cars are cheap, easy & inexpensive to mainatain and fun to drive. One of the best price/quality solutions so far.
My absolute dream car, I am a 38 year old bloke who can't drive so chances I'll ever get chance to drive/own one are slim so watching you bring this beautiful thing back to life makes me happy. Cheers Ben
Just make it your goal.. don't let anything/anyone get in your way, if you wanna drive that bad..go for it 💯% 👌 Its really Not that bad, to pass test. 🤷♂️🙏😊
Dear Mr Tasty Classic, as a previous owner of 2 saabs i can comfirm the gear change/not returning to centre is definitely a common fault with the worn bushing in the gear turret, not cables, or the shifter itself, i had to do that exact job myself on a 9-3 estate and can confirm will resolve your issue, best of luck changing it over in 10 minutes though :)
I just soaked mine with silicone spray 😅 temp job but works. Taking the turret apart? a 10 minute job 😂😂 yeah, film it live and will be a few hours at least.
TOP GEAR agree with you, SAAB were told to make a Vectra based car, and used hardly any of it. But then that is part of the reason why they aren't with us anymore!
I had my 9 3 diesel Vector sport estate, 9 years from 2 years old 19k miles to 155 k miles. I loved the styling inside and out. The "handle" to lift the spare wheel cover,/estate floor was shaped like an aeroplane. Saab heritage. Loved it. Besides routine consumerbles.. All four springs, both front wheel bearings, gear change cables seizing, clutch, gear knob springing off, never solved brake problems, front rear compensation?, brakes binding, engine management system, limp home mode. EGR valve change.. driver's seat collapse. Love your vids Ben. Thank you for making and sharing them with us.
Got to love a SAAB. I had a 99 and a 900 back in the day. Key was in the same place. Far better than a bunch of keys banging against your knee all the time.
I had a 2006 9-3 Aero and bloody loved it. Fabulous car and very reliable. I sold it for an Alfa Romeo but note it is still going today with an excellent MOT history at 130k miles.
That Saab is the best car you have owned. The seats are perfectly comfortable and supportive. I once drove a from Lancashire to South London and back in a single car transporter, Renault Traffic, then went for a weekend away. Ha! That involved a drive to Ludlow where I was looking forward to a rest only, to be told I was getting taken for a weekend in, you guessed, London! Oh and my Polo is knackered so can you drive in your Saab 93? It was effortless and I was relaxed in my 93 after a 600 plus mile day. It eventually got sold at around 140,000 miles not for age but being a petrol it only managed at worst 14 mpg in stop start traffic I was stuck with every day for work. Had it been diesel I would have kept it for years more! You like it already but you will learn to love it. Oh, and being a Saab so heavy, it will easily pull a car on a trailer but factory tie bars are very expensive. Then you can sell the Disco.
@@croonersteve OK Steve, interesting to know. Mine was the 2.2 TiD which was an Isuzu engine, and supposedly bulletproof. It let me down several times, a proper piece of shyte.
@@DjNikGnashers that engine (GM actually) was known to be very bad, the Fiat jtd engine was good, tho it was not a Saab engine, petrol engines otoh though still had GM block and head some of the components were Saab engineered.
@@boardernut It was a terrible engine, whoever made it. Installed in a terrible car too. I actually hated it. I was so glad to get back into a quiet, quality, none rattly, much better handling, faster, more economical, and much better looking, BMW E91 touring diesel.
I owned a 2007 9-3.Same model as that one.Absolutely loved it.Spent a few Bob on it as well to keep it from the scrap yard.I hate to see good cars going that way when all they need is some time and money spent on them.Always looking on Autotrader and eBay at current prices and a possible later Facelift model that might need saving.Saab certainly knew how to screw cars together.They’ve got a real solid feel to them.From opening and closing the doors,to driving them.Great cars,well done for saving it
I have a 2L petrol 9-3. Love it to bits, such quirky cars. Glad you're saving this one, even if it is a diesel. (Also yes, it is a Vector sport, so the mid range model, the Aero would be top spec)
@speedbirdconcordeBOAB Their downfall was a mix of them wanting to over engineer everything and GM wanting them to pump out badge engineered cheaply made Vectras.
Watching now 😊 I'm just outside Falmouth, said Falmuth lol knew it was a cornish car the 2nd I saw the reg plate. Excited to see where this video goes 😊
We used to have a Saab 900 Talledega 3-door, which was just a tank, but had the most comfortable seats EVER and the night shift mode...how much did I love that! Fighterjet hertitage touch which was a very enjoyable legacy.
My wife’s sister’s husband had a black Saab 900 Turbo in the 1980s. He was an Italian who loved driving. He took us all from Guildford to Exmouth to visit my in-laws to be. The 900 Turbo was a beast of a missile. Low, strong, quirky, head turning looks.
