test drove a saab 9-3 today, quite impressed
Discussion
After selling my blobeye scoob in dec to fund our first house, Ive got a peugeot 306 hdi at the mo, as my wife is now pregnant with our 2nd child its time for a bigger car, Been looking at saabs over the last few weeks as they look really smart, and have all the bits in them,
noticed one on autotrader at a dealership just outside kings lynn, they had a 2003 9-3 2.0 turbo with cream leather and a 2004 1.9tdi both had 65k on the clocks, decided to take out the 2.0 turbo as the diesel was more pricey, I asked him if It was ok to take it for a test drive, he said yes here are the keys and gave me directions of were to take it, I could'nt belive he just gave me the keys, I said o you not coming with me I would rather you did, but he said no you will be ok, lol so took it for a quick run, took it back then went back again later on with the wife and took her out in it, we really like it but think we need a diesel really, got a test drive booked in with saab they have a 2.2 tdi so going to see how we get on with that one,
Anyway they are really nice cars, loads of mod cons inside, luv the cruise control, lots of room in the boot, which we need for all the new baby stuff, really smooth and look nice from the outside, just a case of finding the right one at the right price, cant really do much till the purchase of my new house goes through, if it goes ok then should be looking to get one within the next 4 weeks,
anyone give me any tips of things to look out for,
cheers ian
noticed one on autotrader at a dealership just outside kings lynn, they had a 2003 9-3 2.0 turbo with cream leather and a 2004 1.9tdi both had 65k on the clocks, decided to take out the 2.0 turbo as the diesel was more pricey, I asked him if It was ok to take it for a test drive, he said yes here are the keys and gave me directions of were to take it, I could'nt belive he just gave me the keys, I said o you not coming with me I would rather you did, but he said no you will be ok, lol so took it for a quick run, took it back then went back again later on with the wife and took her out in it, we really like it but think we need a diesel really, got a test drive booked in with saab they have a 2.2 tdi so going to see how we get on with that one,
Anyway they are really nice cars, loads of mod cons inside, luv the cruise control, lots of room in the boot, which we need for all the new baby stuff, really smooth and look nice from the outside, just a case of finding the right one at the right price, cant really do much till the purchase of my new house goes through, if it goes ok then should be looking to get one within the next 4 weeks,
anyone give me any tips of things to look out for,
cheers ian
iantype-r said:
After selling my blobeye scoob in dec to fund our first house, Ive got a peugeot 306 hdi at the mo, as my wife is now pregnant with our 2nd child its time for a bigger car, Been looking at saabs over the last few weeks as they look really smart, and have all the bits in them,
noticed one on autotrader at a dealership just outside kings lynn, they had a 2003 9-3 2.0 turbo with cream leather and a 2004 1.9tdi both had 65k on the clocks, decided to take out the 2.0 turbo as the diesel was more pricey, I asked him if It was ok to take it for a test drive, he said yes here are the keys and gave me directions of were to take it, I could'nt belive he just gave me the keys, I said o you not coming with me I would rather you did, but he said no you will be ok, lol so took it for a quick run, took it back then went back again later on with the wife and took her out in it, we really like it but think we need a diesel really, got a test drive booked in with saab they have a 2.2 tdi so going to see how we get on with that one,
Anyway they are really nice cars, loads of mod cons inside, luv the cruise control, lots of room in the boot, which we need for all the new baby stuff, really smooth and look nice from the outside, just a case of finding the right one at the right price, cant really do much till the purchase of my new house goes through, if it goes ok then should be looking to get one within the next 4 weeks,
anyone give me any tips of things to look out for,
cheers ian
noticed one on autotrader at a dealership just outside kings lynn, they had a 2003 9-3 2.0 turbo with cream leather and a 2004 1.9tdi both had 65k on the clocks, decided to take out the 2.0 turbo as the diesel was more pricey, I asked him if It was ok to take it for a test drive, he said yes here are the keys and gave me directions of were to take it, I could'nt belive he just gave me the keys, I said o you not coming with me I would rather you did, but he said no you will be ok, lol so took it for a quick run, took it back then went back again later on with the wife and took her out in it, we really like it but think we need a diesel really, got a test drive booked in with saab they have a 2.2 tdi so going to see how we get on with that one,
Anyway they are really nice cars, loads of mod cons inside, luv the cruise control, lots of room in the boot, which we need for all the new baby stuff, really smooth and look nice from the outside, just a case of finding the right one at the right price, cant really do much till the purchase of my new house goes through, if it goes ok then should be looking to get one within the next 4 weeks,
anyone give me any tips of things to look out for,
cheers ian
I'm told the 1.9 diesel is a much better engine than the 2.2 for what it's worth
The 2.2 diesel engine is horrible !
I had a 93SS Vector on a 53 plate with this engine, and it would be better suited to a dumper truck than a supposedly classy sports saloon.
