1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
We've had a 99 9-3 convertible for almost 2 years now. Usually my wife drives it; I've been able to get it the last two days (usually, I drive a '96 M-B C280).
I like a lot of things about the SAAB, but I'm not sure I would go this route again. The dealer, in Orange County, has been very good, though I'm not sure their prices have been too good. As you know, this spring in Southern California has had some rather unusual weather cycles, so we're just getting to put the top down this weekend. On a smooth road, with warm weather, the car is a pleasure in many respects. In the winter, the iinterior stays very warm (with the top up) and the heated seats are nice, though lacking any adjustment, I find they frequently become too warm). The negatives, in my opinion, are too much body flex (especially with slight road surface imperfections), interior is too small (feels very narrow, especially compared to the C280), trunk capacity, with top down, is nothing to write home about, build quality is mediocre, at best (we still have problem with one of the little filler tabs which fill in an opening when the top is down, and the left rear interior light keeps popping out of its hole in the side panel), and the pull on the steering wheel when one begins accelerating from a slow speed is disconcerting). It's a very good convertible, were its price point about $10,000 less, rather than being priced as if it's a competitor to BMW. Next time around, I'll consider whether a convertible is that desirable, as compared to a sunroof and certainly will consider alternative convertibles, such as BMW. maybe M-B SLK 320 (not same car category, but close price-wise). SAAB is supposedly due for a re-design of the 9-3 series within the next 12-18 months; presumably that will result in a new convertible body, eventually. In my humble opinion, depending on your age, you may be asking yourself in 4-5 years why you went the route of the SAAB as compared to the C320, which has just been redesigned and now has rack and pinion steering, among other state of the art features.
Mechanically, the SAAB has been very reliable, and inexpensive to maintain thus far. I advocate finding a good independent shop for your maintenance and repairs, once the vehicle is out of warranty, and developing a good rapport with that firm.
Good luck!
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