I have the exact same car. Mine is 2004. I bought it in 2018 hoping it would last a few months. And it’s still going today! Even though I drive it hard, really hard!!! Still going, unbelievable. And they polish up well. Good luck with your one. Will enjoy watching.
Saab s Are a Marmite Car You either Love them or Loath them ! Personally I love them, I have a 95 estate 2010 2.3 petrol auto. It is a fantastic motorway cruiser and if you hit the sport button frighteningly fast for an old car! soooo cheap to buy, but mine is a gas guzzler because it has to overcome the catalytic converter doo hicky. really glad you saved this one because for me the diesel of that era (my previous car) was a thoroughbred.
I maintain my comments from an earlier release. I’m sitting here giggling my bits off at your very entertaining video. Please don’t change! Regards glow plugs, pray they’re not seized, and they only need 10nm nip up. I always put the smallest smear of anti seize on the threads when putting the new ones in.
Im 6ft7 and a big lad my hands are massive I had to sit on the engine on one of these and squeeze my hands down the side of the engine to change the power steering pump what a mission that was.
Mines got written off last October by a massive car park flood. Was a rare Aero XWD Sportwagon and I couldn't buy it back as it was cat B. Was gutted so it was amazing to see another of these ever dwindling cars get saved!
Been following your channel for a little over a week now and I love the way you take care of the cars to the best you can. I am subscribed to quite a few similar channels that resurrect old cars, but I can safely say that yours is the best.
Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Vectra built in turnip land, my 4 banger C5 pumps out 170+ hp, the clever folding cup holder was in Holden Commodores, its a GM parts bi car, cambelt was done on my C5 diesel because the car had the kit in the boot and came due after I did 25,000kms in it 3 hour job in the driveway, Looking forward to the Talbot getting a once over,
I had a new 2001 SAAB 93 High pressure turbo. Used to go like stink. Shame they stopped making them. Had 4 in total. All brought from Riders of Falmouth Cornwall.
As far as I know that is the 16-valve 110 kW / 150 bhp Euro-4 Diesel, which is a cooperation engine between GM and Fiat. According to common sources only less than 30% of the parts have been taken from the Vectra C, mainly the baseplate and parts of the suspension AFAIK - everything else is developed by Saab. Hence the different "Clonk!"-noise of the central locks ... Thanks for sharing !
Saabs are great car's mine was sat for 9 months started up no problem passed MOT after broken spring replaced drives sound no knocks well built car's 2010 93 cabs vector sport so I expect you'll be surprised how well it'll drive with little work mate. Great vids watch all of them 👍
I've had Saabs for years, a 900, and now 9-5 Aero's. Even at a stage 1 tune, or standard, the midrange acceleration is unreal. From a motorway sliproad (obviously in Germany ;-)) you're doing 100+mph at the end of it from 60mph in about 3 seconds ;-) Edit: the 9-5 cupholder is 10 times better than the 9-3, and it has a slow opening system 😀
use an ohm's meter on the glow plugs look for a 5ohm reading for good health plugs, after they drop to 2ohms is a good time to think about changing them...PPS you can use a glow plug extractor/slide hamme for those that spin, its the carbon build upthat has them getting stuck in this way, also does not do any harm to get the block hot ,then remove the plugs..
Records AND Cars, youre a man after my own heart ben, I work in nantwich/ cheshire and do pass by altrincham from time to time ill have to call in when im next passing!
I fully understand your cam belt renewal explanation and I agree. What I am not so sure about is whether cam belts are as good a quality as they used to be. We have all seen a decline in manufacturing standards for many car parts.
Love that you take SAAB in for resque. We have 2009 TiD Hirsch performance Sport Estate that has 450.000 km on the same excellent motor, which is an Opel (GM) motor. So if you cant find SAAB mechanical spares, you can look up Opel spares and they are cheaper. We have a new non SAAB turbo on ours and had to get a Opel one as well to get a high compression pipe to get it fit back. Add Bell Aditive for diesel to keep motor running without limp mode and dont buy cheap diesel. We only use original Shell diesel to avoid engine problems such as limp mode.Congrats to a real sporty and very strong diesel SAAB
Im still using my 53 reg 93 vector 2.0 t auto conv ,keep saying i will sell it and buy something more practical ,but the can't being myself to selling it ,such a reliable car and joy to drive .
BEAUTY. suggest going along with the scuff color. paint the chin and side rails flat black. when it scuffs the black plastic will show less noticeably. did it on my little pickup truck, sets off the bottom trim and saves labor later.
