Faults:

Basically very few things besides brakes and right hand side front wheel bearing, exhaust muffler and coils. Unfortunately the car now is getting really worn and there are several things that need to be done now. Probably scrapping this car next year. A bit sad since there is no rust and there is little visible wear.

293' km: wheel bearing replaced. Actually noticed humming noise at approx 260', but drove almost a year before it needed to be replaced.

347' km: coil pack replaced due to rough running.

Current condition that I know of: needs new clutch, 4 shocks, front suspension overhaul, one front lamp is fogging and letting in water.

General Comments:

A mechanic friend of mine recommended this car as a commuter. With manual transmission and non turbo engine, not much can go wrong. Also I wanted a car that was larger than a compact car.

This car has been extremely reliable and the general build quality is very good. A pity they don't make these anymore after SAAB was liquidated.

Faults:

The radiator leaked r134 (A/C coolant) and needed to be replaced at 103.000km. Common problem on the 2008 and onwards.

The front left wheel bearing needed to be replaced at 110.000km, probably due to too tight fastening of the wheel bolts.

Currently I have discovered rust on the roof of the car, and basically the whole roof needs to be repaired and repainted.

General Comments:

Excellent performance, I have a maptun-ECU tune, which gives 240hp/370Nm. This causes some problems with grip in wet conditions; apart from that it's very good.

Fuel economy is good on long trips, but bad on city-driving. The use of E85 increases consumption approx. 25-30%.

The car needs to have the Vector or Aero package, and most importantly, stay away from the 120hp 1.9TiD, that is a very faulty engine. The petrol turbos are good, as well as the 1.9TTid (130, 160 and 180hp).

Also the standard stereo system is not good, but the 300w Bose is OK.

Faults:

Fuel gauge gave wrong indications, common problem on the 9-3. Changed sensors in the fuel tank, about £250.

General Comments:

Very good car, works just as good in winter as summer.

Good spec, very good value for money compared to other similar cars. Safest convertible tested in 2004 according to wikipedia.

Faults:

85.000km - Vibration at speeds over 100 kmh. Probably due to chip upgrade, which increases hp/torque from 150hp/240nm to 215hp/342nm.

Left rear electric window inoperative when bought. Have not had it fixed yet.

General Comments:

The 2 litre turbo engine (B205E) is very good. It's torque peaks @ 1800rpm, compared to 3-4000 rpm on my previously owned BMW. I've had it chip-tuned to increase the power and torque, and the car is now faster than a 2.5 Porsche Boxster in a straight line. Unfortunately, the suspension and handling is poor. Very poor. Get me right though, it's safe meaning that if you push the line it'll just under-steer a lot, but the car is incapable of being driven fast on curvy roads. To much body-roll, and too soft suspension. Build quality is good, secondhand value is not.