Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 21:20:24 -0400 From: Four Weis <mweinopsamcom> Subject: Re: 9-3 Owners
Now for my biased 2 cents: My '86 Saab 900 has 225,000 miles - same head gasket - but this is not the same engine to get in the 9-3 The Classic Saab hatchbacks are easier to load and unload than the 9-3, only the more expensive 9-5 wagon comes close to the Classic 900 in ease of loading and unloading large, heavy packages. Heated seats were standard in the base model 900s since the '80s - nice in the winter. No rattles in the roof or sunroof mechanism - but this is the Classic, not the current 9-3 Normal size keys - but only for the Classics Little or no body lean, no nose dive on braking - but this is the base model Classic not the 9-3 The rear seat folds flat - the Classic Hatch back has been used as a camper by people over 6' tall Strong and safe - I was involved in an accident years ago. The Saab needed a new bumper. The Mazda 626 was totaled - the frame was bent and the seat mounts broke. Fortunately no one was hurt. I think you get my drift - save your money. Buy a previously owned Classic - last models produced in 1993. As sg wrote, he does not think he will buy another 9-3. I bought another Classic 900 for my daughter. sg wrote: > Randall, > > My 2 cents. > > My wife drives a 99 9-3 SE 5 door 25k mi.. We've had a few problems, most > of which were fixed under the warranty. > > Blown headgasket > security system replaced > aircond control - was on full; wouldn't shut off > I believe the security electronics costs $700. The headgasket over $1000. > the aircond. <$100. > > What we like: > Utility of the hatch - carried home a 32" TV in the box with the hatch > closed. > Nice power > Good seats (heated) remain comfortable on long drives. > "Winter button" for snow. Changes shift points. > Size, it's narrow, fits parking spots others can't - after 2 years, no door > dings! > Not a Toyota or Honda. Scandinavian cache'? > Dealer was able to make repairs correctly the first time. > Highway mileage - about 30 mpg.. > > What we don't like: > Terrible rattles in the headliner/sunroof/hatch all the time - the dealer > can't seem to find. > Thought of having to replace the headgasket or security system again > Turbo lag - I drive it with the Sport button on to keep the revs up. > Steering follows small road irregularities - makes it feel like a little > cheap car. > Creaking around the dashboard and windshield on rough roads - doesn't seem > structurally sound. > Handling in the twisties seems OK but there is lots of body lean. Not a hot > rod. > Tires noisy > Foot wells are too narrow for me > Dead pedal is tilted to the right so my foot is bent inwards at the ankle. > Key is the size of a banana slug - "Is that your Saab key or are you just > happy to see me?" > Rear seats don't fold flat enough so the practicality of the hatch is > greatly compromised. > lack of rear leg room. > City mileage with lots of local freeway - 20 mpg. > > So would we buy another 9-3? Don't think so. We'll keep this one another 2 > years and then see what's available. > > I've read there is a 9-3 replacement coming next year. > > Steve > > >"Randall Givens" <randyisavolnopsamspring.com> wrote in message news:9l42n8> > $bet$1nopsam.atl.mindspring.net... > > I'm currently driving a 97 Subaru Legacy GT and am looking into a new Saab > > 9-3> > >
