Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 09:43:39 -0500 From: Bob Burchsted <bburchnopsam.net> Subject: Re: Please help me decide whether I should buy the 9-3?
Michael Vollmer wrote: > > I will driving through southern Vermont to go skiing a lot (Stratton > Mountain) and want to make sure I can get there. (Getting back, my boss > can worry about). I bought a 9-3 in November (have had 83 900T, 84 900T, both 'shortened' for me, but I walked away without a scratch, and now also a 85 900S with 201,000 miles). Although the winter has been mild so far in Southern NH, the 9-3 does great in the snow. Just buy 4 good snow tires. Saab has a nice package of 4 Gislaveds on rims - you should be able to get them for under $600. I personally prefer the Nokia Hakkepilitas, so went that route. However, getting the rims was a hassle. If I were to do it again, I may buy the Saab tire package, and replace the Gislaveds when they wore out if I wasn't happy, although Gislaveds have a good reputation. With the extra torque the 9-3 has, just have a light touch on the accelerator to not break the front end loose in the snow. > Michael > > Terence Liu wrote: > > > I am planning to purchase the 9-3 SE 5 door but am worried about the > > problems Saabs' car have. > > > > Can I please get some feedback? The car is great to drive. Yes, all the Saabs we have had have had initial problems, but were all backed by the factory during the warranty period. A hassle, nonetheless. This new 9-3 seems better than the rest. EXCEPT, I have to confess, there was one day the heater fan, the electric sunroof, and the electric windows didn't work. I called Saab's roadside service and they towed it in (since I was at work and didn't want to take the time to drive it in). The dealer took it, and of course couldn't find anything. They did push and prod all the connectors, and the problem has not re-occurred. Yes, they have their problems, but the cars are overall so great, I keep coming back. If you are so concerned about reliability, buy a Toyota Camry. If you want a good car that is a blast to drive, buy the 9-3. And to Michael - the Saab is good in snow, but even in Vermont it stops snowing in the summer. And by then, you will really appreciate the handling the Saab has over the Subaru and Audi. Bob Burchsted
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |