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I took delivery of a 2006 9-3 Aero, Smoke Beige Metallic with 6-speed Sentronic transmission, on August 1, 2006 from Saab of Milford (CT) who got the car from JMK in NJ and have over 3,000 miles in 6 weeks. I traded a 2005 Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe leather/satellite (I got over 70% of original purchase cost for trade in with 35k miles, slightly above Kelly Blue Book, and $3,000 incentive from Saab) and with 240 hp that car was quick, but the Aero V6 takes things to another level! To my ears the exhaust note at idle is just right and the car sounds almost turbine-like as you accelerate. I don't find the exhaust note at highway speeds to be intrusive and I also like the fact that with a six speed the gearing allows the engine to turn over just under 2,000 rpm at 70 mph and I've seen 32.4 mpg at 75 with cruise on a level stretch of interstate. I've never had a turbo car before and it's fun on inclines at highway speeds with cruise on to see the car maintain its speed by increasing the boost.
I've washed and detailed the car twice and have not found the slightest flaw other than a couple of paint imperfections on the hood. I am anxioulsy awaiting the introduction of dust-free rear brake pads, as driving the only car on the road with rear brake dust only is not a distinction I enjoy! I find the fit and finish and quality of materials very good and non-car type colleagues who have ridden in it agree. I find criticism of the dash curious as I find it well designed and easy to use. Once you have set presets and custom settings you rarely use anything other than the "INFO" knob and steering wheel controls. I love the Information Display in the center under the windshield and am sorry to hear that it has gone away for 2007 as I think it is a effective and typically Saab feature.
I have to see another Aero on the road and it is neat to drive such a rare car, though the first week I was amazed at how often folks on the highway, seeing this in their mirrors, simply refused to let me pass. Perhaps seeing a middle-aged guy in such a cool ride upsets some folks. The shift paddles on the steering wheel are a lot of fun and you can let yourself believe you are doing more accurate gear selection than automatic even if you aren't! The glove box is the largest I have ever seen. It is easy to get a perfect driving position with seat and wheel adjustments.
I do believe that the 235/45 17" tires are overkill and the ride on often poor New England secondary roads is harsh. The front ground clearance guarantees that you will scrape the air dam no matter how careful you are. You will find, however, that you can take you favorite highway entrance
ramp 10-15 mph faster with no effort. The cruise/turn signal stalk is pretty cheap and I miss having cruise controls on the steering wheel. I assumed that the dealer installed XM radio would utilize the factory roof antenna and was not happy to find the amateurish-looking XM magnetic
antenna stuck on the roof. XM does disable the audio jack in the center console for iPods but that is not an issue for me. The sound system is excellent and the steering wheel controls are easy to use.
Over all, I completely agree with other comments that the car is a blast, a rocket, and a value leader. I have not detected the slightest flaw or defect and am enjoying seeing how this 2006 9-3 Aero takes everything to another level compared with the Accord V6 coupe, and that was a beautiful, fast car. Wish me luck with my first Saab!
, Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:05:08, Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:29:35
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