This may or may not be the car for you. Consumer Reports rated it worst in reliability, although I think most of that had to do with the '03 model (which was the debut of the 9-3SS) and it's electrical problems. All of which I believe have been addressed. I have an '04 Linear and so far here are my pluses and minuses:

1. - Interior Creaks and Rattles: Make sure you are comfortable with minor creaks and before accepting delivery take a thorough test drive of the car your intend to purchase. Look for creaks from the speaker area of both from doors and the middle speaker on the dash. Turn the A/C on and the fans and make sure that creaks and rattles do not become more apparent.

2. - Brake Squeak: There is an inherent problem with the brakes on these cars that cause them to squeak at low speeds (just prior to stopping). I'm taking mine in for the second time to try and rectify the problem.

3. - Stereo: The stereo quality is probably the most sub-standard, and most complained about, feature of the car. Bring a high-quality CD with you to the dealer and play it in the car you intend to buy.

4.+ Four cylinders: It's a turbo, it's faster than my 6 cylinder Mitsubishi Galant. It gets GREAT gas mileage if you drive it normally, which is VERY hard to do :-) My favorite things about my Saab 9-3 are the handling, the turbo and the low-end torque. This car, even in the 175hp Linear trim, is plenty fast.

5. - Comfort: On long rides I often develop a pain in my ankle. The pedals, especially the gas pedal, seem to be placed weird.

6. + Uniqueness: You don't see many Saabs out there, it's not an Accord.

7. + Service: My dealership has been great in addressing any issues that comes up.

8. ++ Fun Factor: This is the funest (if that's even a word) car I have ever driven. It's fast, it's stable at high speeds (100mph+), it handles like it's on rails, and it costs thousands less than a comparably equipped BMW.

8. +++ Saabnet.com: This forum has provided me answers to most of the questions I had.

To sum it up: I love my Saab and it's quirks.


posted by 24.251.36...

• possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, Nancy, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 00:43:44
  • Re: possible first time JUST GETTIN BACK HERE, Nanc y, Thu, 2 Dec 2004 01:39:07
  • Re: possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, Mitch K, Mon, 29 Nov 2004 04:52:40
    • Re: possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, SeeVTSaab, Tue, 30 Nov 2004 06:57:11
  • Give the 9-5 a look as well, OD, Sat, 27 Nov 2004 19:38:21
  • Re: possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, Caarma , Fri, 26 Nov 2004 23:21:52
  • Re: possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, Mark, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 23:24:59
  • better think hard about this, mgill, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 14:39:18
  • Re: possible first time buyer of SAAB, a 93 '04or 05, SaabOneSaab, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 10:02:32 <-- Viewing This Message
    • You forgot at least one., saw, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 12:14:25
      • Re: You forgot at least one., SaabOneSaab, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 12:41:29
        • let's get this straight - Toyota - not as safe as Saab, JohnA , Fri, 26 Nov 2004 11:49:44
          • I love my 93, Alex, Fri, 26 Nov 2004 19:06:41

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: H7's are the 9-5 lights, ckpaden, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 09:54:11
• Next by Date: Re: MP3 CONNECTIVITY THRU AUX PLUG IN BACK RADIO., paul, Thu, 25 Nov 2004 10:27:18
• Main 9³ Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)