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Sorry for the confusion...it was 2007+.
The concerns about the 1999-2003 Saab 9-3's were self-inflicted by the extended maint schedule that GM was putting on all their high-end cars after the success of the 100K miles-no maint-campagne of the original STS and other Northstar engine vehicles.
The 2.0T motor, driven in town, on short trips with conventional oil changed at very long intervals (often 10-15K miles could equal two years) caused engine sludging. New owner gets the car, puts in synthetic, drives the piss out of it and you instantly have a low oil pressure issue (synthetic loosens the sludge) and damage from a clogged oil pick-up.
In truth any of the 9-3's are good if well maintained and driven hard at least occasionally. When you can pick up a $35K car for $13-18K...why would you bother with the older model. 2007+ have a nicer dash layout and look much better on the outside.
I am going to reiterate that while I think the Saab is the best bang-for-the-buck, the V70 will probably cost you less long-term if you do most of your own work. Never under-estimate the value (dollar value) of this board when you do your own repairs.
Mike
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