2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review - The Best European Car for Under $5,000?

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[@kipperrd8964]

This was my first brand new car back in 2006. I went to a buick dealership with my Dad, because he had to drop his car off and needed a ride home, and this was there sitting in the showroom. I fell in love instantly and traded in my maxima and drove home. Named her Saabrina and I miss her everyday. She's the "one that got away" lol.

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice! you should try picking up another one

[@kipperrd8964]

Auto Autopsy I’m limited to one car for now lol. As much as I loved my Saab if I was to ever get a “garage” car it would be a Grand National. Another car I had and regret selling.

[@nelagordon24]

My first brand new car was 2003 9-3 linear 5MT and right after the 3 year lease ended I leased the 2006 aero 6MT which I purchased after the lease end. Hands down my favorite car of all time 2006-2009 in any variant

[@sweking]

Saabrina.. Good one!!! haha i love it!!

[@straightroad1822]

I love mine, I’m happy to say, yes is the answer to your question/title.

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@CardboardSliver]

As a V6 Aero owner, I can safely say, yes. It is an amazing car for the price. But I have noticed they're going up, much like other Saabs. VTuner Stage 0 Mishimoto FMIC Do88 intake Do88 charge pipe Krona downpipe Krona midpipe Megan Racing resonator Muffler delete 3 ½ exhaust tips Stiffer suspension

[@CardboardSliver]

Oh, and Cobalt SS Brembo swap.

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice mod list :)

[@seyhanisik8870]

I don't know man there were a couple of turbo x with less than 100k on the clock going for around 6-7k when i was looking. Honestly , one of the best cars I've owned. I owned a 2.0T prior, a Passat 1.8t, Saab 9-5 with the 3.0, and eclipse gs. Currently in the stable is a mini Cooper s , the 2.0t and the aero xwd.

[@tonyf935]

I recently purchased an '07 Aero 6-speed manual a few months back for $4,000. What a fun car! Definitely love being behind the steering wheel.

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!!

[@jmgarcia61]

About six months ago I bought an '07 Aero convertible, 60K miles (interior was a bit tired in places, and it had some parking lot scuffs) for about $6000ish. Super happy with it, and a LOT of car for the money. The quality of the interior of the '07-on is better than the '03-'06 but still nowhere near that of my '05 9-5 Aero. My only complaint is that local (South Florida) junkyards don't have a lot of these to pick from. PS That Aero front lip is forever getting DESTROYED. I'm thinking of replacing it with an Arc one.

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice! and no! Definitely get a new aero one; makes the car look a lot better :)

[@benbrictson6317]

Just bought a 2006 9-3 Aero today! It's a manual and I absolutely love it!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Wow congrats!

[@bernardleon4140]

I bought one this year too it's a beast was thinking of just keeping it for the winter but I've changed my mind!

[@CaminoMasQueUnLoco]

4,500 2006 9-3 93 miles ? Only one own ? What do you thing guys? I can buy?

[@CaminoMasQueUnLoco]

Manual

[@BBrictson]

@@CaminoMasQueUnLoco I got my 06 Aero for $3,700 and it had 88k. $4,500 is a little high. Will they take $3,900 or $4,000?

[@Petrolheadd-u2u]

Just brought 2008 Aero TTID "TwinTurbo" stage1 remap 220ish BHP 480NM I'm told & I believe him love the torque. Quick car

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!

[@charlottesweb7202]

I recently purchased my first Saab 9-3 se model on a 2001 as it was a cheap car I was also one of those who never really was a fan of Saab But oh my gosh I'm hooked and looking for something a bit more vintage Saab 900 Great video 😁🙏

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you!!

[@jayb937]

I've recently brought a laser red 2007 saab 9-3 aero with a 6 spd auto with 130,000 for $1500 (it just needed a new ecu). Literally the auto is more rare in my area than the 6 spd Manual lol

[@MrMckenzie2403]

I miss mine. And they are kinda hard to come by these days and will have high milage granted they are strong motors and can take the milage. I pissed off so many v8 guys with a stock v6 saab it was a blast. Still have a new stage one clutch i never got to put in it before a accident destroyed it.

