Cheap Sob Story: 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen

The GM-ified Saab 9-3 was built on the GM2900 platform (shared with the Opel Vectra, Saab 9-5 and Saturn L-something-that-you’ll-quickly-forget) as a replacement for the outgoing Saab 900. All Saabs had transitioned from classic Saab platform to some GM based thing by 1994…but the 9-3 still kept a degree of Saabiness that is clear and appreciated by Saab fans. The Viggen model was a nod in name to the Swedish fighter Jet, but it was unmistakably a reincarnated Saab 99 Turbo. With 230 horsepower and gobs of torque in a 2.3 B235R turbo 4-cylinder, this was a car that had more forward thrust that it’s competition, particularly in the 40-70mph range where turbo Saabs are known for spanking sports cars and muscle cars alike. Find this 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen offered for $2,400 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen
condition: fair
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 95000
paint color: silver
size: compact
title status: salvage
transmission: manual
type: convertible

2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen convertible 5 speed.
Salvage title. Low miles 95,000 smogged.
A/C compressor bearing bad bypassed. A\C works once bearing is replaced. Reverse is tricky made adjustment to linkage it did improve but needs further adjustments. Good tires battery new plugs comes with a windscreen. Top works in great condition. Interior is clean and is in good shape. No radio. Has body damage but nothing major. I have good records on the car. Viggen is posted on Bay Area Craigslist for more info. Car is located in Bay Area California. Can help with shipping or drive it back.
2400 OBO email me I can provide with more info motivated seller.

See a better way to drive viggy? tips@dailyturismo.com
DANG, this thing is cheaper than the parts I have to purchase to fix my 2006 Audi A8 and if I wasn’t 1,981 miles away I would buy this car this afternoon. Fudge.
I guess the link would help. Updated the listing! Now the seller says “sale pending”.
Yep, he took a deposit on it last night so it looks like I will not be flying 2,000 miles to buy this puppy & drive it home. Sigh.
Yeah…..nope. Bought a 2000 Viggen vert sight unseen on eBay 4 or 5 years ago for $1500. Spent 5 months and $800 in parts to get it running finally, and on my first joyous outing to celebrate its road-worthiness, pretty sure it blew a head gasket. Sold it on Saabnet for $500. Never again. Owned a 1999 9-3 from brand new and it was just as bad a car. Never again on a NG Saab.