Faults:

Gear shifter sensor switch failed, locking gear shifter in "PARK" at 40K miles.

DI cassette required replacement at 50K miles.

Power seat control assembly has broken twice.

Alarm module battery failed preventing car from starting at 108K miles.

AC compressor replaced at 108K miles from worn bearings.

Alternator replaced at 108K miles from worn bearings.

SID unit has been replaced 4 times.

The cabin temperature probe failed at 65K miles.

Idlers seem to require replacing every 10K-15K miles. Engine compartment in general seems to have issues with bearings. This was true with my last SAAB, a 97 900 SE.

The valve cover gasket and head gasket are leaking oil, but slowly.

Parking brake does not work even after several attempts at fixing.

General Comments:

Overall I am satisfied with the performance of the vehicle. I would classify the experience as "fun with practicality", considering the 25 mpg fuel rating under aggressive conditions.

What is not "fun" is the excessive expense of repairing and maintaining this vehicle. With the exception of oil changes I have rarely left the repair shop with a bill of less than $1000. Replacement part markups on this car are high.

I love SAAB, but I am undecided if the frequent expenses to keep the car running is worth it as I approach the time of buying a new car.

Faults:

At first, the Auto climate control would be on the fritz and wouldn't work at all. The dealership where I purchased this Saab (not a Saab dealer) told me that it needed a new Climate Control computer. They replaced with a used model. ACC still did not function. Then I was told that it needed a completely new AC Compressor, belt, hoses. That was all replaced with (supposedly) new parts. The Climate control still didn't perform correctly. On a 100 degree day it would be set at 72 and blow pure hot air. I kept mentioning that the TEMP display on the dash kept reading - 38 degrees. I was told that it had nothing to do with the climate control. My partner then researched and found that it did have something to do with it, the car thought it was always -38 so wouldn't turn the compressor on, only heat. We found a $9 sensor on the bumper, replaced it. The TEMP gauge now reads exact outside temp. Climate control works perfect. It should work for a long time now with a $3500 new system which was probably not necessary.

Next, about 3 mos later, the car would stall out on takeoff and blow lots of smoke. Took to Saab this time. Needed a DI Cassette $500.Fixed and runs and drives great.

A few weeks after the DI cassette, upon takeoff and stopping, the engine would feel as though it was being slammed around in the engine bay. Transmission mount had to be replaced. Works good.

No further repairs other than scheduled maintenance for 1 1/2 yrs.

General Comments:

Despite the issues at the beginning, I Love my Saab. It is quick especially on sport mode and handles decent for front wheel drive. A lot of the problems were due to having the mechanic at the dealership where I purchased the car, trying to diagnose a car he was un familiar with. Take your Saabs to a Saab Dealer for repairs or al least someplace that works on European/Swedish cars. Like I said I Love my Saab, I haven't had any further problems and now consider it to be very reliable, But if something goes wrong I only allow local Saab Dealership to do the work.

Faults:

The ignition module and the fuel pump have failed. also, the SID (SAAB Information Display) in the dash and the power antenna have gone on the fritz.

General Comments:

They say that "those who test drive a SAAB, usually buy one." I now know why that's true.

The reality is that SAABs are not the most reliable cars on the face of the earth. that's why god made Toyotas (which, BTW, are generally hideously boring).

BUT...at the same time, the 9-3 is an incredibly well-engineered and well-designed car. it's fast, comfortable, practical (gets 30+ mpg and can fit an entire bedroom set), FAST (!!), really safe, and unique. by the way, it's fast, and gets great mileage. it also has (w/ the seats down) the biggest cargo hatch I've ever seen. it's a wonderful car, mechanical foibles notwithstanding.

Put me down as a SAAB apologist; occasionally it lets me down; but when it works, it's wonderful.