[@AutoAutopsy]

haha nice! keep your eye out and you could find another!

[@aidenbliss]

another great SAAB is the SAAB 95 AERO ESTATE (wagon) although the one my family owned had an engine swap in the middle of wales while on holiday

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yes definitely!

[@PlamenPetrovPacistyleCom]

Another great review and this time on my beautiful 93 Aero! Thanks for the Vid. I'll be waiting for the next one! Thumbs up ;)))

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks!

[@lydiaphiri3571]

Can't you send all your stuff to SA Africa

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Guessing this is the new toy we have been waiting to see? Btw a stage 1 tune will bump it from 255 to about 280, which basically just remaps it to the 08+ ecu settings from what I learned. The difference between my 06 stock and 08 stock aero's original power is noticeable, so I will be buying that upgrade for the 06 very soon. Very nice toy btw. Love the low-end grunt on these, vs the 2.0's.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes; depends on where you look for tunes tho!

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

@J H L Doubtful. Certainly not on the 2.0T in the NG9-3's. Just a mild remap that adds about 25hp. Check out a couple of tuner sites to see what they recommend. I will say genuinesaab's St3 tune with 3" DP, viggen 2.5 catback with their race cat, breathes VERY nicely. Sounds like no backpressure at idle, just a smooth breathing bass note.

[@Nafssik]

I got a 2004 for $500! I think it may be the best purchase I've made in my life!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome

[@MorbidTales]

I freaking love my 2007 saab 9-3 aero v6 2.8 i got it for 2,500 the only problem was the Computer wasn't working any more so i took it to my local saab Auto Repair & thank God it wasn't so expinsive for the repair only $950 plus the programming & they pulled a fantastic job !! My very first saab ever !! & it's freaking Awesome !! I love it !! With good care & maintainece the car runs like a champ !! Just to say i Raced a Wrx Sti & just to say it was an amazing race 🔥🔥🔥

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice! and glad you got the problem resolved, although you could've found a cheaper alternative as stated above :)

[@marcvan34]

Picked up 2006 9-3 2.8l Aero this week for $2600. What an amazing ride never owned a Saab became an instant fan. 177000km seems low for the year too I would say. Problem is I have a boy turning 16 that likes it but dad may have to keep it for himself🤭

[@davespooney8472]

A good stage 1 map will get you 400lb of torque. 150lb gain. That should be noticeable.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes!

[@howdoweknow9125]

Got my 07 93 Aero Anniversary with 75k on the the clock for £1500... Needed a new clutch, discs and pads but still a lot of car for the money!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!

[@johanvdborre6671]

Just bought a 2005 ..93,,20t...autom. Like to upgrade the 175hp to a bit more. What is possible for that engine. And yes all you said is true..interior plastics ..engine ECU new..bushings..struts....airco condenser...dashboard ventilators broke...But looks now after TLC So much better.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Right on! You can start by upgrading to the arc turbo and injectors. that'll give it more tuning potential off the bat; as for other mods, check out this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJu5aGudrbWigdk

[@ringscircles142]

saab for ever

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@bartechh]

great vid - totally agree; the interior quality is garbage. I've been searching for the Hirsch interior pieces for my car, but way too difficult to find these days. I absolutely love my '07 9-3 Aero. This weekend I hit 180k in it, but still dries like new...

[@AutoAutopsy]

yeah; i think they're sold out of door handles unfortunately. wanted to get some for mine

[@nedlerswedlers19]

Scored one with 193k miles for 2700 manual transmission catless downpipe to full 3 in straight pipe. Has small bubble rust around wheel arches and common wear and tear but if you look for months and months like I did you can still find these for under 3.5k with the manual trans. I saw one for 12 thousand dollars with 90k miles model year 2009. Some people are really blowing prices out of proportion as those are are turbo x prices even saw multiple 2.0Ts & little ts in the 4k to 8k range and that was an out loud chuckle. Facebook marketplace is full of wild cards. Granted I drove this car 12 hours home after taking two flights to get to it 🙃 worth it even though everybody thinks I'm nuts for doing all that for a 16 year old Saab but if you've driven a v6 turbo you just know.

[@AutoAutopsy]

depends entirely on the car! My Turbo X had almost 200k miles and i sold it for 15k recently!

[@nedlerswedlers19]

@@AutoAutopsy Yeah I hear it everyday but the current market is crazy for sure. Never in a million years did I picture Saabs going for 20k for low mile (Some dealers on CarGurus) non rare ones. Your Turbo X was so mint and FBO with so many goodies. A real One of those I'm the caretaker not the owner type cars for sure. 😁👌 But I must admit your new Audi is quite the looker too bro. I know you just bought it lol but if it somehow doesn't void warranties are you going to mod it? Very capable platform to mod even though it's already plenty fast out the box.

[@DerbJd]

Hi, your model is the version up to 2007. The NG last generation had a different front with eyebrow LED lights and the critical updated dashboard which had less panels of buttons, and could accept a 2-DIN head unit. Compare dashboards between this car and your turbo-X, which was the start of the NG-93. Mine is a late 2007 / early 2008 model with the facelift too.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yes, of course. 2007 was the first year of updated interior and 08 was the exterior facelift!

[@buutyeater4438]

Would you ever do more Saab 9-5 videos like best mods,trims,the ups and down.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I did a saab 9-3 best mods video, a 9-5 version would be just about identical :) if i can though, i will!!

[@ELDOUBLES]

V6T gang 🔥🔥🔥

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@codiquinn8573]

If you take off the door handle cover and line the contact points with a touch of grease the creaks go away

[@AutoAutopsy]

thank you for the tip!

[@merveilmeok2416]

GM bought Saab and they didn’t sell well in America and maybe of pricing. I almost bought one, many years, and found out GM stoped the production. I tested that “machine” and I loved a lot because of the car exterior and interior...and the turbo. I am thinking about buying an old used car just because I still love it.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yeah it's a great car!!

[@sts973007]

not bias, str8 facts!!! i own 3 Saab's many more to add to my GARAGE.

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@sanye7836]

I got one with 6sp, I daily her and love the car.

[@chinchy111]

i had the v6 in the 6speed also. drove it 5 hours every day for my work. great engine and transmission. was forced to sell it because my job said the car was too old and wouldnt let me use it anymore. had 213,000 miles and still ran perfect. miss her dearly

[@sanye7836]

@@chinchy111 Why is that?

[@chinchy111]

@@sanye7836 the car had to be 15 years or newer. Yeah pretty dumb rule

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!!

[@dwaneho1347]

2.4k? Can I ask how many miles was on it when your family bought it?

[@kevinbayer8916]

114k. You can zoom in and see it

[@AutoAutopsy]

probably around 110k when we bought it

[@-_-1937]

@@AutoAutopsy that's a very good deal.

[@-_-1937]

The face lift made it even more beautiful

[@AutoAutopsy]

agree!

[@goguryeorising4247]

Hello all. I am new to SAABs and been researching the car. I have read many positive and enthusiastic reviews for the SAAB 9-3 AERO and other people ignore it and call it a Chevy because it supposedly has a lot of GM parts. Do SAAB 9-3 AERO have any Torque Steer? What are your thoughts? Would you buy the SAAB 9-3 AERO over a Toyota Camry? Thanks.

[@dzznuts7580]

How about a 2006 V6 Aero with the manual transmission and 197k miles for $5,000? Just found it listed today but think its a bit much based on the mileage

[@robwwhit3453]

I put about a bus length on one of these on the highway in my GLH Turbo Omni, he was trying to pass me and show me what's up, I was in 4th gear didn't even down shift... when I shifted to 5th it was way back...😂

[@AutoAutopsy]

and power output on that? I would be surprised if it was a v6.

[@agabel3321]

I don’t know HOW I missed this vid!! Are you selling it? Please let me know 😃 Much Thanks, Audrey

[@AutoAutopsy]

Haha this one is not for sale; my turbo x will be though

[@WyoCutlass71]

I have found a 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero with a 191,000. The guy wants $1900, and it feels solid to drive. Would those miles scare you away?

[@AutoAutopsy]

if its been well maintained, i wouldn't worry a ton about miles

[@joellofquist2537]

Done more work on the v6 than the 4 cylinder not sure why.... these v6s are very tight in the bay just got done with an alternator Saturday a lot of finess to get it out

[@AutoAutopsy]

yeah; i bet...it's tight for sure

[@alissonabeerking]

Thanks for info 👌

[@AutoAutopsy]

no problem!

[@User_76ytrl]

Beautiful man 👍 👍 greetings from Greece 🇬🇷

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks!!

[@dsingh2888]

Hi mate I love ur videos great lad I got question today when I start the car message comes up about dpf full What do I do I'm no very tight budget atm also dont want car to go in limp mode... someone told me her new aftermarket exhaust and put it on If I do that that's mean I have to pay for remap? Or i can live without remap

[@AutoAutopsy]

DPF full? I would advise asking about this on a saab facebook group!

[@cosmosk8s]

I have almost the same car but convertible and a year newer

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice!

[@philipbouchard9699]

Great video, I'm looking for a manual 06 Aero. Curious if you have any leads on where to look for one. Not having a lot of luck here in Colorado.

[@AutoAutopsy]

saabnet or facebook selling groups

[@QuintinUlm]

Seems like I may be overpaying for the one I'm getting later this week, but it's an automatic 2006 9-3 Aero SportCombi with 195k miles for $2,750. He is throwing in some spare parts along with a Tech2 clone though, so meh.

[@AutoAutopsy]

That’s a great price, assuming it’s not beat to hell

[@heavyballs187]

I got a saab 9-3 Linear and i am wondering as a new saab owner if it is common for it to wheelspin at higher speeds such är 90-100km/h? Cause it is mildy terrifying punching the gas when overtaking someone

[@hannya29]

fixa bättre däck föfan de där är farligt

[@heavyballs187]

@@hannya29 sitter dubbdäck nya

[@hannya29]

@@heavyballs187 handlar om märket också

[@AutoAutopsy]

nope, definitely not. are you sure it's wheelspin..?

[@SJSOmar]

Love these Swedish cars the hood goes most of the way up so good when working in the engine bay

[@AutoAutopsy]

yeah, nice and easy!

[@BWTECH0521]

I have an 07 Aero, I love it but the interior quality, especially the door handle drives me nuts!!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice! agree

[@seyhanisik8870]

Got my aero xwd for 4.5k and tuned it. Come at me stock 335is!!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome lol

[@krumdidov9395]

Bought mine last week (1.9tid vec.sprt anniversary 2007) for £800... 150,000miles fairly well kept. It has problems though... a lot of rust under the engine bay, false water-in-engine warning... low power mode came up just yesterday but no noticeable difference. I'd love to fix it up but really don't want to dump £5000 every month trying to keep it on the road. :/ Any advice on maintenance?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I would be very surprised if you can somehow spend £5,000/month on maintenance lmao! Start by posting these issues on some Saab Facebook groups. There are a lot of good people out there that can probably help tackle those issues one by one. FYI, yours is different than the one in this video ;)

[@yigalgidasi5617]

I just sold my 2006 9-3 v6 6 speed manual aero and I am kicking myself for doing it. I just found 2007 v6 aero automatic, is it the same engine and performance as the 2006, or the 2006 is unique?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Same engine and everything as the 06. Only difference is the 07 has the updated interior

[@imazn7778]

Yes! Love my 04 Aero

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@yunga8305]

Are they reliable

[@chilidogcats]

Great car, but the GM electronics leave a lot to be desired ☹

[@AutoAutopsy]

what about the electronics?

[@williamegler8771]

The electronics were supplied by outside suppliers not GM themselves. Just another SAAB FAN BOY slamming GM.

