Faults:

I have not encountered any major faults with this car, but there have been some annoying smaller items causing irritation.

The ventilation fan keeps making a whining noise. Replacing this well hidden part would cost around € 600. But greasing it at every service stop helps for 12 000 km.

Another faulty part is the SAAB Information Display (SID). For some reason the pixels keep disappearing and reappearing all over the display. The only fix for the problem is replacing the display at € 750.

But the most unfortunate problem occurred a couple a weeks ago when the heating ceased working at -14 C. It was a rather cold 2 1/2 hour journey home due to a broken switch (a € 15 part...).

General Comments:

When I test drove the car, I got a feeling resembling flying a small airplane. I don't really know why, but maybe it's because of the responsiveness of the chassis. Also, the exact steering deserves a mention.

The turbo (175hp) gives a nice performance, especially when passing slower traffic. However the power is delivered rather aggressively to the front wheels, and this can rock the steering wheel if you're not prepared.

The cargo carrying capacity of the 9-3 is great, becoming huge when tilting the seats down. The legroom in the backseat is not generous, so taller passengers usually find the backseat cramped.

The car makes a great winter car, as it handles well on snow and it warms up fast.

Faults:

Ongoing fault with offside suspension, especially when going over steep road humps, probably not helped by the fact the car has been lowered.

Power hood causing intermittent problems.

General Comments:

Intial scuttle shake a bit unnerving, however driving a convertible is so civilised.

Acceleration is fairly good, with reasonable size cabin although possibly a bit dated.

No more noisy than other cars and purrs along motorways at a steady 80 / 90 mph.

Faults:

- Rubber seal around the bottom rear of the hood has given way to wear and tear.

Apart from that, the car is excellent for a 4 year old.

General Comments:

- 185 bhp does itself some justice when overtaking. There is little or no turbo lag.

- The car is quite unsettled in town in first and second gear, though it's nothing that you can't get used to, particularly when you catch a glimpse of your car (and your big smile) reflected from a shop window.

- The cabin is extremely comfortable, and as an SE, it is fully loaded with the right amount of comfort aids. The trip computer and AS2 stereo is makes for comfortable cruises on the motorway.

Faults:

Nothing at all besides normal service replacement and tear and wear (like tires when you do approx. 25K mile per year).

General Comments:

Fantastic car, my third SAAB Convertible. Major improvement over my previous 900 (more than looks would suggest). Does require sports suspension (stiffer and lower) for handling all of that turbo urge. Very comfortable, but prefers to drive in a straight line.

Image is sky high as proved last week in a test which is not bad for an old car.

Though road holding capabilities might make me move to a 'better' car like the BMW convertible.

If you like performance, comfort and good looks, get it. If you like the country lanes and take corners at Autobahn speeds, look somewhere else or get a tuned version.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is my first SAAB, and well it's different.

Am thinking of having it tuned up, but the Abbot racing people are not sanctioned by SAAB, so worries about the warranty.

Never even looked at Mercedes or BMW due to image, SAAB has class.

Very well built and seats are unbelievable.

Feels great at end of a long day.

General Comments:

Driver's Seat now higher than previous 900 model, causing taller drivers difficulty in fitting behind the wheel.

New hydraulic clutch a godsend, but the pedal is now much higher and therefore a bit more uncomfortable.

Apart from these two niggling details, I would have no hesitation in recommending this model to anyone.