Spot on with the cambelts, been saying this for years. Arguably if you not going to keep your car for 100,000 miles then don’t bother changing the oil either. It’s the next owners problem. Just one big rip off by garages. Second hand cars are priced on mileage anyway, not service history, so why bother? 🤷♂️😎
My mate had an 850 T5 Estate some years back, excellent car! Borrowed it a few times. He eventually broke it and briefly the engine ended up mated to an S40 T4 manual gearbox in of all things... A Maestro 😂 Due to a very dark period of time in my life I literally gave the whole project away to some little schit on Retro Rides (a site only marginally more tolerable than Piston Heads and that's not saying much) who then despite his promises to get it back on the road promptly parted it out and weighed the shell in. Still, put a 'kick me' sign on your back and what do you expect?!😂
Love this! I’m currently attempting to bring a mk5 Golf back to life that previously belonged to my friend as I thought it was too good to be scrapped! It also has been off the road for around 4 years but I couldn’t stop myself purchasing it and now been on the long road to fix it up and get it roadworthy again
Brilliant video. I agree with the many comments here about the demise of SAAB and how it was left to ‘fold’. The revival of Wasabi is testament to keeping useable good cars on the road. Well done!
I had a 9-3 Aero v6 and I absolutely loved it! The cool night lights inside the cabin! It was a fire breathing beast! Watch out for the timing belt with the diesel engine ones.... was a sad day when saab stopped making cars!
Really want to see the P6, had one loved it, would love another one. big Rover fan myself, if you get the P6 going you do realise you will have to do a P5 as well to complete the set.
I daily a 2004 93 and its a joy to drive. Been a money pit but worth every penny! Had it 4 years and put 60k on it. Vector sport has the 150hp 16v diesel, happy saabing
As a lifelong-Saab chap, I'm happy to see this. The 9-3 is not quite my cup of tea, as I feel they went a little off-piste here and GM had too much control calling for style over substance. However.. I think time has been kind to the 9-3, especially the early ones. When you see them in a car-park, the styling now looks very refined and jewel-like compared to the absolute rubbish on sale over the last 5-10 years. I especially like the lines where the wing, headlight and bonnet intersect. I like the seats and interior too. I'm not quite sold on how they drive.. and there's too much electronic problems for my liking. However, that said, I would happily buy and run a 9-3 for that stereo alone!
Mad! - I have a high mileage 93 myself at 206k and hence watched your vid. Then I realised I have been your shop (and bought a few records) a few times in the last couple for years when I popped into Alty!
i have always have had sorta soft spot to Saab cars and was sadden when i hear the news of their demise. For me the favorite model in terms of looks was always that Saab 900, and while this 9-3 has similar feel to it, i sorta love that bit more angular look of the old ones. Loved to see that this neglected car found someone who knows how to take care of it.
Great to see the Saab vid. Ive had a 99, 2 x900s [one a tubo] and a 9000 . Got the 9000 from a rep i use to deal with he made me promise not to go over 70mph, as he had always driven under the speed limit, otherwise i couldnt have it. First trip ot after taking it home with wife ad kids we were flying that car was fast. Never let on though. Keep up the good work .
Brilliant cars. Me and my mate owned a few at different times. You can touch 250K miles if you look after them. But watch out for electrical gremlins. !!.
Your success rate with recusing cars and putting them back on the road is nearing 100%. I am looking forward to the Rover P6 episode because my grandad had one.
Saab 60 years in the making and set for legend in eight. Lovely car and much sought after, truly a classic. Then years in vinyl's too...used to use Reddingtons Rare Records in my day...that's just my age showing now though.....good luck with the gear shift bush , nice run around, restored with classic enthusiasm and satire, nice on dude....👍👍
I recently changed both my rears as one had snapped. I've owned the car 9 years and my believe is that as they were original factory fitted springs and one has snapped at 9 years old the other won't be far behind it so it makes sense to do both not for safety reasons but just for logical reasons. I changed one on the front of a combo van once and when I dropped the van back on the floor it sat lop sided. After doing some research on cyclic loading I realised that the other spring although visually intact was actually past it's best and had softened the spring steel over time so ended up replacing the other side anyway. It's more obvious if you was to put a new leaf spring on one side of a vehicle where the other side had a 60 year old leaf spring , one side would be inches higher/ lower. So although I do not believe both springs need changing for safety it makes good mechanical sense to me to change both. All so when you were trying to take the nut off the top of the shock you had the spanner held still and was trying to turn the shaft of the shock, you want to be holding the shaft still and attempting to turn the nut. Invest in a decent pass through socket set for this job it works a treat
Good Morning Ben. This is one of my Favourite 1990's cars. SAAB 93 1.9 TID. What a Gorgeous vehicle to own and use as a daily driver. SAABS were built and designed to last many years. It is such a real shame they are no longer Manufactured anymore. Just like the Volvo, these were one of the Best Swedish vehicles to be driven along the Swedish roads. You do own a very Rare and Gorgeous vehicle now Ben. What a Beauty to own and drive.
