XWD seems to be hit or miss, some people have constant issues, some are trouble free. There's enough issues out there that I would personally stay away from it. If you're planning on building power I'd skip the auto and go for the manual. While the auto does seem pretty stout, the manual is just going to hold up better over the long haul.

Common problems seem to just be the coils packs causing problems and a fuel pressure codes which they've found to be a failing MAP sensor.

 

20k on our tuned XWD and so far no problems aside from the need to upgrade to a Forge BPV.

 

I want to buy a 2006 V6 Aero 6spd quite badly, but the questionable reliability keeps me wanting.

 

I really like the idea of the V6 only combined with XWD. I was so used to Saabs and wheelspin, it's so nice to have a tuned one where you can stomp the throttle even while turning and just GO.

 

I want to buy a 2006 V6 Aero 6spd quite badly, but the questionable reliability keeps me wanting.

My sister has had a 2006 9-3 Aero 6 speed for almost two years without a single problem. Besides a bad evap valve, basic maintenance brakes, oil changes....

It had a broken front spring before she bought it, but Saab fixed it for free before she picked it up(Saab recall) Also I just rebuilt her front struts(new mounts/struts/etc.) Apparently the previous owner had been driving it with the broken spring and it put quite a load on the driver's side strut so I just replaced the pair.

At 110k with only one real problem it is a great car..just my 2 cents

 

everyone raves about the Aeros with that V6 but i love my 2.0T. with a tune and a couple bolt ons they can really pull too. and they can also get great MPG.

 

As long as you don't have any auto trans..My ex-gf blew hers up coolant leaked into the trans. I do agree on the gas mileage though.

 

As far as reliability goes my 9-3 2.8 has been pretty good. The worst was the rear main seal going around 35k but from talking with the dealer that has been the only time one has gone bad for them. Engine related the coil packs and bad evap purge valve have been it for me. The rest of the issues are due to the normal 9-3 issues.

Plastics under the hood are shot due to the heat and it's common for a battery to only last two years again due to heat. MPGs are quite varied, I get 18-22 in town and 25-32 on the highway. It's heavily dependent on the terrain and your foot. The torque it produces is more than worth the extra cost at the pump when tuned.

 

As for the auto trans with the coolant issue... Went from 47k to 196k on our '04 2.0T CV with no issues. Just keep up on trans fluid flushing (every 50ish k) and you should be fine.

I personally think I may take the dive into a V6 9-3 for my next car... I've always wanted one since we drove a Turbo X and a '09 Aero AWD before we bought my wife's 10... They're a blast to drive, and stock for stock... No comparison.

 

We now have 2 Aero V6's and love them... although considering selling mine in favor of something rwd to play with. Things are tight under the hood but manageable.

 

Hey guys,all the info so far has been great...keep on coming please lol
I found a turbo x wagon at a reputable dealer near my house with 40K however automatic...it seems like its easier to find an Aero in 6speed manual than the X,
ill go check this one out and ill update. thanks again.

 

Buy. It. Now!!!

I want a Turbo X Sportcombi like nobody's business, however I want to find a M6 (impossible to find).

Luckily I'm not in a position where I have to buy a car right now, so I'll wait until I find what I want.

 

Most of the "X" issues like the seals were taken care of under a recall as were the coolant tank that would crack. Check with what is left of the dealerships and find a GM but former Saab dealer and ask them to run the VIN. Some things will show up on Carfax. If you get an XWD Aero it probably has the same motor as the Turbo X. I've had mostly manual transmissions in my cars but changed up with this one. With the Aero 6 speed automatic you get to play with the paddles to shift up and down. I don't miss the sticks at all and the gear spacing seems right. With another car I have, it was more of (a bit of) an error but the Saab is quite pleasant.