I’m looking for some honest advice from Saab owners because I’m stuck between fixing my car and trying to find another cheap car.
I have a 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0 Turbo with 144k miles. I really like the car, and I’ve already put money into it recently:
- New battery
- New alternator
- New radiator
- New headlight
Unfortunately, after getting those things fixed, the engine went bad. I was told the engine has very low/no compression and is mixing oil with antifreeze/coolant, so the engine needs to be replaced.
I found a replacement engine with 107k miles for about $787, but that is just the engine, so I would still have to pay for labor which is about $1.5 - 2.5k and potentially other parts while the engine is being swapped.
My problem is that I don’t have the luxury of buying a brand-new car or taking on a car payment. I basically have three options:
- Spend the money on the 107k-mile replacement engine + labor and keep my Saab.
- Sell the Saab as-is and use the money toward another cheap cash car.
- Try to find a cheaper engine/repair option and keep the Saab.
I know the car is 25 years old, but it only has 144k miles, and I’ve already replaced the battery, alternator, and radiator. I also don’t want to put another $4k+ into it only to have something else major fail shortly afterward.
For those who know these cars: Would you personally put the money into this Saab, or would you sell it and buy another cash car?
Also, if you think I should replace the engine, what should I make sure to check/replace while the 107k-mile engine is out of the car?
I’d really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have owned an OG 9-3 or have done an engine swap on one.