My grandad had a Saab 93 in an aqua green finish I loved that car Saabs just had something about them he got rid of it when Saab ended and got his Chevrolet cruze that doesn’t have the same feel
Just watched your 'rant' about cambelt change economics, I totally agree. My one and only dealership bought car (nearly new) was going to be on at least 125000 miles by the time it was paid for, so I made the executive decision to not bother with 'dealership servicing' just tyres brakes and broken things (as and when required) were replaced. When it was finally paid for, it was a bit tatty (as expected) with a few dents and things missing but the lack of servicing didn't stop it from working so I still didn't bother and eventually at 259000 miles someone crashed in to it and destroyed everything (including all the broken and missing things) after which my insurance company gave me just enough money to purchase an identical but 2 years younger car with only 147000 miles on it! The big bonus will be my injury payout (it was 100% the other guys fault) though I'm genuinely happy to have survived a crash which would have killed me 20 years prior!
I have owned a saab estate 2.0t petrol loved it. It was black. I called it the hearse. I'm really glad I found your UA-cam channel loving the videos 👍🏻
Turn the ignition on until the glow plug light comes on. Turn the ignition off again. Repeat maybe 5 times then start it. If it then starts easier from cold, you'll need to check your glow plugs.
The old Saabs were amazing things. A mate bought a Saab 900 from my neighbour for pennies - the 2l 4pot engine was a bit underpowered considering the car weight 4000 tons but at 20 years old and 290000 miles it drove better than my brand new ford... As an EV conversion it would have been amazing
thank you for saved an excellent car. she will be on the road for another 100k mile more. i am gonna to buy a 2004 saab 93. i like this car when i was young and still went to school
Been looking forward to this one, Ben. I had a Saab 9-5 a few years ago, very high mileage, cheap car, but, it was, by far, the comfiest car I have ever owned, (I have a back injury, so, comfort is important). Had a bunch of Alfa’s since, great fun cars but hard seats and hard suspension is no good for my back. I now have a 9-3, auto, diesel, facelift version, and I would happily drive it 500 miles and still get out of it feeling good. I think you will keep this one for a while, it will do whatever you ask it to, quietly, comfortably and reliably, trust me !, PLUS, good ones are becoming rare now, and they will always be cool.
Needs an inlet manifold that's where the soots from swirl flaps will be stuck and the swirl flap motor will of stopped working because of the carbon build up inside the manifold same happened to mine
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing Wasabi coming back to life, couldn't have gone to a better home. Thank you Ben.
I wish Saab were still going. Imagine the great cars they could've been making today :(((
I completely agree, we lost a fantastic car maker in Saab. We had several in my family and they were fantastically engineered motor cars. (90's and 99's anyway)
@@370DatsunZed
Brilliant cars. Can't tell you how much I wanted an old school 99 on 'Aztec' allots though! Superb stuff.
Think of the Shit EVs that they could have been 'forced' to make !
(Concentrate on the 'good' times)
I was going to say the same.
They'd be making some insipid rebadged SUV more than likely.
Keeping the brand alive one car at a time. Worth every penny every second.
As an owner of 2007 9-3 1.8t Biopower estate - can confirm that these cars are cheap, easy & inexpensive to mainatain and fun to drive. One of the best price/quality solutions so far.
I still have a convertible, diesel and one of the last manufactured. Such a joy to drive
My absolute dream car, I am a 38 year old bloke who can't drive so chances I'll ever get chance to drive/own one are slim so watching you bring this beautiful thing back to life makes me happy. Cheers Ben
Never say never. Fingers crossed you get to live your dream buddy
Just make it your goal.. don't let anything/anyone get in your way, if you wanna drive that bad..go for it 💯% 👌
Its really Not that bad, to pass test. 🤷♂️🙏😊
Just go for it! Anyone can learn to drive (those registered blind aside 🙃); even I did it! ✌🏻
You can do it!!!!!!!
Go for it, if I can you can!
1:55:55 thanks for featuring me and my very generic polo!
Early to mid 2000 cars are getting desirable now as they are still affordable, this one obviously wants to live again. Great job Ben
Dear Mr Tasty Classic, as a previous owner of 2 saabs i can comfirm the gear change/not returning to centre is definitely a common fault with the worn bushing in the gear turret, not cables, or the shifter itself, i had to do that exact job myself on a 9-3 estate and can confirm will resolve your issue, best of luck changing it over in 10 minutes though :)
I just soaked mine with silicone spray 😅 temp job but works. Taking the turret apart? a 10 minute job 😂😂 yeah, film it live and will be a few hours at least.
The seats are in great condition and no rust on arches or strut towers. Very strange for 160,000 miles.
In some ways you got lucky with this Saab.
TOP GEAR agree with you, SAAB were told to make a Vectra based car, and used hardly any of it. But then that is part of the reason why they aren't with us anymore!
So nice to see someone giving a 9-3 some love. I've had mine since 2010 and don't fancy swapping it for any other car.
Loving the pearls of wisdom regarding cam belts and coil springs. Very refreshing. Like it.
Great videos too, keep it up thanks.
I had my 9 3 diesel Vector sport estate, 9 years from 2 years old 19k miles to 155 k miles. I loved the styling inside and out. The "handle" to lift the spare wheel cover,/estate floor was shaped like an aeroplane. Saab heritage. Loved it. Besides routine consumerbles.. All four springs, both front wheel bearings, gear change cables seizing, clutch, gear knob springing off, never solved brake problems, front rear compensation?, brakes binding, engine management system, limp home mode. EGR valve change.. driver's seat collapse.
Love your vids Ben. Thank you for making and sharing them with us.
Got to love a SAAB. I had a 99 and a 900 back in the day. Key was in the same place. Far better than a bunch of keys banging against your knee all the time.
I had a 2006 9-3 Aero and bloody loved it. Fabulous car and very reliable. I sold it for an Alfa Romeo but note it is still going today with an excellent MOT history at 130k miles.
That Saab is the best car you have owned. The seats are perfectly comfortable and supportive.
I once drove a from Lancashire to South London and back in a single car transporter, Renault Traffic, then went for a weekend away. Ha! That involved a drive to Ludlow where I was looking forward to a rest only, to be told I was getting taken for a weekend in, you guessed, London! Oh and my Polo is knackered so can you drive in your Saab 93?
It was effortless and I was relaxed in my 93 after a 600 plus mile day.
It eventually got sold at around 140,000 miles not for age but being a petrol it only managed at worst 14 mpg in stop start traffic I was stuck with every day for work. Had it been diesel I would have kept it for years more!
You like it already but you will learn to love it. Oh, and being a Saab so heavy, it will easily pull a car on a trailer but factory tie bars are very expensive. Then you can sell the Disco.
Good lad gettin a Saab. Deffo be watching this one Ben
Aaah the good old FIAT 1.9 turbo diesel, got one in my Astra H caravan, love it.
I had a 2004 9-3 diesel, and thought the engine was an Isuzu, were the 2006 models a different engine ?
@@DjNikGnashersdefinitely a fiat engine
@@croonersteve OK Steve, interesting to know.
Mine was the 2.2 TiD which was an Isuzu engine, and supposedly bulletproof.
It let me down several times, a proper piece of shyte.
@@DjNikGnashers that engine (GM actually) was known to be very bad, the Fiat jtd engine was good, tho it was not a Saab engine, petrol engines otoh though still had GM block and head some of the components were Saab engineered.
@@boardernut It was a terrible engine, whoever made it.
Installed in a terrible car too.
I actually hated it.
I was so glad to get back into a quiet, quality, none rattly, much better handling, faster, more economical, and much better looking, BMW E91 touring diesel.
I owned a 2007 9-3.Same model as that one.Absolutely loved it.Spent a few Bob on it as well to keep it from the scrap yard.I hate to see good cars going that way when all they need is some time and money spent on them.Always looking on Autotrader and eBay at current prices and a possible later Facelift model that might need saving.Saab certainly knew how to screw cars together.They’ve got a real solid feel to them.From opening and closing the doors,to driving them.Great cars,well done for saving it
I have a 2L petrol 9-3. Love it to bits, such quirky cars. Glad you're saving this one, even if it is a diesel. (Also yes, it is a Vector sport, so the mid range model, the Aero would be top spec)
@speedbirdconcordeBOAB Their downfall was a mix of them wanting to over engineer everything and GM wanting them to pump out badge engineered cheaply made Vectras.
Watching now 😊 I'm just outside Falmouth, said Falmuth lol knew it was a cornish car the 2nd I saw the reg plate. Excited to see where this video goes 😊
Now we want to swing by your record shop!
We used to have a Saab 900 Talledega 3-door, which was just a tank, but had the most comfortable seats EVER and the night shift mode...how much did I love that! Fighterjet hertitage touch which was a very enjoyable legacy.
My wife’s sister’s husband had a black Saab 900 Turbo in the 1980s.
He was an Italian who loved driving.
He took us all from Guildford to Exmouth to visit my in-laws to be.
The 900 Turbo was a beast of a missile. Low, strong, quirky, head turning looks.
I have the exact same car. Mine is 2004.
I bought it in 2018 hoping it would last a few months.
And it’s still going today!
Even though I drive it hard, really hard!!!
Still going, unbelievable.
And they polish up well.
Good luck with your one.
Will enjoy watching.
Another great car saved. Nice work Ben. Have a good week. Marc from Australia 🇦🇺
Saab s Are a Marmite Car You either Love them or Loath them ! Personally I love them, I have a 95 estate 2010 2.3 petrol auto. It is a fantastic motorway cruiser and if you hit the sport button frighteningly fast for an old car! soooo cheap to buy, but mine is a gas guzzler because it has to overcome the catalytic converter doo hicky. really glad you saved this one because for me the diesel of that era (my previous car) was a thoroughbred.
It is a Vector Sport with low profile alloy wheels, full leather seats and much more. Super car I had a capaccino black saloon.