Okay the Fiat based 1.9 diesel is good if not a little thirsty for a diesel, but give the 2.2 a wide berth !
Also, the quality of the interior trim on these cars leaves a bit to be desired, considering the price new.
I had a 93SS Vector on a 53 plate with this engine, and it would be better suited to a dumper truck than a supposedly classy sports saloon.
Okay the Fiat based 1.9 diesel is good if not a little thirsty for a diesel, but give the 2.2 a wide berth !
Also, the quality of the interior trim on these cars leaves a bit to be desired, considering the price new.
Yup.....definately give the 2.2 TDi a very wide berth.
The 1.9TDi is much better, although now well outclassed by the current generation of TDi from other manufacturers, but a 1.9TDi with the 175hp Hirsch upgrade is an acceptable compromise....
TBH though, unless you do mega miles up and down the motorways, you really won't see a huge cost saving (other than perhaps insurance) by going for the diesel over one of the turbo petrol cars, plus there is a better choice with the petrol and you'll get a better spec car as well usually.
Even the 2.0T in the 9-3SS Aero's are quite frugal.
The 1.9TDi is much better, although now well outclassed by the current generation of TDi from other manufacturers, but a 1.9TDi with the 175hp Hirsch upgrade is an acceptable compromise....
TBH though, unless you do mega miles up and down the motorways, you really won't see a huge cost saving (other than perhaps insurance) by going for the diesel over one of the turbo petrol cars, plus there is a better choice with the petrol and you'll get a better spec car as well usually.
Even the 2.0T in the 9-3SS Aero's are quite frugal.
Avoid the 9-3 if it is a Sports Saloon. I had a 2003 Aero fully specced up with everything after selling my 9-5. The 9-5 was so much better put together. The 9-3, especially 2003 vintage, has more rattles than Mothercare. Seriously, don't be seduced - they are utterly utterly awful.
I know I will be shot down in flames by 9-3SS owners on here, but I am a huge Saab fan, and these models are best avoided. I got shut of mine after just 6 months and usually I keep cars for 3 years or so. To say I was relieved is an understatement.
Search the Saab forums (like Saab scene) and you will see what I mean. Wish I had done that first.
I know I will be shot down in flames by 9-3SS owners on here, but I am a huge Saab fan, and these models are best avoided. I got shut of mine after just 6 months and usually I keep cars for 3 years or so. To say I was relieved is an understatement.
Search the Saab forums (like Saab scene) and you will see what I mean. Wish I had done that first.
Couldn't agree more. Came to a new 9-3 diesel with the Hirsch upgrade and Aero suspension following on from an Abbott upgraded 9-5. Thought I was being smart, nice looking car (in black) with 175bhp, 45mpg, plenty of kit and faster through the gears than an Aero. Add a 3 year service-inclusive warranty and the hefty bills from the swift but turbo-blowing (oil sludge) 9-5 would be a distant memory.
18 months on and the car still looks the business, still gives 45mpg and the Fiat engine (for that is what it is) pulls nicely, but the experience has been crap. The driver's window motor failed on day 1 so I found myself under the bonnet of my brand new car mobile phone in hand disconnecting the battery under the service department's guidance. No luck so the car disappears back to the dealers for...2 weeks (honestly). Since then a catalogue of problems including the usual multiple interior rattles that come standard on ALL 9-3s (I've driven a few), front suspension rattles (eventually diagnosed at the 2nd visit as a loose drag link after the first 5-day visit ended with the conclusion "we don't know what's wrong, come back when it's worse", a failed CD player, a steering lock recall followed by a wonderful incident whereby the steering locked solid at start-up and refused to budge (another 4 days away). Now at 22K the turbo has blown and we'll wait 2 weeks whilst the Saab dealer orders a new one. Add in the lousy stereo system, interior plastics that are bio-degradable and are already doing so and paint work that scratches each time you look at it and you have an unhappy car and an unhappier owner. Dealer support has been dire and frighteningly they are openly critical of the cars they sell...and why do the loaners always have to be on the fuel reserve light when you pick them up, do they want to p**s me off even more ?
I've had a series of 5 Saabs and I loved the first 4 for their performance, quirkiness, solidity and character. Make no mistake about it, GM have murdered Saab and the latest 9-3 SS is a Vectra in drag albeit with less build integrity. Avoid !!
18 months on and the car still looks the business, still gives 45mpg and the Fiat engine (for that is what it is) pulls nicely, but the experience has been crap. The driver's window motor failed on day 1 so I found myself under the bonnet of my brand new car mobile phone in hand disconnecting the battery under the service department's guidance. No luck so the car disappears back to the dealers for...2 weeks (honestly). Since then a catalogue of problems including the usual multiple interior rattles that come standard on ALL 9-3s (I've driven a few), front suspension rattles (eventually diagnosed at the 2nd visit as a loose drag link after the first 5-day visit ended with the conclusion "we don't know what's wrong, come back when it's worse"
, a failed CD player, a steering lock recall followed by a wonderful incident whereby the steering locked solid at start-up and refused to budge (another 4 days away). Now at 22K the turbo has blown and we'll wait 2 weeks whilst the Saab dealer orders a new one. Add in the lousy stereo system, interior plastics that are bio-degradable and are already doing so and paint work that scratches each time you look at it and you have an unhappy car and an unhappier owner. Dealer support has been dire and frighteningly they are openly critical of the cars they sell...and why do the loaners always have to be on the fuel reserve light when you pick them up, do they want to p**s me off even more ? I've had a series of 5 Saabs and I loved the first 4 for their performance, quirkiness, solidity and character. Make no mistake about it, GM have murdered Saab and the latest 9-3 SS is a Vectra in drag albeit with less build integrity. Avoid !!
moffspeed said:
Couldn't agree more. Came to a new 9-3 diesel with the Hirsch upgrade and Aero suspension following on from an Abbott upgraded 9-5. Thought I was being smart, nice looking car (in black) with 175bhp, 45mpg, plenty of kit and faster through the gears than an Aero. Add a 3 year service-inclusive warranty and the hefty bills from the swift but turbo-blowing (oil sludge) 9-5 would be a distant memory.
18 months on and the car still looks the business, still gives 45mpg and the Fiat engine (for that is what it is) pulls nicely, but the experience has been crap. The driver's window motor failed on day 1 so I found myself under the bonnet of my brand new car mobile phone in hand disconnecting the battery under the service department's guidance. No luck so the car disappears back to the dealers for...2 weeks (honestly). Since then a catalogue of problems including the usual multiple interior rattles that come standard on ALL 9-3s (I've driven a few), front suspension rattles (eventually diagnosed at the 2nd visit as a loose drag link after the first 5-day visit ended with the conclusion "we don't know what's wrong, come back when it's worse", a failed CD player, a steering lock recall followed by a wonderful incident whereby the steering locked solid at start-up and refused to budge (another 4 days away). Now at 22K the turbo has blown and we'll wait 2 weeks whilst the Saab dealer orders a new one. Add in the lousy stereo system, interior plastics that are bio-degradable and are already doing so and paint work that scratches each time you look at it and you have an unhappy car and an unhappier owner. Dealer support has been dire and frighteningly they are openly critical of the cars they sell...and why do the loaners always have to be on the fuel reserve light when you pick them up, do they want to p**s me off even more ?
I've had a series of 5 Saabs and I loved the first 4 for their performance, quirkiness, solidity and character. Make no mistake about it, GM have murdered Saab and the latest 9-3 SS is a Vectra in drag albeit with less build integrity. Avoid !!
Agreed with you too. My response did not give all the niggles/problems you have had, but with the exception of the blown turbo - I have had all those and then some. Generally, the car came back out of the Saab dealers ( I tried 5 different ones!) with more problems then it went it with, plus scratches and dents (inside and out) then it did not possess before. Dreadful dreadful thing and oh so sad as I loved my old 9-5 and still miss it.18 months on and the car still looks the business, still gives 45mpg and the Fiat engine (for that is what it is) pulls nicely, but the experience has been crap. The driver's window motor failed on day 1 so I found myself under the bonnet of my brand new car mobile phone in hand disconnecting the battery under the service department's guidance. No luck so the car disappears back to the dealers for...2 weeks (honestly). Since then a catalogue of problems including the usual multiple interior rattles that come standard on ALL 9-3s (I've driven a few), front suspension rattles (eventually diagnosed at the 2nd visit as a loose drag link after the first 5-day visit ended with the conclusion "we don't know what's wrong, come back when it's worse"
, a failed CD player, a steering lock recall followed by a wonderful incident whereby the steering locked solid at start-up and refused to budge (another 4 days away). Now at 22K the turbo has blown and we'll wait 2 weeks whilst the Saab dealer orders a new one. Add in the lousy stereo system, interior plastics that are bio-degradable and are already doing so and paint work that scratches each time you look at it and you have an unhappy car and an unhappier owner. Dealer support has been dire and frighteningly they are openly critical of the cars they sell...and why do the loaners always have to be on the fuel reserve light when you pick them up, do they want to p**s me off even more ?I've had a series of 5 Saabs and I loved the first 4 for their performance, quirkiness, solidity and character. Make no mistake about it, GM have murdered Saab and the latest 9-3 SS is a Vectra in drag albeit with less build integrity. Avoid !!
Bloody hell! That's depressing reading, I went to test one out the other day but I was too shocked by the crap interior to even do that.
It's such a shame that this has happened to Saab. I wonder if GM were to sell them they might return to the high standards set by older generation Saabs?
It's such a shame that this has happened to Saab. I wonder if GM were to sell them they might return to the high standards set by older generation Saabs?
Gassing Station | Saab | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff