I call the 9-3 convertible "the Swiss Army Knife" of cars. It's not the fastest, not the most refined, not the most sporty of the competition. But it has the most features for the money and does everything well.

Where else can you get a car that is a convertible, has over 200HP, a hard hatch rather than a soft boot, and with incentives, is about $5k cheaper than comparable Volvo, BMW or Audi models?

I actually looked at switching to one of the other brands, but here's why I stayed with SAAB.

Saab 9-3 vs. BMW 325i - I acually like the BMW's handling better. It missing about 20HP, felt especially on the highway. I didn't like the price, over $120 more per month on a 36 month lease. SAAB comes standard with a lot of features you pay a lot extra for on BMW -- such as leather seats and a CD player (even single disc).

Saab 9-3 vs. Volvo C-70 lpt - Very similar cars. HP about the same, both fwd. Either would be nice. Volvo, IMO, blew it on the price. Not worth the difference of $80/mo. Dealer only had hideous color combos.

Saab 9-3 vs. Audi A-4 1.8T conv't - This was the toughest competition. Audi handled very well, CVT is great, but lacked oomph on the highway. What do expect from only 170HP. Audi interior puts Saab to shame - much better and with more features. Price was not too much out of line either, only about $40/mo. more, which included the windscreen. I was scared off by the VW/Audi recall affecting the ignition coils on the 1.8T engine. I also know quite a few former VW owners who hated the service. Isn't a VW nothing more than a higher class VW?

If you wait for the '04 convertible, you'll get a nicer car, but not the incentives that dealers are getting to move the '03's. You'll probably pay top $$$ for the first year or so, until supply meets demand.

Good luck what ever you decide,
gatorcpa
'03 9-3 SE Convertible (600 miles and counting!)

posted by 167.219....

• 2003 saab 9 3 convertible, ks, Mon, 24 Feb 2003 00:58:04
  • Re: 2003 saab 9 3 convertible, SaaberNaut, Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:13:29
  • Eh, not thrilled until i send in the lease payment..., Ryan Greenier, Mon, 24 Feb 2003 23:53:34
    • Nothing is worth keeping after 4 years..., gatorcpa, Tue, 25 Feb 2003 00:16:20
  • I just re-upped my lease, and here's why... (long), gatorcpa, Mon, 24 Feb 2003 13:58:38 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: 2003 saab 9 3 convertible, Tim Vickers, Mon, 24 Feb 2003 05:25:13
  • Re: convertible (longish), ryanathp, Mon, 24 Feb 2003 02:17:51

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