It's only vector. the sport badging on the rear isn't factory.
I maintain my comments from an earlier release. I’m sitting here giggling my bits off at your very entertaining video. Please don’t change! Regards glow plugs, pray they’re not seized, and they only need 10nm nip up. I always put the smallest smear of anti seize on the threads when putting the new ones in.
Im 6ft7 and a big lad my hands are massive I had to sit on the engine on one of these and squeeze my hands down the side of the engine to change the power steering pump what a mission that was.
Mines got written off last October by a massive car park flood. Was a rare Aero XWD Sportwagon and I couldn't buy it back as it was cat B. Was gutted so it was amazing to see another of these ever dwindling cars get saved!
4 quality tires will make a big difference
I like how he says Cool for good things and Cool for bad things 😎
This is all i watch at moment ❤
Been following your channel for a little over a week now and I love the way you take care of the cars to the best you can. I am subscribed to quite a few similar channels that resurrect old cars, but I can safely say that yours is the best.
Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Vectra built in turnip land, my 4 banger C5 pumps out 170+ hp, the clever folding cup holder was in Holden Commodores, its a GM parts bi car, cambelt was done on my C5 diesel because the car had the kit in the boot and came due after I did 25,000kms in it 3 hour job in the driveway, Looking forward to the Talbot getting a once over,
Not that old chestnut, bye bye..
I had a new 2001 SAAB 93 High pressure turbo. Used to go like stink. Shame they stopped making them. Had 4 in total. All brought from Riders of Falmouth Cornwall.
As far as I know that is the 16-valve 110 kW / 150 bhp Euro-4 Diesel, which is a cooperation engine between GM and Fiat. According to common sources only less than 30% of the parts have been taken from the Vectra C, mainly the baseplate and parts of the suspension AFAIK - everything else is developed by Saab. Hence the different "Clonk!"-noise of the central locks ... Thanks for sharing !
Loved my 2006 93 rag top still see it about now wish I kept her
I used to use my CD tray for holding my coffee cups 😀
Saabs are great car's mine was sat for 9 months started up no problem passed MOT after broken spring replaced drives sound no knocks well built car's 2010 93 cabs vector sport so I expect you'll be surprised how well it'll drive with little work mate. Great vids watch all of them 👍
Really enjoy your videos Ben, just a small thank you 👍
Glad you like them thank you!!
I've had Saabs for years, a 900, and now 9-5 Aero's. Even at a stage 1 tune, or standard, the midrange acceleration is unreal. From a motorway sliproad (obviously in Germany ;-)) you're doing 100+mph at the end of it from 60mph in about 3 seconds ;-) Edit: the 9-5 cupholder is 10 times better than the 9-3, and it has a slow opening system 😀
Great content AND GREAT ADVICE?! Fellas, we struck gold here.
use an ohm's meter on the glow plugs look for a 5ohm reading for good health plugs, after they drop to 2ohms is a good time to think about changing them...PPS you can use a glow plug extractor/slide hamme for those that spin, its the carbon build upthat has them getting stuck in this way, also does not do any harm to get the block hot ,then remove the plugs..
Records AND Cars, youre a man after my own heart ben, I work in nantwich/ cheshire and do pass by altrincham from time to time ill have to call in when im next passing!
Falmouth is pronounced Fal-muth. Famous for tall ships, docks, students and a vacant lot where the Saab garage used to be
I often call it “foul-mouth” just to annoy guys like your good self 😂 Mind your language now 😂
I fully understand your cam belt renewal explanation and I agree. What I am not so sure about is whether cam belts are as good a quality as they used to be. We have all seen a decline in manufacturing standards for many car parts.
Love that you take SAAB in for resque. We have 2009 TiD Hirsch performance Sport Estate that has 450.000 km on the same excellent motor, which is an Opel (GM) motor. So if you cant find SAAB mechanical spares, you can look up Opel spares and they are cheaper. We have a new non SAAB turbo on ours and had to get a Opel one as well to get a high compression pipe to get it fit back. Add Bell Aditive for diesel to keep motor running without limp mode and dont buy cheap diesel. We only use original Shell diesel to avoid engine problems such as limp mode.Congrats to a real sporty and very strong diesel SAAB
Legendar Saab 3.0 petroil sport engine. 😎👍
Im still using my 53 reg 93 vector 2.0 t auto conv ,keep saying i will sell it and buy something more practical ,but the can't being myself to selling it ,such a reliable car and joy to drive .
BEAUTY. suggest going along with the scuff color. paint the chin and side rails flat black. when it scuffs the black plastic will show less noticeably.
did it on my little pickup truck, sets off the bottom trim and saves labor later.
Spot on with the cambelts, been saying this for years. Arguably if you not going to keep your car for 100,000 miles then don’t bother changing the oil either. It’s the next owners problem. Just one big rip off by garages. Second hand cars are priced on mileage anyway, not service history, so why bother? 🤷♂️😎
What a lovely car, love the Swedish cars, have a Volvo myself
My mate had an 850 T5 Estate some years back, excellent car! Borrowed it a few times.
He eventually broke it and briefly the engine ended up mated to an S40 T4 manual gearbox in of all things... A Maestro 😂
Due to a very dark period of time in my life I literally gave the whole project away to some little schit on Retro Rides (a site only marginally more tolerable than Piston Heads and that's not saying much) who then despite his promises to get it back on the road promptly parted it out and weighed the shell in.
Still, put a 'kick me' sign on your back and what do you expect?!😂
More American than Swedish lol but I agree
Brilliant video😊 Ben thanks a lot
Nice to see the old rover is still running and sounding nice.
Love this! I’m currently attempting to bring a mk5 Golf back to life that previously belonged to my friend as I thought it was too good to be scrapped! It also has been off the road for around 4 years but I couldn’t stop myself purchasing it and now been on the long road to fix it up and get it roadworthy again
Brilliant video. I agree with the many comments here about the demise of SAAB and how it was left to ‘fold’. The revival of Wasabi is testament to keeping useable good cars on the road. Well done!
Brilliant video Ben the Saab looks great
I had a 9-3 Aero v6 and I absolutely loved it! The cool night lights inside the cabin! It was a fire breathing beast! Watch out for the timing belt with the diesel engine ones.... was a sad day when saab stopped making cars!
Really want to see the P6, had one loved it, would love another one. big Rover fan myself, if you get the P6 going you do realise you will have to do a P5 as well to complete the set.
I daily a 2004 93 and its a joy to drive. Been a money pit but worth every penny! Had it 4 years and put 60k on it. Vector sport has the 150hp 16v diesel, happy saabing
Always liked Saab but never had one. Great cars. Mate had an orange 99 Turbo. Rocket ship. Nice one Ben. Keep keeping these cars from the scrapper.
As a lifelong-Saab chap, I'm happy to see this. The 9-3 is not quite my cup of tea, as I feel they went a little off-piste here and GM had too much control calling for style over substance. However.. I think time has been kind to the 9-3, especially the early ones. When you see them in a car-park, the styling now looks very refined and jewel-like compared to the absolute rubbish on sale over the last 5-10 years. I especially like the lines where the wing, headlight and bonnet intersect. I like the seats and interior too. I'm not quite sold on how they drive.. and there's too much electronic problems for my liking. However, that said, I would happily buy and run a 9-3 for that stereo alone!
Years ago I had a Saab 93 the model before that one, brilliant for cruising down the motorway, very comfortable for miles
I Had one of those 1.9 TiD Saab's and it was a good car, egr clogs up quite quickly and check around the rear shock absorber top mount area for rust
Mad! - I have a high mileage 93 myself at 206k and hence watched your vid. Then I realised I have been your shop (and bought a few records) a few times in the last couple for years when I popped into Alty!
i have always have had sorta soft spot to Saab cars and was sadden when i hear the news of their demise.
For me the favorite model in terms of looks was always that Saab 900, and while this 9-3 has similar feel to it, i sorta love that bit more angular look of the old ones.
Loved to see that this neglected car found someone who knows how to take care of it.
Congrats with this beautiful SAAB ! Car is more than perfect and happy that it turns out the way it is ! Nice video as always and thanks for sharing !
Ive got one the same colour 2.0 petrol slightly modified running 270 bhp ive had it for years i love it
That heat stick removal was bonkers :D
Thanks for buying a new light Ben! - i can see the arches and the underside now! - keep up the great work.
Great to see the Saab vid. Ive had a 99, 2 x900s [one a tubo] and a 9000 . Got the 9000 from a rep i use to deal with he made me promise not to go over 70mph, as he had always driven under the speed limit, otherwise i couldnt have it. First trip ot after taking it home with wife ad kids we were flying that car was fast. Never let on though. Keep up the good work .
Dont worry about the glowplug circuit a mate. It needs some decent fuel in it and a italian tune up
An Italian tuneup LOL 😂
Brilliant cars. Me and my mate owned a few at different times. You can touch 250K miles if you look after them. But watch out for electrical gremlins. !!.
Your success rate with recusing cars and putting them back on the road is nearing 100%. I am looking forward to the Rover P6 episode because my grandad had one.
Great car,looking forward to the video.
I'm in Canada, so I rarelt get to see Euro vehicles.
It's very fascinating.
Thank you!
I had a cambelt go.on a motorway seized the engine at 70 you dont think about dropping the clutch luckily the 44tonne wagon just missed me
adapt a camera monopod with a large funnel and down tube into a bucket for fluid changes and mess control. i love DIY.
Saab used to build fighter planes. That’s why you feel like being in a cockpit sitting in them. Great car and great video Ben.
Saab 60 years in the making and set for legend in eight. Lovely car and much sought after, truly a classic.
Then years in vinyl's too...used to use Reddingtons Rare Records in my day...that's just my age showing now though.....good luck with the gear shift bush , nice run around, restored with classic enthusiasm and satire, nice on dude....👍👍
I recently changed both my rears as one had snapped. I've owned the car 9 years and my believe is that as they were original factory fitted springs and one has snapped at 9 years old the other won't be far behind it so it makes sense to do both not for safety reasons but just for logical reasons.
I changed one on the front of a combo van once and when I dropped the van back on the floor it sat lop sided. After doing some research on cyclic loading I realised that the other spring although visually intact was actually past it's best and had softened the spring steel over time so ended up replacing the other side anyway. It's more obvious if you was to put a new leaf spring on one side of a vehicle where the other side had a 60 year old leaf spring , one side would be inches higher/ lower. So although I do not believe both springs need changing for safety it makes good mechanical sense to me to change both.
All so when you were trying to take the nut off the top of the shock you had the spanner held still and was trying to turn the shaft of the shock, you want to be holding the shaft still and attempting to turn the nut. Invest in a decent pass through socket set for this job it works a treat
Thank you for saving this little car. ❤
Good Morning Ben. This is one of my Favourite 1990's cars. SAAB 93 1.9 TID. What a Gorgeous vehicle to own and use as a daily driver. SAABS were built and designed to last many years. It is such a real shame they are no longer Manufactured anymore. Just like the Volvo, these were one of the Best Swedish vehicles to be driven along the Swedish roads. You do own a very Rare and Gorgeous vehicle now Ben. What a Beauty to own and drive.
I'm 3 mins in....he just finally started a saab diesel freeby that had been sat for a while and i cant believe how little smoke came out...🤞🙏🙌
My grandad had a Saab 93 in an aqua green finish I loved that car Saabs just had something about them he got rid of it when Saab ended and got his Chevrolet cruze that doesn’t have the same feel
when that glow plug shot out I shat myself!!!
Me too
Just watched your 'rant' about cambelt change economics, I totally agree.
My one and only dealership bought car (nearly new) was going to be on at least 125000 miles by the time it was paid for, so I made the executive decision to not bother with 'dealership servicing' just tyres brakes and broken things (as and when required) were replaced.
When it was finally paid for, it was a bit tatty (as expected) with a few dents and things missing but the lack of servicing didn't stop it from working so I still didn't bother and eventually at 259000 miles someone crashed in to it and destroyed everything (including all the broken and missing things) after which my insurance company gave me just enough money to purchase an identical but 2 years younger car with only 147000 miles on it!
The big bonus will be my injury payout (it was 100% the other guys fault) though I'm genuinely happy to have survived a crash which would have killed me 20 years prior!
I have owned a saab estate 2.0t petrol loved it. It was black. I called it the hearse. I'm really glad I found your UA-cam channel loving the videos 👍🏻
always had a massive soft spot for these old saabs cant wait till i can afford to own one myself
Turn the ignition on until the glow plug light comes on. Turn the ignition off again. Repeat maybe 5 times then start it. If it then starts easier from cold, you'll need to check your glow plugs.
is it not turn on ignition and wait till light with 'coiled wire' symbol goes out?
Saab could release some of their last cars today, and design would still look fresh
Also just love the driving bits through Chester. Lived there for 20 years and now in Western Australia where we have proper spiders...whimp
Fab video, great fun to watch & what a great end result. 100% addicted to Tasty Classics !!!
The old Saabs were amazing things. A mate bought a Saab 900 from my neighbour for pennies - the 2l 4pot engine was a bit underpowered considering the car weight 4000 tons but at 20 years old and 290000 miles it drove better than my brand new ford... As an EV conversion it would have been amazing
Great video. I had a lexus rc300h hybred, and sold it to buy a saab 9-3 TID convertible vector 2010! Its much more fun to drive. I love it.
thank you for saved an excellent car. she will be on the road for another 100k mile more.
i am gonna to buy a 2004 saab 93. i like this car when i was young and still went to school
Been looking forward to this one, Ben. I had a Saab 9-5 a few years ago, very high mileage, cheap car, but, it was, by far, the comfiest car I have ever owned, (I have a back injury, so, comfort is important). Had a bunch of Alfa’s since, great fun cars but hard seats and hard suspension is no good for my back.
I now have a 9-3, auto, diesel, facelift version, and I would happily drive it 500 miles and still get out of it feeling good.
I think you will keep this one for a while, it will do whatever you ask it to, quietly, comfortably and reliably, trust me !, PLUS, good ones are becoming rare now, and they will always be cool.
Needs an inlet manifold that's where the soots from swirl flaps will be stuck and the swirl flap motor will of stopped working because of the carbon build up inside the manifold same happened to mine
On the c70 the ski hole has a waterproof bag attached to save the interior 😂👍✌️