1999 SAAB 9-3 S 2.0 Low Pressure turbo

Summary:

Bargain Uniqueness in a Quality Package!

Faults:

Saab Info Display (SID) - pixels die. Easy self fix... takes 20 minutes - just Google it!

Vacuum check valve fails - every service - but cheap to replace. Result of hot climate.

Gearbox engine mount needs replacing - dealer informed me that it will be fine without replacement, as long as I don't kick the gear box down too often, or too hard.

Air vent control has failed so it is stuck on air out of dash vents only. Expensive to fix, but in a climate like ours, I don't need to use the windscreen demister anyway. Not a drama!

CD player stopped being able to play "burnt" cd's. Easy replacement - even found a product on the web so I can still use my steering wheel buttons with my new Sony CD player.

Badges lose their paint - too much sunlight in Australia! Easy to replace.

General Comments:

For a tall person (6'3") - the high back seats are fantastic. I would buy another brand of car if I could install Saab seats!

As a second hand car, Saabs are excellent value. No other European car can compete for value, especially at this age / price range. I have 4 airbags, steering wheel stereo buttons, and everything else electrical that I need, all for the price of something Korean. I would rather buy another second hand Saab then a new cheap car any day.

Luggage capacity is something I wouldn't be able to live without now. My 5 door hatch back has carted everything including a widescreen LCD TV, washing machine, filing cabinet, fridge, TV cabinet.

I also love that fact that most people don't understand Saabs... I like to be a bit different! Even in Australia, a Mercedes is common, but a Saab is at least pretty unique. The best bit is, that Saabs are quite reliable, bullet proof cars that aren't overly expensive to service or fix.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2007

6th Mar 2009, 09:47

Hi mate, are you still driving the same car?

30th Dec 2009, 06:26

Hi.

Just bought the same model car.. low K's, impeccable bodywork inside and out. Bought in Canberra and drove to Sydney... arrived and the cooling system - for the motor - had died... so now I've got a lovely looking car and the mechanic says don't drive it as an overheated engine rebuild will cost megabux.

So, the Saab sits in my driveway, and I go out very now and then and press the button and the roof comes off, and then I press the button in the opposite direction and it goes back on.

Wow... remote control boat anchor... pity it cost me $12000... will need to contact the dealer who will probably deny all knowledge.

2004 SAAB 9-3 93 1.8 turbo

Faults:

I have teething problems with the brand new Saab 93, 2004 model.

Firstly, the rear window behind driver's seat could not be closed fully. The window went up to nearly 90% then automatically went back down. I took it to the service center, who told me he had replaced some 'module'. I forgot to test it when I took the car, brought it home, the problem still exists, only differs slightly. I can now close it using the button on the driver's door, but when I try comfort closing (with remote control), same problem.

Secondly, the audio system stops functioning, no display on console, no sound, the CD player takes in CDs OK, but the system was just completely dead. Since the indicators' audio uses the same system, no 'tic-toc' noise was audible either. This happened on a long trip and it's when you need your music most. We gave up after trying to turn the audio system on/off at the control, tried to switch ignition on and off... It came good about an hour later.

Thirdly, the LCD (?) display panel in the dashboard intermittently goes dim and the odometer display under the speedo dial disappears.

Fourthly, the first gear is 'sticky' when the engine is cold.

General Comments:

Even though the car is nice to drive, I don't think I will go for a Saab next time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd May, 2005

27th May 2005, 06:51

'Thirdly, the LCD (?) display panel in the dashboard intermittently goes dim and the odometer display under the speedo dial disappears.'

I think you will find it is meant to do this.

28th Jul 2005, 15:28

I have a 2004 SAAB 9-3 Linear with 5 speed manual transmission. The car was purchased during August 2004. After one year of driving I have had no problems and can only give the highest regards for this car. Engine is as smooth as silk, smoother than many six cylinder engines on the street, and we are talking about a 2 liter 4 cylinder here. Handling, breaking is excellent and the cooling system is the best I have experienced in a car. A better drive and roomier than the Audi A4. Overall very happy with the car and plan to keep if for many years, as there is no point trying my luck again with a different make. Like the old proverb, if it works why fix it? or replace it.

2nd Dec 2005, 16:10

I have a 2004 9-3 Arc. I have had several problems with it including the problem with the windows rolling back down. In addition, I have a problem with speaker vibration when the radio is on medium volume. I've had the back brakes replaced because of loud squeaking when braking in reverse. I've had a piece in the steering column replaced because of creaking when turning the wheel. Most of these issues have been taken care of and I love the way the car drives when it's driving normal. However, as of late, I have had hesitation and bucking issues (it's an automatic). I have a friend with the same car with the same hesitation and bucking. She had a software upgrade, but it did not fix the issue.

9th Nov 2006, 23:59

I had an 03 Arc that went back to the dealer 15 times in 11 months. I became so dillusioned with it I took the loss and moved on. I was hoping that reliability had improved as I would one day like to return to the product as they are well thought out and stylish...waiting.

16th Nov 2007, 15:49

I bought my 04 SAAB Aero and loved it! Drove nice & had great features. Fast forward to 2006 and the on-star & phone feature no longer works because it changed from analog to digital & the 6 CD disc changer doesn't work (who knows why). Power windows are also beginning to have issues. It is very expensive to do repairs so my advice... if you are going to buy get an extended warranty to cover wear & tear as well as manufacturer breakdowns!

2001 SAAB 9-3 Aero Convertible turbo

Summary:

A hazard to drive

Faults:

Brake Light Failure light appears although brake lights are working. This has been a problem since one week after buying the car, has been attended to twice, and still remains a problem 18 months later.

Interior is very plastic-like and has worn badly.

General Comments:

The steering on this car has been the biggest issue. It has a mind of its own and lurches all over the road when driving on even the slightest uneven surfaces.

When stopping at traffic lights, the car veers so much to either the left or right, I'm afraid I'll drive it into the ditch if I'm not tightly clutching the steering wheel with both hands. I have had this looked at three times and have been told repeatedly that it's due to the "sport suspension" and low profile tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th September, 2003

19th Oct 2003, 03:51

What you need is something called the "Viggen rescue kit" from Abbot Racing.

It will dramatically change the handling characteristics of the vehicle for the better, and corrects the torque steer issue you are experiencing.

15th May 2007, 00:19

Changing the tyres makes a profound difference. I changed from the Pirellis to Michelins and the car has been transformed.

In reply to 15th May 2007, 00:19

23rd Nov 2023, 11:00

European cars always respond better to European tyres… Continental and Michelin specifically. Japanese tyres are not good on them.

2000 SAAB 9-3 SE Turbo

Summary:

Fun in the sun

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A wonderful car built just for the fun of driving it. It handles very well, has lots of power and looks great.

The kids don't like it though as the rear seat has a limited view when the top is down and it's too windy when the top is down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2000