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, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 13:54:05
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I think these new 9-3SSs are great cars. Given, they are brand new models, there are bound to be some glitches to be worked out. I've only been a new owner of a Linear for about two weeks but here are some observations:
1. About 1 week driving, the engine died at a stop light. Brought it back in and the techs upgraded the engine software. He said the old SW made the engine idel at too low an RPM. No troubles since.
2. Weak sounding sound system. You'd think with 7 speakers and 150W it would be decent at least. The front speakers are fine, but the rears are too soft and have no bass and range. As you can read from other posts on this site, there is suppose to be a SW fix to this as well. Resolution of this will be done at the same time as the OnStar installation which brings me to my third point.
3. OnStar, by no fault of Saab, was not available at launch time of the new 9-3ss. To my understanding, some suppliers messed up with the technicals so OnStar was not installed on Linears made before March 2003. So for all those owners of those pre-March03 Linears, they will be bringing their cars back in starting May 1 to have them installed. During which, the software for the stereo should be upgraded. Saab however, made it up to their customers by giving those who must bring their vehicles back 2 year of free OnStar service (instead of the traditional 1 year).
4. The Homelink Garage Door remote does not seem to want to learn the program of my existing remote. The service tech could not program my remote either when I brought it in and gave me the number for Homelink to get tech support. I have yet to resolve this.
On the positive side here are a list of things that tipped the scale in favor of this awesome car:
1. Great styling. Sorry to some older model Saab fans but I think Saab was smart to change the look of the 9-3 to appeal to the masses.
2. Performance is good. I think the 9-3s, at least the Linears, could stand to gain some extra hp, given the new Altimas, Accords, Camry's, and Mazda6s have 200+ ponies under them. But they do have decent power and lots of torque. Performance is also a package deal and in the twists and turns the 9-3SS will outperform all of the aformentions vehicles. They are simply fun cars to drive.
3. Space. The 9-3SS compete with the low end Audi A4, BMW 3, and Mercedes C class and I believe the 9-3 has the largest cabin. A nice spacious ride that you can kinda of strech out in.
4. 3 year / 36K mi free maintenance. This is cool, all routine schecduled maintenance is taken care of by the dealer at no charge to you. This is a big thing to consider when comparing the 9-3 to its competitors. I think only the Mercedes come with free maint too.
5. 0% Financing up until the end of this month. Here is a money saver too. If you need to finance this will save you a bunder over the typical 5% APR rates from the banks. Heck if you keep your money in the bank, you will be making money and spend it on accessories for your car.
6. Prestige in owning a unique car. I've seen a lot of BMW3s, Audi A4s and, C-class but not too many 9-3s...yet. Stand apart from the crowd.
I think most people agree that they are happy with their new 9-3s. It is a great package especially with these new financing deals. I hope my post has been helpful.
posted by 24.165.20...
, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 13:54:05, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 18:26:07
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