Looking into purchasing a Saab 9-3 2.0 Turbo.

Just wondered if they have a cam belt or if they are chain driven.

When should it be replaced.

Where's Patrick and Tommy K

All the Saab B20x engines and B23x engines up to the current 9-5 range and the old 9-3 range (B205 & B235) had timing chains, but the B207 in the 9-3ss, along with ALL the diesels are GM engines. These do have cam belts.

Spot on old chap

For any more info on saabs, this site is possibly the best on the net. Its split into models or you can just post in the lounge if its a not very tech question, its free to browse but you do need to register (also free) to post questions

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/index.php

What year are you looking to buy?
Had a 9000
and then a 9-5. 9000 was great! 9-5 was awful reliability wise. Turbos last apx 40-60,000 miles. many engines suffer from oil starvation caused by a blocked oil strainer therefore causing wear on the pistons and bores. The majority of parts are only available from saab. Guess how much they charge for an oversized piston. £195 Yes One hundred and ninety five pounds! EACH!!

As far as I am aware, the 9-5 and 9-3 share the same 2.0 turbo engine.

Obviously I am speaking from my own experience but trust me when I say I am not alone! There are a very large number of owners that suffered from the same problems.

The above is only the major faults let alone the minor! Like the little plastice clip that breaks on the climate control located behind the dash causing it to malfunction! saabe charge just shy of £1000 to repair!!

That said it was nice to drive but I had to ensure I had good breakdown cover. Every time I was towed home the conversations was started by the rac man saying 'We get quite a few call outs to saab owners!'

Not trying to put you off, I just wish someone had made me aware of this before I bought mine! Needless to say, it's in the scrap yard now! Back to the 9000!