[@drewc8497]

When did Saab change the dashboard design on the 9.3 ..... i/ve seen for sale a 2006 Aero but it has the new style dashboard ...... is that correct ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

03-06 have the old style, 07+ are the new style. That has to be a typo on their part!

[@drewc8497]

@@AutoAutopsy Thanks for the reply ... would it be different for uk spec models ?

[@jishkhamal9902]

Got mine for 2 racks def worth it

[@AutoAutopsy]

nice!

[@chibidib]

No such thing as a cold start in Arizona tho, right? :D

[@AutoAutopsy]

haha

[@seankennedy5502]

Some hum off of that car. 👍 Wouldn't mind owning it but the road tax here in Ireland is very very high ! 👎

[@AutoAutopsy]

:(

[@willemdavison4211]

Anyone know which colour this one is? Looks great

[@AutoAutopsy]

Steel Gray!

[@CHAMPTONA]

Well I'm station in germany and I'm looking from one of these cars. Would it be hard to ship one back home? Idk about the 25 year rule.

[@AutoAutopsy]

not sure how that works with cars that are also sold here in the states; i would look into that if i were you. Shipping would probably be expensive. maybe buy one there and sell it before you leave and buy another when you come back? lol. and thanks for your service!

[@CHAMPTONA]

@@AutoAutopsy Thank you for responding back and I will definitely do that instead

[@RiverStrub]

I have that identical Saab 2.8l v6 and I live in Tempe. Maybe I’ll see you on the road in your turbo x

[@AutoAutopsy]

hopefully! If you aren't in the Saab Club of Arizona Facebook group, make sure to join it!

[@sonyhk3824]

Big thumbs-up to you

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Yes! Most def!

[@dwaneho1347]

2.4k? Can I ask how many miles was on it when your family bought it?

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Dwane Ho I can’t speak for autopsy and his aero..... But I bought a one owner 2008 sport Comby with the 2.0 turbo for $3000 at 140 K miles and it has been a fantastic car and I can’t imagine going any faster! Because my 2.0 halls butt! I can’t imagine what an aero feels like

[@dwaneho1347]

@@JoesGoldenGarage LMAO, I commented at the wrong place. It's good to hear that you had a good time with you Saab. Saab is good, actually, I have 3 Saabs, lol, and love how it feels!!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@andrechutw]

Hello Is this set of exhaust pipes original or Jetex?

[@AutoAutopsy]

It's all stock

[@andrechutw]

@@AutoAutopsy Thanks.

[@kullipetteri]

Does anybody know how much can these 2.8 litres last for? As in mileage?

[@AutoAutopsy]

i've seen many well over 200k

[@UncleSpuddy]

I payed $12k for mine, but it's basically a new car and only has 28k miles

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome

[@maximilianvick2095]

Like my Car

[@AutoAutopsy]

:)

[@JoseMartinez-gy9eo]

Can anyone help me out with finding a 2005 saab 9-3 rear bumper cover? It's a 2.0t

[@AutoAutopsy]

ask on a facebook group; theres plenty being parted out and in yards!

[@Transit_my-way]

Are you in Tucson AZ?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Phoenix!

[@mariodecaro9421]

Come sostituirre il filtro gabina

[@AutoAutopsy]

Cabin filter? Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKHMdZl_hL6op6M

[@richardburchett]

Best and consistently lowest price for parts I've found has been saabexpress.com, a supplier from Chattanooga.

[@AutoAutopsy]

thanks for sharing

[@eduart79]

the best and by far the saab 9-5 Aero, for its 100% SAAB engine. B235R, for the quality of materials, interior, seats ... soundproofing, without GM garbage quality plastics. For its timeless design 100% designed when Saab was in control. Unfortunately for me the 9-3 post 2002 I do not like anything, the only one the Turbo X.

[@AutoAutopsy]

the NG 9-3 is still a great car, turbo x or not :)

[@devonnelson3929]

I may have missed it but I feel you said nothing bout the triptonics the fake manuel lol.

[@AutoAutopsy]

it's an automatic with paddle shifters; there's not a lot to it lol

[@d4ve587]

Saabs getting so rare they turn heads no matter. Values are going up people seeing the value. Sold my 93 aero biggest mistake. 😢

[@AutoAutopsy]

you can always get another!!

[@jamesfoye9665]

I traded my 07 for a 2nd gen speed3, now I got a 06 aero 6spd lol

[@country-road-driver]

Just put Music on, the Sound off bad plastic, vil desapere

[@AutoAutopsy]

lol

[@mariodecaro9421]

Cange cabin tfilter

[@AutoAutopsy]

been done!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Dude I would love to hit 10k subs. Lol. I may need to pay u to plug my wacky ass channel !

[@DerekChabrow]

I respectfully disagree, I have same year BMW 3 series and a Saab 9-3 and, hands down the Saab cannot hold candle next to the BMW, in fact any bimmer in terms of: handling, materials (interior, exterior or parts), even reliability. If someone has 5K I would get the BMW, and pass on this re-badged Pontiac G6 with the Holden/GM motor.

[@caractacusbrittania7442]

I work in a car breakers and see more bmws scrapped than saab By a ratio of around 10 to 1 Not a brand I would be crowing about.....particularly the x3 and x5 Which appear in great numbers The awful designed x3 The plastic tat of the 3 and 5 series..... They haven't made a decent bimmer since the 635csi Unless you climb the purchase ladder and start around 40k pounds.

[@DerekChabrow]

@@caractacusbrittania7442 there is something like 1000 Bmws for each one Saab so yes of course, LOL 😄

[@CardboardSliver]

My Euro mechanic has a fleet of broken BMWs in front of his shop. Some only 7 years old.

[@princecharlie3217]

I have owned both and as far as the bmw goes wouldn’t bother it stands for big money worries

[@DerekChabrow]

true @@princecharlie3217 parts are more expensive but first make sure you compare Saab to 3 series not 5 series etc.. because the more expensive bimers get the more maintenance they require, but as far as 2006-2009 model years, there's like literally 3-4 things that go wrong with bimers and after you fix the plastic water pump, thermostat, intake, also the coils, couple plastic sensors... that's it! you're cruising in a well made, quality car with superior handling and getting better gas mileage than the 2.8 turbo 9-3.

[@valentinciprianaldea1994]

Fiat motor Vauxhal-opel electrics. Made by a swed jet company GM managed Luxury car gonna cheap Extinct rare auto that goes colectable Everything in one car))))

[@AutoAutopsy]

Fiat motor? check your facts lol

[@zoran487]

@@AutoAutopsy z19dth is a fiat engine,but its a diesel 😂😂😂

[@Musicreach101]

You have to be out of your mind to buy a Saab! The most unreliable car on the planet. This coming from experience. Run and run hard and don’t look back.. ask yourself why is the company gone. Not to mention the factory was sabotaging cars because GM was sending them cheaper parts that did not fit or work properly with that most cars 2002 and up. This info came directly from the last dealership in Vancouver, the mechanic showed my wires deliberately cut in behind the dashboard.

[@caractacusbrittania7442]

The story of gm parts is not that they sabotaged the cars The tech section at trollhatton Tried time and again to persuade vauxhall to allow them to use their own saab parts because of the quality....gm pushed their own parts.....saab continued to use their own from the parts bins on the factory floor. I'm on my 4th saab now.... No insurmountable problems that General servicing....on time....does not cure. I reckon your Canada experience Was a one off....maybe an unscrupulous garage bumping up labour costs or a previous owner Dabbling in self maintenance. In reality saab consistently scored high points across several decades in the Euro ncap safety standards.....and I can't see saab Either in Sweden or Austria putting aside their professional Standards to "sabotage" cars Purely because they were forced to fit gm parts.

[@chinchy111]

true there were some saab engines that werent very reliable but the 2.8 turbo v6 he has is good for over 500,000 miles easy. which saab did you have?

[@AutoAutopsy]

"this is coming from experience" oof sure