saab92x.com - Over 10% of all 9-2x owners registered

Saab92x.com is dedicated to the discussion of the Saab 9-2x sport wagon, based on the Subaru WRX.
Please register or login to post.

Welcome to Saab92x.com!
Saab92X.com is the premier Saab92X forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.Please Register - It's Free!

#1 2017-01-26 21:14:07

thellamattina
Member
Registered: 2017-01-26
User Number: 39649
Posts: 10

Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

Hello all, I know there is TONS of information on problems with these cars but I had a specific question as well.

I used to own a 1998 Saab NG900 and now am looking at purchasing a 2005 92X Aero with roughly 120,000 miles on it, automatic transmission.

I drove it the other day and it drives really nice, no obvious noises, shakes or rattles etc. Transmission was very smooth.

I did notice a little bit of a burning oil smell and when I stopped there was a bit of smoke from the passenger side near the turbo, obviously the oil was burning off from wherever it was leaking but I could not find anything. Is there a way to inspect the turbo? Are there seals that can fail? Should I just replace the whole turbo or is it not too hard to replace seals?

#1 - What are some common failures I should look for on this particular car?
#2 - Are these motors known for the head gasket issues like the subaru's?

Thanks for any help!
David

Offline

 

Remove Advertisements Advertisement

Saab92X.com

Offline

 

#2 2017-01-26 21:25:51

ikbrown
long live R0LO!
From: Fair Oaks, CA
Registered: 2011-10-06
User Number: 6094
Posts: 5263

Re: Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

I too have oil burning smell when I stop which is a cause of my valve covers leaking some oil and burning when I drive. It's on the list to have serviced in the near future. I'd recommend taking it to a shop and having them put it on a lift so they can look underneath for what the issue is. It could be the valve covers or a number of other easier to replace leaky hoses caused from the age and miles on the car. I wouldn't jump to the turbo being the cause of the issue.


2019 VW Alltrack 6MT
2005 Saab 92x Aero 5MT | The basic mods, Stage 2.04
1968 Dodge Charger 383 | SOLD

Offline

 

#3 2017-01-26 21:27:51

thellamattina
Member
Registered: 2017-01-26
User Number: 39649
Posts: 10

Re: Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

Thanks - I appreciate the response. Any other things I should look out for? Do you know if these had head gasket issues?

Offline

 

#4 2017-01-26 22:06:27

snowphun
Member
From: Central CT
Registered: 2005-11-09
User Number: 890
Posts: 683

Re: Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

Subaru head gasket issues were worst on the NA 2.5l engines (like ej251), much less of a problem with the turbo cars. Should not be an issue at 120k. As mentioned above valve cover gaskets leak, passenger side is right above the up pipe and EM, so smelly mess. Fixable, but a bit of a pain due to the lack of space.

Timing belt been replaced? Steering rack leaking? Plastic radiator still? Biggest issue is rot on the rear strut towers, not easy to spot unless you pull the rear seat and rear trim, though you will see signs of really bad cases in the wheel wells if you pull a wheel and use a strong flashlight. All GD wagons have this flaw, the question is how far gone is the chassis.

Offline

 

#5 2017-01-27 14:02:05

Schaef Z28
Member
Registered: 2016-05-13
User Number: 36649
Posts: 8

Re: Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

For reference as to what Snowphun is talking about:
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo162/SchaefZ28/Mobile%20Uploads/20160612_193007.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo162/SchaefZ28/Mobile%20Uploads/20160612_195621.jpg

It was much worse that it appeared from looking in the wheel well before I bought mine.

Offline

 

#6 2017-01-27 18:34:54

snowphun
Member
From: Central CT
Registered: 2005-11-09
User Number: 890
Posts: 683

Re: Possibly purchasing a 2005 92X Aero, Help!

^ That's the stuff. How this problem is still mostly a secret is beyond me. There must be tons of Impreza wagons/9-2xs driving around just about ready to push the strut into the cabin and go low rider.

Offline

 

Board footer

Site problems, bugs, or questions? Contact Administrator
All content copyright Saab92x.com 2005-2010
SAAB and the SAAB logos are trademarks of Saab Cars USA, Inc.